Are you an aspiring pianist? If you are currently taking up piano lessons, then for sure the first things taught to you are about posture. This is because playing the piano requires the right posture, not only in sitting but also on the positioning of the feet and the levelling of the arms and hands. Without proper posture, you may not only experience poor playing quality, but also suffer from posture-related conditions in the long run.
If you may notice, piano teachers are not only after teaching you how to play the instrument, but also how you should position yourself before, during, and after playing a piece. They are not only after honing your skill to play, but more importantly keeping you safe and at your best shape while you are performing.
Among the ways to prepare yourself when playing the piano are:
- The 90-degree level.
When positioning yourself in front of the piano, the first thing to look at is how your arms will be able to form a 90-degree angle in which they will level with the piano keys. This is because it is in this position where your arms are most relaxed even while playing, compared to when they are too high or too low from the level of the keys.
Once you have have found a reasonable height that allows you to form such arm position that is levelled with the piano keys, then you may then have to make some adjustments, such as increasing or reducing the height of your chair and that of the floor.
- As if you’re holding a ball.
Another important position to hold as taught in piano lessons involves the hands. While most of us are used to typing on the computer keyboard, it can sure be difficult to adjust the hands and fingers when playing the piano because they have to be placed differently. When playing the piano keys, the hands and fingers should form a concave shape, as if holding a ball. This way, the muscles of the fingers are able to stretch with the least amount of effort, and that they won’t be at risk to issues such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Sit up straight.
You may find piano virtuosos leaning forward when performing, but it is important that you realize that they tend to lean because they are getting carried away with their pieces. Hence, when studying how to play the piano, you should also follow the proper sitting position as well.
When playing the piano, it is important that you sit up straight, as bending will put more weight on your shoulders and would strain your arm and hand muscles, making you easily tired. Sitting up straight also allows you to stretch the necessary muscles used during your performance without exerting too much pressure on them.
- Use a foot rest.
There are instances when your feet feel uncomfortable when playing the piano. You can address this by using a foot rest, so that they are kept at ease especially in times when they are not required to hit on the pedals.
You may also use a foot rest even when you’re just playing an electronic keyboard. This will also keep not only your feet but the rest of your lower torso comfortable throughout your performance as they help maintain your body’s balance while playing the piano.
