Fix Posture Problems and Power Up Progress
When piano students struggle, we sometimes assume it is because of some big problem related to their coordination or learning differences or motivation.
But often eliminating a little problem makes all the difference.
Anyone who has struggled to fall asleep because of a buzzing mosquito knows that you do not need sleep therapy or medication to solve the issue… You simply need a rolled-up magazine and good aim.
Piano posture is one of those “little” issues that (when fixed) has big results.
But it can not be fixed in your studio. In needs to be fixed at home where children spend most of their time, likely sitting on a piano bench that is too close or too low.
To remedy this problem, follow these tips and rules for perfect posture.
Tips for Good Posture
When playing the piano, positioning is particularly important. Often children need some help to find the correct way to sit at the piano while they practice at home.
Children will find it so much easier to complete his or her home practice if he or she has a physical set up that gives him or her a comfortable posture at the piano. It will make the techniques we have been working on so much easier for them.
Try going through this checklist:
1. Bench height: The height of the piano bench should be adjusted so that when the hands are on the keys the forearms are parallel to the floor. The wrists should not be below the keyboard, but should also not be too high. This will allow for comfortable arm and hand movement.
The easiest way to correct the height of the bench is by adding some foam squares under the legs until it is raised to the correct height. Add squares until the arms are in a straight line from the back of the hands to the elbows. This line should then be parallel to the floor.
Having your child sit on books or other “props” on the bench can be uncomfortable, so we suggest you add the needed height under the legs. Foam squares are easy to find at any “big box” store.
2. Bench distance: When at the bench, your child should be sitting so that they have to reach for the keys while still keeping bent elbows that are comfortably away from the body. The piano must not be too close. Help them find a distance that is comfortable, and then make a small mark on your floor with tape so that they can find the same spot with the bench each time the practice.
3. Dangling feet: If their legs are not long enough to comfortably rest with their flat feet on the floor, a small step stool should be placed under the feet so that the legs are bent at a 90-degree angle. Having a solid base for the feet will help them maintain the correct height and distance from the piano.
You may find that these three points are difficult to achieve if your child is using a keyboard that does not have a keyboard stand. Resting a keyboard on an adjustable table may help and are affordable as well.
By going through this checklist, you will be able to help fix your child’s posture which will then enhance their productivity and definitely power up their progress.
Happy Playing!
