Piano for Beginners 6th ED - 2016 UK

Getting started

B

efore you start learning how to play the

piano, the first thing you need to do

is ensure you have the correct sitting

position. Posture is very important for piano

players, as it ensures you have the maximum level of

flexibility to reach all the keys, and it also helps you

learn the proper technique for striking the keys.

On the path to perfect posture, one of the major

things you’ll need is a proper seat. If you’re slumped

down below the piano you’ll struggle to learn the

basics, while if you’re propped high in the air you

won’t be able to hit the keys properly. You don’t

need anything really expensive; the best thing to

have is an adjustable seat, but you can also just use

pillows and cushions to alter your height.

But don’t be fooled into thinking that you’ll have

to keep a rigid position as you play the piano. The

guide to perfect posture is to have a position that

is not only comfortable and effective, but one that

allows a degree of flexibility while playing. A good

piano player doesn’t just use their hands, they swivel

their hips and move their body to make sure their

playing style is at its optimum.

Here we’ll talk you through the steps to achieving

the perfect posture so that, when you eventually

come to sit down in front of a piano, you’ll be ready

to learn the basics.

How to sit correctly

at the piano

Perfect posture is an essential task to master on the

road to becoming a good piano player

The path to perfect posture

Here we’ll show you how to get the optimum position while sitting at the piano

01 The correct height

When sitting at the piano you want your elbow and arm to fall freely from your

shoulder. Your forearm should be parallel to the floor, and your arm should be at

an angle slightly more than a right angle. Adjust your seat to get the right height.

03 Arc your hands

Your hands should be forming an arc at the keys. Your fingers need to be almost

pointing down and not striking the keys flatly, while your wrists should be in line

with the rest of your arm. Adjust your seat if you need to.

02 Sit forward

Make sure you’re sitting far enough forward on your seat so that you can move

your torso, but back enough to feel stable. Your elbows should be slightly in

front of your torso when your hands are on the keys.

04 Place your hands

If you’ve followed the previous steps, you should now be in the right position.

It may feel a bit odd but you will get used to it. Place your thumbs on the same

note (we chose Middle C) and make sure you feel natural.

Location courtesy of Music Is Life, Bournemouth