In the last article, we looked at the best way to review your posture and playing position and fiddling with varied styles.

Quickly returning to posture, if you are trying to find your natural position, try this exercise:

Drop your arms down by your side so that your arms, hands and fingers are completely limp and pointing to the floor. Next pick up your forearms at the elbow, in order that they are horizontal, pointing towards the piano. Then let your hands drop at the wrist as if you were about to play a piano note.

This is your natural playing position. Experimenting using this as your starting position will help you find a comfortable position to avoid pain.

If you have found your ideal playing position do not stop there, you will also have to exercise. Don’t worry, this is not as exhausting as it sounds.

To exercise, ball your hands into tight fists for one or two seconds. Then release and stretch out your fingers into a stretched out starfish shape. Repeat this a number of times.

Next, pretend you’ve got an invisible barbell in both your hands and make the motion of ‘pumping iron ‘ with your arms. Bring you hands to your shoulders and down again. Repeat this a few times as well.

Do this before, in the middle of and after practice. This can give your arms, hands and fingers a short break from playing and you will be astounded by how much this may do to diminish pain, tension and anxiety.

Also, if you are practicing for an extended period, be sure to take regular breaks every 15 minutes. This will help release any tension you may be building up and get you to reset your posture when you return to the piano, as its quite simple to fall into a bad posture without even thinking about it!

Remember, always be mindful of your body when you practice piano, keep your well being under consideration and be vigilant for any developing tenderness or stress when you play. This is the best defense against future problems.

Dr. Anthony Fernando is the creator of the favored piano software ” Piano Is Fun which helps kids and adult beginners learn to read piano notes. Visit his site for more piano note info

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