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Author Topic: Playing Posture  (Read 3816 times)

Offline TwinkieClarkFan

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Playing Posture
« on: February 12, 2004, 12:30:31 PM »
Is there a correct way to sit while playing the organ or piano? Sometimes after playing a long time i notice that my back starts hurting a little, so i wanted to know if there was a right way to play.
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Offline BBoy

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Playing Posture
« Reply #1 on: February 12, 2004, 01:48:23 PM »
I don't think there is a correct way to sit, as long as you have good posture and are comfortable. I think we have all experienced that, and I think it comes from not having a "back" on the stools or benches we use to play. A cushion might help for a while, but I really think that sitting anywhere with no back support would get uncomfortable . . . just about every chair we use has a back to support us. Be Blessed . . . BBoy
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Offline SisterT

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Re: Playing Posture
« Reply #2 on: February 12, 2004, 02:55:26 PM »
Quote from: TwinkieClarkFan
Is there a correct way to sit while playing the organ or piano?


Yes, there is a correct way to sit. I got this out of a music book:

Sit Tall
Lean slightly forward.
Let arms hang loosely from shoulders.
Elbows should be slightly higer than the keys.
Bench must face the keyboard squarely.
Knees are slightly under the keyboard.
Feet are flat on the floor. Right foot may be slightly forward.


On the organ you basically sit the same, however, you cannot have your feet flat. The right foot should be on the volume pedal and the left foot is controlling your bass notes.

Offline jkelly

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Re: Playing Posture
« Reply #3 on: February 12, 2004, 11:48:32 PM »
Quote from: TwinkieClarkFan
after playing a long time i notice that my back starts hurting a little


Tell me about it.  I just got home a little while ago from playing a funeral and my back is killing.  The funeral was at another church, not mine, and the organ bench didn't have a cushion on it like the bench at my church.  I definitely see that makes a world of difference.  I was taught the posture that SisterT mentioned when I first started playing but it always felt so awkward.  But it is definitely the right way to play.

Offline Dooley

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Playing Posture
« Reply #4 on: February 13, 2004, 02:13:39 PM »
Also, while you aint playin, go sit on the pew or something.
**From the desk of "Professor Terrence J. Dooley"

Offline ee_guy

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Playing Posture
« Reply #5 on: February 14, 2004, 03:34:11 AM »
1.  I'm reminded of an Elton John concert I went to years ago.  He was laying on his stomach, under the piano, playing with his right hand, and had his head propped-up with his left hand - looking at the audience.  (And was playing well!)

2.  When I was 10 years old, my parents took me to see Earl Grant play at a night club.  (Had to get permission from the owner).  Mr. Grant did a several minute long tap dance on the pedals!  And the music was fabulous!  I've never seen or heard of anything like it since.
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