Although piano fingering has been widely investigated within the realm of musical performance research, the relationship between fingering and tempo remains a topic yet to be explored. This study investigated perceptions of functionality, comfort and suitability of fingering patterns across different performance tempi. Three pianists performed passages with three different fingering patterns at three varying tempi. The results indicated that tempo was a decisive factor in the perception of the fingerings. All fingerings were considered comfortable and appropriate at a moderate tempo. As the tempo increased, participants reported preference for one particular pattern, which was considered less conventional as it established a redistribution of notes between the hands. In addition to comfort, it provided a greater sense of security and freedom in manipulating interpretive elements (such as dynamics and articulations) even at fast tempo. Implications for piano pedagogy are discussed.
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