Proper Sitting Height at the Piano

When it comes to proper sitting height at the piano, there are two common mistakes: sitting too low or sitting too high. Let’s explore why these positions aren’t recommended and what you can do instead.

1. Sitting Too Low at the Piano

When you sit too low, the weight of your forearm is directed downward and away from the piano. This misalignment causes your fingers to grip the keys tightly to maintain contact and control, leading to excessive tension in the fingers and hands.

Because the forearm weight isn’t properly aligned, your body compensates by raising the shoulders to gain more leverage and support for playing (as shown in the picture above). This shoulder elevation creates tension in the shoulders, neck, and upper back. The muscles in these areas become strained as they attempt to provide the support that should come from proper sitting height.

Common Misconception:

“Relax the Shoulders” Advice: Many teachers might instruct students to simply relax their shoulders. While well-intentioned, this advice is often ineffective because it does not address the root cause of the tension.

The shoulders are raised due to the low sitting position, not just because of intense focus, stress, or anxiety about the piece being played. Without correcting the bench height, the shoulders will continue to rise instinctively as the body seeks support. Addressing only the symptom (raised shoulders) without fixing the root cause (low bench height) will not resolve the tension.

2. Sitting Too High:

When you sit too high, you lack sufficient natural weight from your forearm to press the keys effectively. This results in the wrists and shoulders trying to compensate by pushing down or raising up, which can create tension and discomfort in these areas.

Sitting too high makes it harder to control the descent of the keys smoothly and evenly, as the natural weight from the forearm is not being used optimally.

The Solution:

Proper Bench Height: Adjust the bench so that the bottom of your forearm is level with the surface of the white keys, or slightly higher. When seated correctly, your elbows should be slightly above the keys, allowing your forearms to form approximately a 90-degree angle with your upper arms.

Balanced Alignment: This position ensures that your forearm’s weight is used effectively, reducing the need for the shoulders and wrists to compensate.

Reduction of Tension: With the proper sitting height, your shoulders and wrists can naturally relax as your forearms and hands are in a strong, comfortable position. This alignment allows for a more relaxed and efficient playing technique.

By addressing the sitting height and ensuring it is correctly adjusted, you can significantly reduce tension and create a more comfortable and effective playing posture. This simple change is far more effective than simply trying to relax the shoulders or wrists without changing the underlying cause of the tension.