No disadvantage for left-handed musicians: The relationship between handedness, perceived constraints and performance-related skills in string players and pianists

Abstract

Two studies investigate the influence of handedness on a musical performance. In Experiment 1 we compared designated non-right-handed (dNRH) and designated right-handed (dRH) string and piano players performing in the (non-inverted) standard playing position with respect to (1) performance-related variables (e.g., musical expression) and (2) health-related variables (e.g., discomfort). The 47 professional instrumentalists (pianists: n = 23, string players: n = 24) were classified for handedness (performance handedness) and participated in a survey study on sensorimotor skills and their sense of well-being at the instrument. In Experiment 2, we tested for differences in sensorimotor performance of both hands in right- and left-handed pianists: 19 professional pianists (music students) were classified for handedness (preference handedness). Participants performed scale playing. In Experiment 1 no evidence was found for a performance-related or well-being-related disadvantage in dNRH instrumentalists playing in the standard position. In Experiment 2 temporal sensorimotor precision in the right hand was superior to that of the left hand in both right- and left-handed pianists. We conclude that professional musicians adapt to the standard playing position regardless of their objective handedness. However, it cannot be ruled out that a subgroup of dNRH instrumentalists subjectively feel constricted when playing in the standard position.