Playing the piano can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience. Still, it’s essential to maintain proper posture and technique to ensure optimal playing ability and minimize the risk of discomfort or injury.
Some students, especially the younger ones, often like to play the piano sitting cross-legged. While it may be tempting to do so for comfort or convenience, it is generally not recommended as it can affect proper posture and technique, which can, in turn, impact playing ability and potentially lead to discomfort or injury. Some of the injuries related to piano playing may cause pain in the back, wrist, forearm and hands, leading to carpal tunnel, tendonitis, and other repetitive strain injuries.
Playing the piano requires a stable and balanced posture, with the feet firmly planted on the ground and the back straight. This helps to distribute weight evenly and maintain proper arms, hands and fingers alignment. Playing with crossed legs can disrupt this balance and put additional strain on the back, hips, and legs, leading to tension and discomfort over time.
Adjustable benches are a great way to help with proper posture, allowing you to adjust the height so that the hands can reach the keyboard comfortably without straining the wrist. The distance between the bench and the piano is also important so that the pianist need not stretch their arms to reach the keyboard.
Additionally, proper posture can improve breathing and circulation, reduce muscle tension and fatigue, and enhance overall playing ability and musical expression. It is particularly important for more advanced students who apply body weight while playing. When playing with a good posture, your body is more relaxed, and your hands and fingers can move more fluidly.
Playing with crossed legs can also affect proper pedal technique, as using the pedals effectively and efficiently from this position may be more challenging. Pedals are an important aspect of piano playing, allowing for greater expression and control over the sound. The proper pedal technique requires using the feet and legs in a coordinated manner, which can be challenging when the legs are crossed.
To improve your posture and technique, here are some practical tips:
1. Sit with your feet flat on the ground, your back straight, and your shoulders relaxed. If your child’s feet cannot reach the ground, leaving it dangling until they grow tall enough is alright. Alternatively, you may purchase a footstool for them to rest their feet.
2. Adjust the height of the bench to find a comfortable and stable position. The best height is placing your hands on the keyboard without bending or straining your wrists.
3. Adjust the distance between the piano and bench to ensure proper arm and wrist alignment. The best distance is when the upper arms fall naturally by the side of the body and do not stretch towards the keyboard.
4. Use posture exercises like incorporating the Alexandra Technique to improve overall playing ability and reduce tension and discomfort.
5. Consider taking lessons from a qualified piano teacher who can provide personalized guidance and feedback.
Overall, while it may be tempting to play the piano with crossed legs for comfort or convenience, it is generally recommended to avoid this position and prioritize proper posture and technique to ensure optimal playing ability and minimize the risk of discomfort or injury. By applying the tips outlined in this article, you can improve your posture and technique and enjoy playing the piano with improvements in tone, speed, accuracy, rhythm and expression.