World Record by Ulli Wigger

"Fastest Single Keystrokes on the Piano in 1 Minute – Female"

On June 15, 2025, Austrian pianist Ulli Wigger took on the challenge of measuring her piano playing speed. She set a sensational world record with 1204 (filtered) keystrokes per minute and 20.07 keystrokes per second, making her the fastest pianist in the world. Incidentally, she currently far outshines her male colleagues.

A 25-millisecond filter was incorporated into the measurement method, which counts all piano keys struck within this interval as 1. Thus, no chords or simultaneously played notes are counted in the single keystroke measurement. An all-note measurement is also run simultaneously for comparison. The difference between the two measurements yields the filtered keystrokes. In the all-notes measurement, Ulli Wigger achieved a value of 1777 (unfiltered) keystrokes per minute and 29.62 (unfiltered) keystrokes per second.

Purpose of this rule:

This interval prevents unwanted multiple counting in the case of:

● keys pressed simultaneously (chords),

● ghost notes (accidentally triggered multiple notes),

● as well as minimally delayed keystrokes due to physiological fluctuations.

At the same time, the 25 ms rule ensures that even extremely fast single strokes are fully captured and no real keystroke is lost through the filter.

Technical justification:

Based on findings from music physiology and performance research:

● Very fast pianists reach keystroke speeds of 40–60 milliseconds per note.

● In exceptional cases (chromatic single strokes), speeds of up to 30 milliseconds per key have been measured.

● An interval of 25 milliseconds is below these extreme values ​​and therefore forms a reliable limit for detecting a deliberate single keystroke.

This method ensures the technical integrity of the count, is physiologically plausible, and allows for unambiguous evaluation of the world record attempt by independent bodies.

Sources:

Dalla Bella, S., & Palmer, C. (2011). Rate Effects on Timing, Key Velocity, and Finger Kinematics in Piano Performance. PLoS ONE, 6(6), e20518

Oka, T., et al. (2021). Quantitative analysis of piano performance proficiency focusing on temporal and dynamic accuracy. PLoS ONE, 16(5), e0250299

Furuya et al., 2011

The measurement was conducted in the presence of an independent notary, sound engineer Andreas Mühlmann, BA (Studio Dreiviertel e.U.), and several witnesses.

Criteria for this measurement:

● MIDI-capable piano with non-adjustable hammer action

● Key weight of at least 56 grams (measured with precision weights)

● MIDI plug-in with 25-millisecond filter and simultaneous comparison measurement (all-note measurement)

● MIDI plug-in starts automatically with the first keystroke and ends after 60 seconds; after that, no further time is added.

● Notarized, technically monitored, and at least three additional witnesses

Due to physical differences, the category must be separated into men and women:

Explanation of key weight:

Key weight is an essential part of the criteria, as, as in sports, weight is moved. To illustrate, here's a calculation example: The difference between a key weight of 47 grams and 56 grams at 1,000 keystrokes per minute is 9 kilograms!

Ulli Wigger, who is only 1.52 meters tall and technically savvy, achieved this sensational result and wants to use it to provide an opportunity to illustrate and highlight the athletic achievements of pianists, instrumentalists, and all musicians. Since the category "fastest pianist" was removed from the Guinness World Records catalog many years ago due to its immeasurability, Ulli Wigger wanted to find a way to make it measurable for all pianists. "Playing the piano and many other musical achievements require muscle power and are often associated with peak athletic performance. So why not try to make that visible?" Ulli explained.

The love of music:

Despite all the technical possibilities, her greatest concern is to bring her music directly into people's hearts and encourage them to learn an instrument. Age is irrelevant.

Quote Ulli Wigger: "Music is healing, music is connecting!"