Sitting at the Piano

May is correct posture month, so it's a good time for a reminder on how to sit at the piano (literally the first thing I teach every student).

So, first. Good posture at the piano is the same as good posture anywhere else. Sitting straight and relaxed. Shoulders not tensed up (shrugging) or slouching. Body facing the piano. You should be at a distance close enough to comfortably reach the keys without having to lean forward or feel scrunched. A good test is to make fists and if they can sit on the back edge of the keys (on the black keys)/touch the fallboard (the wood behind the keys make up by opening the key cover normally) without disrupting your posture, you are at a good spot. You also want to be sitting high enough that you wrists are slightly higher than the level of the keys. Also remember your hand posture, keeping the natural curve of your fingers/hands when they are on the keys. Again, not clenched and tight (we have hands, not talons!), but not flat either.

If your bench doesn't adjust and doesn't fit for you or your child can try a few things. First, if you need to get higher, try sitting on a book or a cushion on the bench. You can also try using different chairs for a better height or an adjustable desk chair without arm rests.