Should piano teachers ever stop addressing proper playing position?

I recently was asked an interesting question by a teacher of intermediate students: “When is it okay to stop addressing a student’s playing position?”

I could sense the frustration in her voice.

We must always stay attentive to our students’ biomechanics and movement. That surely includes posture and a good sitting position. Over many years I’ve noted how many of the student teachers in my pedagogy class don’t consistently notice postural or seating issues. Although there are a few prominent examples of professional pianists* who play well despite poor posture, for most people, sitting optimally is the most important technical element to master, first. (*Daniil Trifonov is an astounding pianist who can do anything, but previously was also known for, well, dreadful posture. But since 2017, a dramatic change in how he uses his body is impossible to miss; he has clearly addressed youthful bad habits and continues to deepen his artistry and impact.)

Ultimately, we all want to deal with “the music.” It is the overwhelming motivation for us and our students to play the piano (or any other instrument). To reach ever-higher levels of achievement and expression, it’s important to remember that the ‘how’ and the ‘why’ of playing are inseparable.

No matter how basic it may seem, my answer is that we never stop emphasizing the importance of optimal movement, starting with a healthful sitting position. It is vital to stress this early and often, and to make adjustments in bench height and distance from the piano, as necessary, for each pianist. In the following photos, we can see the challenges of setting up a young pianist to sit properly.

Student sitting poorly: bench height is too low and low back is stressed with no foot support

Bench height addressed with books, but student is still uncomfortable; she’s leaning backward awkwardly and still has no foot support

Bench height addressed with adjustable bench, but still no foot support

Student sitting well-aligned with a very large set of books under feet. In the absence of a pedal extender, this is the next-best option for students who aren’t tall enough to have their feet reaching the floor.

Student sitting well-aligned with an adjustable pedal extender. Note that this student still required one book under her feet, on top of the pedal platform, to be in optimal alignment.

When attending masterclasses, most of us are eager to hear the teacher’s musical ideas. When I teach classes, that’s my intention as well. But no matter what the level of the student or students, I often step back and address movement issues, or even sitting position. The key, when moving beyond foundational elements, is to always integrate kinesthetic gestures with musical listening and imaginative conception.

By teaching principles of support, balance, alignment, and anatomical differences, students can apply these essentials to their own and, eventually, others’ playing. Building solidly upon one element after another, we really can do more teaching, and less correcting.