If you are enrolling in piano school, you’ll learn that everything you do affects how you develop as a pianist. Mastering the keyboard as an adult often begins with understanding proper form. This will keep your hands in the right place, and ensure that your body is relaxed and supported. Consider the following factors that affect how you position your body while playing the piano.

A Guide to Correct Piano Playing Form

1. Height

Use an adjustable stool so that you can sit at the right height in relation to the keyboard. Your feet should be flat on the ground, and the keyboard should be at waist height. Your hips should be level with or just above your knees. This allows your fingers to relax on the keys at the right angle so that they can freely move across the entire keyboard. This height also puts the sheet music directly in front of your eyes so that you don’t need to crane your neck up or down to read it. 

2. Posture

Sit in the center of the stool or bench, rather than all the way back. The backside of your thighs should be in front of the seat and not resting on it. Doing this will help keep your back straight, but you should also check your posture as you play. It may help to place a mirror beside the piano as you get accustomed to the right posture so that you can self-correct. Keeping your back straight keeps the entire body in alignment, down to the fingertips.

3. Hands

Drop your hands to your side, by the waist. The natural curve of your hand is an excellent form for the piano keys and will help you hit them just right while you play. Keep your nails trimmed short to avoid clacking them on the keys.

4. Feet

Your feet should be flat and steady on the ground. Your weight should be pushed into the feet rather than into the lower back. Keep your feet directly underneath or just in front of the knees. This prevents lower back pain as you play, and ensures that you sit firmly in place and don’t rely on your upper body for balance. 

5. Arms

Sit forward enough that you can comfortably touch the keys without reaching too far forward. Your elbows should be just above the keyboard, and should not need to move more than a few inches as you reach forward to play. This keeps your hands relaxed and maximizes your range of motion across the instrument.

Iryna Dunaeva at European Piano School is a professionally trained pianist who teaches students of all ages and abilities in Anchorage, AK. Those who start with beginner piano lessons will receive a strong foundation, beginning with the correct form, to succeed in piano school. She uses proven Russian teaching techniques that will help you master the instrument. Private piano lessons are available year-round, Monday through Saturday, to fit your schedule. Learn more online and sign up by calling (907) 360-2915 today.