Playing a musical instrument can be enjoyable but physically demanding, regardless of the type of instrument. Some instruments require you to sit up straight, while others will keep you on your feet. When you sit or stand with a bad posture, you put extra work on your muscles to support your body and return it to a good position. Over time, these muscles can develop chronic pain and even adverse physiological changes. Proper playing posture is important for giving off your best performance and preventing injury or discomfort. Here are some suggestions worth keeping in mind when playing an instrument.
- Learn the correct posture for your instrument
Every instrument needs a recommended posture to not play it well but safely. For example, your upper body should be straight so you don’t slouch when playing a piano. Guitars, drums, trumpets, name them; they all have posture guidelines you must follow. That’s why the first step to proper posturing is to learn what is expected of your body when playing. It may feel slightly uncomfortable or even difficult at first, but your body should adapt with time, that is, if it’s your first time.
- Practice in front of a mirror
After learning the correct posture, practice it in front of a mirror when playing. You probably spend countless hours practicing playing your instrument and improving your skills. Those practice sessions are easily where the posture problems develop. Consider practicing before a full-size mirror to monitor your posture as you play. It’s easier this way to make the necessary corrections. With time, your body will automatically adopt the right posture when you play without checking yourself.
- Support yourself with the right equipment
Playing some instruments may require extra equipment to make handling more comfortable and keep your body in the correct posture. For example, some guitarists wear straps to keep their guitars in position and relieve the burden on their hands. Some organ keyboard players also use adjustable folding stands to bring the keyboard to the right height so their wrists and elbows can relax. The type of musical instrument you play will determine the supporting music equipment you need to help you support your posture.
- Adjust your music stand’s height
Whenever you practice or play with a manuscript, adjust the music stand’s height so it’s at the right level with your eyes. This way, your head can stay straight, and you wouldn’t have to look down or up to read the note. Your stand should be right before you, not to the left or right, to help keep your neck straight.
- Get used to sitting and standing upright
Whether your instrument requires sitting or standing, your upper body must be upright yet comfortable. When playing a piano, for instance, it’s advisable to sit on the front half of the bench and avoid slouching. Some instruments, like tubas, can make good posture challenging, especially for beginners. But the earlier you get used to it, the easier it becomes.
