As a piano teacher I have often needed to discuss with students what is ok and what is not regarding nail length. It is common for students, especially girls, to want to learn to play the piano but also have long nails. Is having long fingernails compatible with learning to play the piano?
Ideally, the best nail length is one which allows students to feel the piano keys with the soft padding on the tip of the finger (this is the area located just above the tip of the nail).
If nails are longer than that, they prevent students from feeling the keys with the tips of their fingers, which in turn means that the students miss out on a variety of technical advantages. For instance, short nails allow a student to:
1. Play with a Curved and Relaxed Hand Position. When hands are kept in a relaxed, curved position it allows all of the fingers to be roughly the same length, which provides equal ability for all of the fingers. Additionally, a curved hand keeps the hand feeling relaxed; meaning that there is less tension and stress on the hand and arm.
2. Maintain greater Control. A pianist who is able to use the pad of the fingers can “grasp” the keys with greater ease. No slipping around!
3. Play with Speed! A pianist with short nails can play faster, easier.
4. Play with Expression. It is significantly easier to play with expression with shorter nails. The sensation of the keys allows a pianist to play a wider range of dynamics (loud and soft) and articulations (crisp, smooth, etc). It is also easier to play all the way down to the key-bed (where the key bottoms out on the keyboard) which creates a richer sound. Overall, it just sounds better!
5. Finger Memory. It is easier for a pianist to remember where their fingers are supposed to go when they have FELT it!
Even though it is best to have short nails is it possible to still learn to play the piano with long nails? Of course! But, it is unlikely that the student will play up to their best ability or be able to create the best pianistic sound with long fingernails. Like so many other things in life, it is a trade-off between ability vs. beauty. Deciding where your values lie on this issue is personal. However, as a teacher it is your responsibility to provide your students with the best chance for success. It is important that your students understand the options and consequences of each choice, so you will want to discuss it with them. And, of course, above all it is essential to provide a good example for them by keeping your nails at an appropriate length!
