A proper instrument and correct set up at home is essential for achieving success in piano studies.

A proper instrument and correct set up at home is essential for achieving success in piano studies.

Is your child seated at the correct height at the keyboard? Sitting on a bench or chair that is at the proper height for the keyboard is necessary in order for your child to effectively develop their technique. It is also essential in forming an optimal hand position. Hand position is important for pianists when it comes to developing finger dexterity, strength, speed, and tone. Proper posture at the piano is also key to avoiding tension in the neck and shoulders as well as injuries such as tendonitis or carpal tunnel syndrome.

As a general rule for piano students, elbows should be at a 90-degree angle so that the forearm is parallel to the floor. Feet should rest comfortably on the floor. If a student cannot reach the floor, use a footstool for the feet to rest upon rather than having feet dangle in the air.

For young students using footstools, bodyweight will rest on their seat. As the child grows taller this weight distribution shifts so that the majority of body weight is on the feet and the student will sit closer to the edge of their bench or chair. The spine should be in a straight position.

The "one size fits all piano bench" that comes with the purchase of most pianos is not the correct height for most players, regardless of age, stage and height. Even less ideal is the use of kitchen chairs at keyboards. This poor set up can have long lasting and detrimental effects on a student’s technical development.

In order to achieve optimal posture at the piano, an adjustable bench/chair is necessary. If the purchase of an adjustable bench or chair is not possible, have your child sit on a large textbook or very firm cushion placed on the chair to boost them higher.

Electronic versus Acoustic.

Many families start off with purchasing a keyboard as a way of dipping their toes in the world of piano studies. Sometimes families are unsure whether music lessons will be a long lasting activity in their child’s life. While a full-length keyboard containing 88 weighted keys might be a good starting point, all too often, families don’t realize when their child has outgrown the instrument. By the time a student reaches an intermediate level of study, approximately RCM level 3 or 4, it is recommended that students are playing on an acoustic instrument. No matter how many bells and whistles a keyboard may have, it will never replace the tonal nuances of an acoustic piano.

Students with great acoustic pianos in their home are far likelier to take lessons for longer and reach higher levels of proficiency. Playing on an acoustic instrument enhances the development of a students' ears, pedaling, and tonal production not to mention motivation! The increase in a student’s interest and overall improvement through having a better tool to practice on is an investment that music parents make in their lives and the lives of their children for years to come.

We have several community partners in piano sales in Calgary who offer CSM families discounts on adjustable chairs/benches and acoustic piano upgrades. Ask us for information today!

Do you have questions? Let us know, we are happy to help. Send us an email.