If you’re taking piano lessons, knowing the proper posture is important. To play your best, you need to feel comfortable and relaxed without punishing your back. Sitting correctly improves comfort levels, so playing becomes easier on both the mind and body. A surefire way to impress your piano teacher, proper posture helps you become one with the instrument. Here’s how to sit the right way.

The Basics

Not everyone has identical posture during piano lessons, but the key is to leave rigidity behind for flexibility, allowing maximum interaction with the instrument in a way that isn’t awkward or hurtful. You’ll feel better at the instrument and enjoy your lessons more while keeping your body well-protected. 

Adjust the Piano Bench

The height of the piano bench should align with your unique proportions. Your wrist, forearm, elbows should stay slightly above the keyboard, guaranteeing the best possible reach. This increases your opportunity to use the weight of the whole arm that you will be using for power. Place the bench far enough from the instrument, and only sit on the first half, so you can use also the weight and and power of your upper body to produce a natural, good quality tone. Not only will your position impress your piano teacher, but it will increase your playing potential, too.

Watch Your Back & Legs

Sit in the most “regal” manner possible. You should adjust your back into an upright position, straightening your spine as you play. Slouching doesn’t just look and feel sloppy, but it can also cause real damage to your back.

Avoid Arm Tension

Your arms are your primary tool while playing, so they should stay as relaxed as possible and support themselves on fingertips, which are reaching the bottom of the keys.   While adjusting your back, keep your shoulders down, with elbows facing away from your body. Your wrists should feel soft and relaxed as well, enabling greater movement and less tension. When you position your arms and wrists correctly, you’ll achieve a deeper sound, better articulation and unlimited opportunity of improving your piano technique. 

If you want to improve your piano skills, pay attention to proper posture the same way you do to your music. Over time, you’ll increase both comfort level and skill. Anchorage, AK’s European Piano School provides the city’s best piano lessons, with professionally-trained pianist Iryna Dunaeva teaching students of all ages and skill levels. Using concepts from the world’s greatest masters, you’ll gain the training necessary to become a confident musician. Visit the piano school online for more information, or call (907) 360-2915 today.