[Piano Technic] How to Improve Posture and Check Points.
Updated: Aug 24

As a piano teacher, I encountered moments when my students asked the persistent question.
"Why piano chair doesn't have a back?"
Yeah...Why is the chair so firm and why does it lack a cozy backrest? 🤷♂
🎼 The design of the piano chair is intentional and serves a crucial purpose in helping us pianists create beautiful melodies.
" Why do we have to sit straight? "
It's not about making students suffer or adhere to arbitrary rules; it's about enabling them to play their best and develop their skills efficiently.
Sitting up straight with feet flat on the floor ensures that a pianist's hands are at the correct height relative to the keys. This ergonomic alignment reduces strain on the wrists and arms, allowing for more fluid and controlled playing. Good posture facilitates proper breathing, which is essential for sustaining phrases and playing with expression. When slouched, breathing becomes shallow, limiting a player's musicality.
Maintaining an upright posture helps distribute body weight evenly across the bench, providing stability. This balance is crucial for executing intricate passages and avoiding fatigue or discomfort.
Straight posture encourages proper finger placement and control. It enables pianists to engage their fingers, rather than relying on arm strength, leading to more delicate and nuanced playing.
Playing the piano with poor posture over time can lead to physical discomfort and even injury. Aches and pains in the back, neck, and shoulders can become a hindrance to progress.
How something as simple as your chair can impact your piano-playing experience?