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Q: What is correct piano posture in regards to wrists and elbows? I understand that the wrists should be straight, but it is difficult for our young child to keep her wrists straight without touching the edge of the piano. She has to bend them, and that makes her tired.

A: It makes sense that your child would become tired quickly if her posture is not correct at the piano. Correct posture requires no effort. We have addressed how to maintain correct posture of the fingers and wrists in a previous article. The fingers should be slightly curved and the wrists straight. If you see that your child is having a difficult time keeping her wrists straight, then she may be sitting too low in comparison to the keys.

Her forearms should be parallel to the floor. An adjustable stool or bench is ideal for a family with many pianists ranging from small to tall. On static benches, young children will have to sit on something to bring them up to where their forearms are parallel to the floor, their wrists are straight, and their fingers slightly curved. Pillows are not recommended because they sink in and because the child tends to slip off of them.

The elbows should not open outward to achieve this posture. If she wants to open her elbows outward to achvieve straight wrists, then she is still too low in proportion to the keys. This kind of posture will cause her to turn her wrists in ways that they are not designed to move. In keeping her elbows out, she risks tiring her shoulders.

Be sure that her elbows are not directly below her shoulders. If they are, then she is too close to the keyboard. Her arms will not have the space for her to move along the keyboard as she becomes more proficient. Elbows should be at about a 120 degree angle, that is, aligned with the front of the ribcage.

Shoulders should be pulled back but not so much that great effort is required. Back posture plays a considerate role in proper breathing, blood flow, and, eventually, stamina at the piano.