Piano is a wonderful instrument that takes time and dedication to learn to play well. Intermediate to advanced level music involves learning techniques that take years to develop. Before a piano student gets to that level, they must master the basics. This involves learning to sit at the instrument, developing good hand position and understanding the mechanics of movement. Beginners will master these skills over years of playing the instrument. Implementing them right from the get go by having a “posture checklist” is a good way to highlight the importance from the start!
Piano Posture Basics
Getting the basics right from the start is important and the first thing to learn is how far back to sit. First, center the piano bench so the middle of the bench is aligned with the middle C key. The bench should face the keyboard squarely-not having one corner of the bench closer than the other. The player then takes their seat at the front half of the bench, sitting straight and tall with relaxed shoulders, arms and fingers. Next, bend your elbows and check to ensure your forearms are straight and fingers, hands and wrists are above the top of the keyboard. Lastly, ensure your legs are bent at an 80-90 degree angle and your feet firmly touch the floor. If the player is too short to reach the floor, use a footrest of some kind for a solid base.
The proper hand position is one where the fingers are allowed to naturally curve over the piano keys. To form this shape, place your hands over your knees and allow them to relax into the shape of your keen cap. Now lift your hands without breaking the shape and place them over the keyboard with the fingertips touching keys. This is what a proper hand position looks and feels like. Be sure not to bend the thumb at this point either. This is the only finger that is meant to be kept straight! If your hand bending backwards at all like pictured in the image, adjust the piano bench higher to avoid this bend.
Lastly, place feet firmly on the ground or use a foot rest to avoid dangling feet. It’s very difficult to relax your back and shoulders if you are not getting support from the floor. Having a solid base on the floor is crucial to balancing your body on the bench.
Congratulations Allison R.
Allison began her piano lessons at SMMC in October 2020. She was only six years old when she started-a ripe, perfect age to start learning any musical instrument! Side note: check out our “Top 3 Instruments For Your Child’s First Instrument” article to learn what instruments work for young students. Allison has come a long way in her piano playing since then as the recital video below will demonstrate. Close to six years later, Allison is performing at an intermediate level and shows no signs of slowing down!
Allison takes piano lessons from SMMC instructor Mrs. Grace J. Grace is a skilled instructor who completed her Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance and Composition from California State University, Long Beach in 2006. With a mindful focus on technique and musicality, Grace pushes her students to achieve in their piano skills beyond where their natural talent will take them. As a matter of fact, Ms. Grace has also nominated SMMC students to local piano competitions. One SMMC student earned 2nd place at the recent at Satori Summer Music Festival in July at Azusa Pacific University. Of Allison, Mrs. Grace describes:
“Allison is a steady anchor to my weekly schedule. She shows up consistently and always well practiced. During the last two years we have known each other, her music reading skills have improved so much! At each lesson, Allison demonstrates that she has taken my instructions to heart. Consequently, she shows she has tried her best to implement them into her piano practice during the week. Her performances in student recitals have been moments of well-deserved pride and triumph that result from thorough preparation. Allison is a dependable performer on stage, who delivers strong presentations and yet remains humble in her approach learning.”
With that kind of endorsement, it is plain to see why Allison has earned our Student of the Month award for November 2025! Enjoy this performance by Allison at our Winter Recital from January of this year.
In Her Own Words
Let’s learn a little bit more about our award winner by diving into the Q & A! We sent Allison a list of questions to get to find out about her musical likes, hobbies and how she spends her free time. Here is what she had to say:
1. How long have you been playing your instrument and what do you like most about playing it?
“I began my piano journey at SMMC in October when I was 6 years old. I’ve fallen in love with the elegance of piano music and also how relaxing it is to play.”
2. How did you get started playing your instrument and what do you like most about playing it?
“When we moved to South Pasadena in 2020, my mom inspired me to begin learning piano. She has always loved the instrument’s sound. My aunts in Europe went to Music School for years and competed in piano competitions, she hoped I would enjoy it too.
3. What do you like about how your instrument sounds and is there anything that makes your instrument special?
“I like that you can play all kinds of music on the piano. As you get better, you can play harder and more interesting pieces.”
4. If any, who are some of the artists you look up to for your instrument and why do you like them?
“I’ve learned a few songs by Beethoven and I love playing those!”
5. What is your favorite food, movie/tv show, video game, etc?
“My favorite food is cheese pizza and my favorite movie is Wicked.”
6. What is your top 3 favorite things to do in your free time?
“When I’m not playing piano, I love being creative with arts and crafts, staying active through synchronized ice skating and gymnastics.”
7. What have you done this year that you consider to be the most fun you’ve had all year?
“The highlight of my year was joining a new figure skating team. I’ve loved traveling with my teammates and sharing so many fun bonding experiences together.”
Wow-the figure skating team sounds like a whole lot of fun! Thank you for sharing Allison and congratulations on the award again!
Start Your Musical Journey
If you are ready to get yourself or your child started on their musical journey, our wonderful teachers are eager to work with you. Study with degreed educators who have years of experience. Whether you are a beginner, have not played for years, or looking to make the jump to intermediate or advance level, our teachers have the tools to help you achieve your ambition! Book a trial lesson today!