Playing Piano with Style and Ease: An Expert’s Tips

How we position ourselves at the Piano is an important factor in piano playing. Have seen many professionals and observed the way they sit and play at the piano. The best position is one that is physically comfortable and one that gives us maximum results for minimum effort. Furthermore, there is also a need for maximum concentration. An awkward body posture while playing an instrument can cause physical hindrance and mental distraction, which in turn undermines concentration and learning.

To develop a good and comfortable posture while playing an instrument can definitely be one of the contributing factors to a relaxing and enjoyable performance. Again to emphasize, the best results obtained through minimal physical effort or discomfort is the key to a good performance.

While playing the piano, however, a straight back with the whole body slightly tilted towards the piano can be more graceful and helpful.

Our feet will help us balance well only when we place them firmly and squarely on the floor or a footrest.

It varies according to the length of the person’s body. A longer body requires a shorter stool or bench and a shorter body with long legs, a higher stool or bench.

The comfortable distance (not too far or too close) away from the keyboard is too important to note.

The shoulders kept in a relaxed position, resting down naturally at all times.

The elbows are slightly held outwards from the body.

The whole arm should be relaxed right from the shoulder down at all times.

Keep the wrists in a horizontal and firm position as the forearm.

Play with the pads of the fingertips.

Long fingernails make your fingers slide on the keys as the pads of the fingertips cannot touch the keys. You need a firm grip on the keys to play firmly. So trim or file your fingernails regularly especially if your nails grow very fast.