1. Many children begin learning to play the piano in a Middle C position. Some children like to be able to squeeze their two thumbs onto the one key, but it’s not a good habit because their thumbs will grow.
In time, the thumbs will not fit, and the habit will produce three keys’ being smashed together (one on the left, Middle C, and one on the right). The best thing to do is to hover the non-playing thumb over the playing one.
2. Play with curled fingers. Just as important as posture, striking the key with a curled finger allows the finger to be used properly, the way it was designed. Fingers are meant to turn inward, to grasp, and to squeeze.
Using the finger in that manner will keep the joints healthy and strong. The fingertip, just before the nail meets the skin, is a good place to strike. If the nails are too long, then there will be a clackity clack sound.
3. Keep the wrists off of the surface that lies between the pianist and the keys. Many children like to rest their wrists on this surface, but that invites injury. The tendons on the back of the hand are not designed to make the motions that that posture requires.
It is best to keep the wrists straight and off of that surface. I like to call it Spiders & Lava because it’s best to leave those alone.
