I'm tall, at 5'11", and well over 6' if wearing 3" stilletos. I have to constantly be aware of good posture when playing the piano and have the stool on it's lowest setting so that I can comfortably get my knees under the keyboard. Using the pedals is a trifle difficult also.
My partner, visiting professor of music (keyboard studies) at a well known London Royal ....... is also tall, (6'6") and has these problems, although it has never obviously affected his professional performances.
Glen Gould, was also a tall pianist (6'2") and used to slouch way down at the keyboard on an old rickety chair his father(or grandfather) made for him. I noticed also pianist Piotr Anderszewski (>6'), at a recent concert, was "wedged" under the keyboard end of the piano.
To all the tall pianists ot there (>6') what are your experiences?

I'm just a bit taller than you and although I haven't been playing for long I already have a few (although minor) problems. I have actually found it easier to pedal in heals because without them its awkward to position my feet properly enough to pedal probably because of my knees. Apart from that I haven't had to many problems but I do tend to play with my shoulder raised quite a lot. I'm not sure if this is because I'm tall and used to it or if i just get tense when playing. Whatever reason, it starts to get quite funny when every two minutes my teacher pulls them down only for them to spring up again.

I'm 5'11", and haven't had any height-related problems when playing the piano. If anything, being tall is a bonus - it allows ones arms to hang somewhat from one's frame, reducing the amount of tension.

I have to say, I've never tried playing in stilettos - maybe that's where you're going wrong....

LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL

What an image......

On the issue of being a tall pianist, I suppose I am: 6 feet tall. But I've always considered it an advantage. I've been taught to play in a cantabile style for romantic playing (which I confess is not my forte) by transferring my weight through my height on to the keys, leaning into them to get the singing tone.

Another likely advantage to being a tall pianist is the stretch you are likely to have from finger 1 to finger 5. Put it this way, it certainly gives you a wider repertoire than some poor pygmy who can't stretch the octave.


Think positive!

LR

Now I wish I was taller!

Being tall means having long fingers.
Having long fingers mean easier playing.
Isn't that an advantage?

I'm REALY short, and I wish I'll be able to streach an octave before I'm 14

Yeah, I'm about 5'3" - really don't have this problem.

I'm 6'4" and have a bit of a problem in getting my long 'spindly' legs under the key board and it is difficult sometimes to use the pedals.

I gain over the 'Pygmies' though in that I have huge hands and can play, without problems, all the 10th and 11th intervals so that the really nice sounding difficult chords are within my range.

I love being tall and should hate to be a dwarf of less than say 6' (for a man anyway).

I always get served more or less immediately when getting drinks in a crowded pub, whereas all the 'shorties' get overlooked

GS playing in stillettos sounds really 'kinky' but I'm sure you didn't mean this in your post, did you?

I'm about 6'3''. I find I have to sit further back from the piano while playing grands (I don't do this often). For uprights, it's not such an issue.

I could only really see there being a problem if you have really long legs, which do not fit under the piano, meaning you have to sit back

As a shorty 4' 11" this is one problem I don't have.

It is really interesting hearing about your dilemma.

But do try to keep a straight back when playing. Invest in an adjustable piano stool to make sure that ergonomically you are sitting as well as possible.

My accompanist is tall, but he seems to cope very well by adjusting the stool, and moving it out until he creates the best angle for both feet and arms, whilst not needing to hunch to read the music. So it is possible.