Musical Practice and Performance Stack Exchange
Musical Practice and Performance Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [posture]

Questions about how the body should be positioned when playing.

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As a soloist, should I face the audience or the conductor during long tutti sections?

I am playing a violin concerto with an orchestra and a fairly large audience in a few weeks. So my question is, in the long Tutti parts where I don't play, should I face towards the audience, and what should my posture be like?
S.L
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Is it normal for frequent guitar playing to be accompanied by wrist pain?

Is it normal for frequent guitar playing to be accompanied by wrist pain or is it something that is caused by poor posture/position and technique? I have been playing for several years now, and mostly in the last year I have noticed this to be a…
Klik
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What is proper pedal posture?

I'd like to learn a song that requires extensive use of the middle pedal, but I have no experience using it. I think I'll just practice until it comes naturally, but I'd like to make sure I'm not getting into any bad habits. Is there a specific…
The Nuckster
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What contributes to good piano posture?

I have to admit I can slouch when I'm not paying attention at the piano. So what makes for good piano posture? Extra: Are there any guides that are often used as standard? I've heard that the Alexander technique is often pointed to for this, any…
Alexander Troup
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Is there a "correct" position for the right hand when playing guitar?

Normally when I am playing I support my right hand by putting my pinky finger below the E string, but when I try to play past a certain speed I have difficulty keeping up. I have found a couple sites where they advise supporting the hand by putting…
cdvv7788
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Right hand wrist & forearm soreness

I’m new to piano and experiencing soreness in the wrist and forearm of my right hand when I play. I can’t tell whether this is “building new muscles” pain or “doing something wrong” pain. I’m generally fine playing major triads with the 1–3–5 shape.…
Bradd Szonye
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Is holding the violin without using your hand indicator of proper posture?

I have seen from some resources like books or videos, that if you hold your violin properly, then you should be able to hold it with your chin and arm, somewhat like this: Now I am new to violin, and don't have a shoulder rest yet (still not sure…
MatthewRock
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Why does playing the piano give me a pain in the neck?

I have a keyboard set up with a proper stool so my arms are held straight out, with music at eye level - almost identical to how I set up my PC for good posture. But while I can use the PC all day with no issues, within 5 minutes of playing the…
Mr. Boy
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How widespread was the use of Aguado's "Tripodium", and are similar devices still used today?

Dionisio Aguado (1784-1849) developed his "Tripodium" (also referred to online as a "Tripodion" or simply tripod) to aid support, positioning and clear sound projection while playing classical guitar (see picture below). How widespread was the use…
Bob Broadley
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How to avoid slouching?

I have a lifelong habit of slouching. In recent years, my posture has improved greatly, mostly because I’ve finally learned to keep my feet flat on the floor (to prevent plantar fasciitis). That alone makes a huge difference so long as I sit in a…
Bradd Szonye
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Piano posture - front shoulder delt tension

They say you have to play the piano without any static muscle tension. At the same time, to reach the freedom of movement your elbows should be a little bit in front of you. I have a sitting posture with by elbows and forearms looking smooth like…
ibe
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Vertical control of the ukulele's neck during chord changes

I'm making my first steps with the ukulele and I have trouble with controlling the vertical movement of the neck during some chord changes. I'm holding the ukulele by using my right forearm to press it against my chest. According to the book I'm…
Florian Brucker
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Trouble playing the tuba on the edge of the seat

I'm currently learning how to play the tuba in school, and I'm finding it extremely difficult to sit at the edge of the seat like I'm supposed to due to the weight of it. If I sit on the edge, I have to rest it on my lap, which gets painful very…
AzaleaGarden
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How to keep my scroll out of my stand partner's face

I'm playing on the outside of my desk, and my scroll is constantly in my stand partner's face. To have my violin off to the side seems kind of necessary for me to keep good posture, but this clearly isn't working. How can I modify my posture to keep…
General Nuisance
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My wrists hurt after playing bass for a long time

I've been playing bass for about 3 years, but only as a hobby. I've never had a teacher either. Usually I play for around 1 hour a day, sometimes up to 3 hours, but now I've got a gig coming up, so I met up with my band and practice for a whole day,…
user4034932
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