The Gold Standard
of Ergonomics.
DreamPlay is an authorized partner of the DS Standard Foundation. We build our instruments to the exact specifications that are revolutionizing piano performance at universities worldwide.
The Mark of Quality
All DreamPlay Keyboards ship with the DS® logo stamped on the bottom two keys.
This isn't just decoration. It is a certification of precision. It guarantees that the instrument you practice on at home matches the exact specifications of the DS Standard® keyboards found in concert halls and universities.
When you see this mark, you know that the octave width is accurate to within ±0.04 inches of the international standard.
A Big Idea
It started with a chance meeting in 1991. David Steinbuhler, visiting the Shaw Festival, met music director Christopher Donison, who had a custom 7/8 keyboard installed in his grand piano.
David played it and was amazed by the ease of adaptation. Christopher explained how a whole new world opened before him when he first got the keyboard.
Combining Christopher's vision with David's engineering background from his family's textile business, they collaborated to create the Donison-Steinbuhler (DS) Standard®.
Today, David and his wife Linda continue to champion this ergonomic revolution from Titusville, PA, transforming the lives of pianists worldwide.
The DS Foundation continues to work with prestigious universities around the world, including Stanford University, Johns Hopkins Peabody Institute, Eastman School of Music, and many more — advancing research, education, and adoption of ergonomically scaled keyboards.
Research Data
The Science of Hand Span
Data collected at the 2004 MTNA National Convention
The graph illustrates the wide diversity of hand spans among pianists. The colored zones indicate which keyboard size (DS5.5, DS6.0, or Standard) is ergonomically appropriate for each hand span range.
Models
The Three Adult Standards
DreamPlay One creates instruments exclusively in the two alternative sizes certified by the foundation.
DS6.5™
Conventional Size
- 6.5 inch octave span
- Fit for hands > 8.5 inches
DS6.0®
Universal Size
- 6.0 inch octave span
- Fits 7.6" – 8.5" hands (Average)
- 15/16ths width of standard
DS5.5®
7/8th Size
- 5.5 inch octave span
- Fits < 7.6" hands (Small)
- 7/8ths width of standard
Practice at Home.
Perform Anywhere.
"If I practice on a smaller keyboard at home, will I be able to play on a standard piano on stage?"
Our vision, aligned with the DS Standard Foundation and PASK Piano, is a world where DS5.5® and DS6.0® pianos and keyboards are standard equipment in every concert hall and university.
SMU, UNT, and others already use DS keyboards for teaching.
International competitions are beginning to accept DS sizes.
That being said, pianists have generally reported feeling more relaxed after practicing on a narrower keyboard, and the technique improvements translate to the standard piano.
For more information, see our FAQ.
