Lesson 2: How to sit at the piano
I can hear you now – what a ridiculous lesson this is – I know how to sit, I don’t need someone to teach me! That may be true, but proper posture and position allows you to reach the entire keyboard and stay comfortable while practicing. Once you have learned to sit properly at the piano it will become second nature.
Body Position
1. Sit in the center of the piano bench, ensuring your feet are flat on the floor and your back is straight.
2. Position yourself towards the front of the bench to allow a full range of motion with your body. Your body needs to be able to move from the hip joint.
3. The bench should be moved forward so that your hands are positioned over the keys with your elbows bent naturally, so they fall just forward of your body.
4. The height of the bench should be adjusted so that your forearms are parallel with the floor.
Hand position
When you are sitting at the piano position your right hand over the keys with your thumb on C. The correct hand position will allow your fingers to be relaxed and curved. They should be positioned near the center of the keys. Your hand should be positioned as if you were holding a ball. Do not reach for the keys with your fingers – your fingers should be like little hammers, striking DOWN on the keys, not forward.
Sitting properly and positioning your hands correctly will give you a basis for good technique. Make a conscious effort to obtain good posture every time you sit at the piano or keyboard. Eventually, it will come naturally to you.
Posted on October 21st, 2008 by sharlene
0 Comments