Lesson 5: Posture at the Piano & Fingering

Welcome to a pivotal lesson in your piano journey! Today, we’ll dive into the essentials of proper posture and finger placement. Adopting a good technique early on is vital, as it prevents the development of bad habits and sets the foundation for comfortable, effective practice.

Here’s how we’ll proceed:

1. Bench Position: Sit on the front half of the bench to allow your thighs to be free of the bench’s edge, promoting better leg movement and balance.
2. Feet Placement: Keep both feet flat on the floor, with your knees slightly under the keyboard. This provides stability and the proper leverage for using the pedals.
3. Height Consideration: Your elbows should be at or just above the keys with forearms parallel to the floor, which might require an adjustable bench for younger players.
4. Back and Spine Alignment: Maintain a straight but relaxed back. Avoid slouching or leaning too far forward, which can strain your back and neck.
5. Shoulder Relaxation: Keep your shoulders relaxed and down, not hunched up to your ears. Tension in the shoulders can lead to fatigue and discomfort.
6. Arm and Hand Position: Allow your arms to hang loosely from your shoulders, with wrists flexible, enabling your fingers to curve naturally on the keys.
7. Wrist Flexibility: Avoid stiff wrists. They should be level with the keys and able to move fluidly as you play.
8. Finger Curvature: Keep fingers curved, using the tips to strike the keys, which promotes agility and control.
9. Distance from Keyboard: Sit close enough to the piano that your arms are not fully extended, but far enough away that you have a full range of motion.
10. Angle of Approach: Your body should be centered with the middle C of the keyboard, and you should have easy access to the full range of the keyboard without excessive reaching.
11. Movement Freedom: Allow for freedom of movement in your body. Playing the piano involves the whole body, not just the fingers.
12. Regular Breaks: Take frequent breaks during practice to stretch and relax your muscles, especially if you start to feel tense or tired.
13. Active Learning: Watch the video carefully, taking note of how to sit and where to place your fingers.

As a complete beginner, all these tips on posture might seem overwhelming, especially when you’re just trying to play your first notes. And that’s perfectly okay. From my experience teaching beginners, I’ve noticed that much of the advice on posture and hand positioning tends to be forgotten in the excitement of hitting those first few keys. And honestly, that’s part of the learning process.

So here’s what I prioritize: relaxation.

I don’t bombard my students with corrections after every note. Instead, I watch for signs of tension in the shoulders, elbows, and wrists, and I gently remind them to relax. That’s because a lot of good technique naturally comes with time and practice. For now, my beginner friends, don’t fret over getting your fingers and posture perfect. Just focus on keeping your body relaxed as you play, and trust that you will improve with practice.

After a month or two, once you’re more comfortable at the piano, it’s a good idea to get a second opinion on your technique. If you know someone who plays piano, ask them to observe your posture and hand position. If you don’t have someone to ask, don’t worry – I’m here for you. Send me a video of you playing, and I’ll happily give you feedback on your technique.