Video:How to Sit at a Piano

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Transcript:How to Sit at a Piano

Hi, I'm Christ Stewart for About.com. Today I'm going to be showing you how to sit at a piano.

Instructions for How to Sit at a Piano

The first thing your going to do is move the bench out. You want to open the piano. You should be close enough to the piano so that your arms, your elbows, and hands are parallel to the floor. If you're too far away, or too close they won't be parallel.

How to Sit at a Piano and Keep a Straight Back

Once you are seated at the piano and you are the proper distance away make sure that your posture is correct. Your shoulders should be back and your back straight, but not stiff. We're tempted to slouch but it is very important that you keep your back straight. It prevents straining your back when your pivoting, reaching the upper and lower keys.

Foot Placement When Sitting at a Piano

Your left foot should be flat on the floor. Your right foot should reach the pedal comfortably. Your toe should rest on the pedal and your heel on the floor. When you're sitting at the piano you should be centered so that you are lined up with middle C. This is so that you can reach the full keyboard. Depending on the song you're playing you might have to play down low or up high, depending upon the range of the song. So, you need to be able to comfortably pivot your body. Your hands should be resting on the keys like there is a bubble floating under them. If you can't picture a bubble floating under your hands some people have compared it to when your hand is resting comfortably at your side.

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