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Slouching, and Tenseness in the Hands

© Jana Cole

Q: I'm very tall, and finding a comfortable playing position at the piano can be difficult. I have to reach downward for the keyboard, which makes me tend to slouch. What can I do?

A: I am not a medical person, but I think I can safely say that slouching is not good for your posture. On a humorous note, pianists can get away with slouching while playing, because it fits the image of the introspective artist, totally involved in the music he is playing. However, to save your back and your future posture, I would suggest that you try to sit erect, and adjust the bench or stool to a comfortable position. Your forearms should be fairly level with the floor. That might mean that you adjust the bench or stool to a lower position than a person of average height. Another solution that you can use in addition to lowering the bench is to move the bench away from the piano. This will allow your forearms to be a little more level with the floor.

Q: When I do my keyboard exercises, my hands get very tense. Is that normal?

A: When your hands are working hard at the keyboard at exercises, it is natural for them to get fatigued. They are getting a workout. I have felt fatigue, and slight swollenesss, perhaps from a great deal of blood flowing into my hands, accompanied by a warm feeling. I don't think a person should feel strain or any kind of pain. If you feel stiffness, my suggestion is give your hands a rest. If stiffness or pain persists, or you have any concerns about your hands, see a doctor.

If you are practicing for long periods of time, there are ways to prepare your hands and ways to soothe them when they are tired.

* Open and close your hands before you begin. Wiggle your fingers. Gently shake your hands out.
* Practice easier music first. Don't start with the most physically challenging piece.
* Rest your hands for a few minutes if they are getting tired. Stretch them again if you need to.
* When you feel pain or soreness in your joints, muscles, fingertips or anywhere else, stop.
* If your hands are very tired and/or sore, you can gently massage them or soak them in warm water. The next time you play your hands my seem shaky, so you should make that practice session a light one.