Hi everyone

I find that when I am practising piano my the back of my neck gets really tense, stiff and sore across my shoulders - is this perhaps due to bad posture or poor technique and can anyone suggest anything to stop this happening?

Thanks

You might be sitting too low (or too high), you should sit so that your fore-arms are more or less 'parallel' with ground and your wrists are almost in a straight line in relation to them. Do you find that your forearms are going up from elbow to your keyboard? This would create muscle soreness in base of neck/shoulders, I get this when I am lazy and don't bother to pull my stool to keyboard (sorry do not have a piano YET) and just sit on anything else in the vicinity which is not the right height.

Are you aware of tension when you are playing.
Sometimes I feel that I'm just not relaxed enough and can feel the tension in my shoulders.

It sounds better when I'm more relaxed too.

Yes - now that you mention it I think my arms are going up - I will try sitting higher up. Thanks





I don't think I am particulary tense - in fact the only time I am relaxed these days is when I concentrate on my piano and forget everything else!!!!

Im sure its because you are sitting to low.

I got that when I was practising for my diploma - but if it's any consolation, I never get it any more, so it's not permanent! Or maybe I just don't practise enough these days....

This always happens in periods of long practice; before exams or concerts. Make sure your seat is ajusted so that your arms are in a right angle with the piano. Try to relax as much as you can.

I found this happened to me about six months ago, and I think it was just because I was playing so much.
I don't think it was the height I was sitting at because it has gone now, but my piano stool is not adjustable. Hmmmm... Oh well, at least it isn't permanent, so don't worry!

Thanks - I have been experimenting with different seats and it does seem to make a difference. My piano stool is not adjustable either sadly but I am trying different things.

By the way, you lot all make me feel totally inadequate - looking at all the instruments you play - wow!!!! I play piano (badly) and sing (Okish) and that's it!!! Maybe I'll take something else up later!!!

ooooooohhhhhhhh, another instrument, I sense 'musical addiction' is on the way

I know its obvious but put a cushion under you if you are a bit too low!

Is there an antidote?

No! No hope of a cure unless your piggy bank starts to complian.

Another tip - when you've finished your practise, lie on the floor with your knees up and a book under your head for 5 minutes, with everything relaxed. It feels amazing and really helps get rid of tension!

If the problem keeps reoccuring, you might like to think about attending a few Pilates or yoga classes? They are meant to help to get rid of tension.

thanks I'll try it!

Rather than balance on a cushion which can be wobbly I'd put 4 equal size books under the legs of your stool to raise it up.

I always slide off a pillow or cushion

My teacher says you should aim for a right angle at your elbow joint

I always get this problem when I play for a while. It probably has something to do with height, but... 'tis difficult, when you have no piano stool and only a wicker chair to sit at the piano on...