Music Department
Creative Arts Division
De Anza College		  
 
Sitting at the Keyboard
  
Worksheet 1
Page 1
Music 12A Piano 1
 

 

  

Here are some tips for good posture at the keyboard.
  • Sit on the front half of the bench.
  • Sit at a height that will keep the forearm horizontal to the floor.
  • Sit far enough from the piano that the forearm has to reach, thus eliminating the right angle at the elbow.
  • Keep the upper body quiet and the shoulders relaxed.
  • The large hand-knuckles should remain arched whenever possible.
  • For maximum tonal control the finger tip must begin on the key surface.
  • A flexible, movable wrist is also important.

Pretend that you have your hands on the handlebars of a bicycle and then let your fingers relax out. The resulting position will work just fine at the keyboard.