Episode 16: Perfect Piano Posture Problems

10/28/22 • 12 min

Abby talks about the concept of "good posture" for pianists, a review of the workshop she led for the Vermont Music Teachers Association last weekend.
Major takeaways:

There is no such thing as good or bad posture. Instilling that idea only makes a musician have to choose a body position and stick with it all the time in order to be good.
Problems arise from a lack of variety more than the actual body position itself.
Muscles are happiest when they are in their middle range, so whatever feels easiest, is probably right.
Whenever talking about posture, use sensation cues rather than action cues whenever possible to avoid a rigid strategy
Encourage the use of body position as a means of communication. It will allow for the variety the body needs to stay healthy at the piano for longer.

Abby is the owner of Forte Performance & Physical Therapy, where she works with musicians, artists, and performers to help them feel and sound their best.
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Disclaimer: This podcast episode is for educational purposes only and is not to be taken as medical advice.

Abby talks about the concept of "good posture" for pianists, a review of the workshop she led for the Vermont Music Teachers Association last weekend.
Major takeaways:

There is no such thing as good or bad posture. Instilling that idea only makes a musician have to choose a body position and stick with it all the time in order to be good.
Problems arise from a lack of variety more than the actual body position itself.
Muscles are happiest when they are in their middle range, so whatever feels easiest, is probably right.
Whenever talking about posture, use sensation cues rather than action cues whenever possible to avoid a rigid strategy
Encourage the use of body position as a means of communication. It will allow for the variety the body needs to stay healthy at the piano for longer.

Previous Episode

Episode 15: Rest and Recovery

Being strategic and intentional about rest and recovery is imperative for a long, happy life of music-making.
Topics Covered:
1. The reasons singers and instrumentalists need rest.
2. Active vs passive recovery.3. Strategies for scheduling rest while still working toward your music goals.
4. Strategies for quick recovery between takes or rehearsals.
5. How recovery looks different from person to person.
6. How recovery can feel like something you're adding into your routine rather than taking away from it.
Other episodes to listen to related to this one:
1. Why Do Injuries Happen?
2. How to Build a Starter Strength Routine

Next Episode

Piano teachers: Do you hurt while you teach?

Abby talks about simple strategies piano teachers can use to reduce discomfort while teaching students from an article she wrote for the Vermont Music Teachers Association's newsletter.
Major takeaways:

Over 42% of pianists report pain, discomfort, and injury.
Increased time spent playing piano, years of experience, and regularity contribute to higher reports of pain.
Make your teaching set-up (aka ergonomics) do more work for you.
Change up what you're asking of your body while you teach.
Individualize your day of teaching based on your body's (and brain's) needs.