The effect of left-hand training on piano performance

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of left-hand training on piano performance among college students with no piano background. A pilot study and an expanded study were conducted over a two year period. Volunteers for each study were randomly assigned to either a control group or a treatment group. The control group was instructed in the traditional manner, using simple melodies in the right hand and chordal figures in the left hand. The treatment group, however, was instructed using simple melodies in the left hand and chordal figures in the right hand. At the end of the training period, a posttest was given.

The areas tested included "Pitch Accuracy in the Left Hand," "Pitch Accuracy in the Right Hand," "Rhythmic Accuracy in the Left Hand," "Rhythmic Accuracy in the Right Hand," and "Overall Technical Proficiency." The results of both studies consistently showed significantly improved playing skills in the treatment group. Future experimental research was recommended. This should include an extended training period, larger sample size, different age groups, different socioeconomic backgrounds, and different preferred hands.