While this sounds tedious, proper positioning helps a pianist achieves his or her best performance because of the improvement in strength, flexibility, and comfort. I cannot stress anymore how important it is to embed this into your daily practice, and you will thank yourself greatly for it.
- Sitting Distance
Let’s start by sitting on the front side of the piano bench. Have part of your thighs hang over the edge. Otherwise your hips can’t move as freely. Now, move your bench so that if your arms are straight forward, your knuckles would reach the fallboard.
Note:
– If you cannot reach the fallboard, then you are too far, and you should scoot your bench forward.
– If your arms are bent up like a crawfish, then you’re too close to the piano, and you should scoot your bench backward.
- Bench Height
The best sitting height allows your forearms to be level to the ground while the shoulders are relaxed. Put your hands on the keyboard to test the angle of your forearms.
Note:
– If your forearms are angled upward, it means your bench is too low.
– If your forearms are angled downward, it means your bench is too high.
- Finishing Up
1. Straighten your back.
2. Take a deep breath.
3. Put your hands on the keyboard once more.
4. Have your fingers and palm making a round shape together.
Footstool (if needed)
While sitting on a bench, if your feet cannot reach the floor, you will need a footstool. Letting your feet hang in the air causes you to lose ground support and put stress on your upper body and lower back. A flat ground support helps to create a core for flexibility and deliver strength more efficiently in your playing.
Now you’re good to go! 🙂