Piano skills to help keyboard users

Scientists are to study concert pianists to see whether their finger techniques could help millions of people who use computer keyboards. The three-year research project could lead to keyboards being modified and redesigned.

Musicians and scientists from the University of Sheffield have teamed up with psychologists from the University of Keele for the pounds 137,000 study, which is being funded by the Economic and Social Research Council. The pianists will have their fingers wired to computers and their techniques studied.

Professor Eric Clarke, of Sheffield University's music department, said: 'Keyboards are now playing a central role in almost every aspect of life . . . We believe the skills of the pianist could have lessons for users of other less complex keyboards.'