Playing an instrument like the piano is good for exercising short-term memory. It’s therapeutic and helps you develop many life-long skills that will be beneficial to the overall development of your mind and body.
However, similar to other sports, playing the piano can also cause injuries, and one of them is neck pain. Therefore, if you want to be a successful pianist, you need to remember that it is crucial to avoid neck pain.
In this article, we will share some actionable tips to help you experience a pain-free piano session.
#1. Using a Bench
One way to set yourself up for success while avoiding neck pain when playing the piano is to use a bench with the proper height adjustments. It's important not to play too high on the bench to avoid the risk of straining your neck, shoulders, and back.
#2. Classical Upright Position
Playing in a classical upright position is best for preventing and recovering from neck strain, not only because it requires good posture but also because this piano style has a lighter sound than other genres.
Since you're sitting up straight while playing, your hands will naturally be in good positions when playing chords and scales. This means less effort and less strain for your hands.
#3. Take Breaks
Another way to avoid neck pain when playing the piano is to take breaks often by stretching or walking, so you don't get too tired and become more at risk for injury.
If you are experiencing neck pain while playing the piano, it's essential to take a break and stretch out to relax your muscles and tendons. If you don't, it will only get worse as time goes on. Unfortunately, this is common with all repetitive movements, so the best way to avoid future injuries is to use good posture and play certain styles of music that won't interfere with healthy playing for a long time.
#4. Position of Your Body
The position of the body is crucial for playing the instrument. To play with ease and comfort, you must sit upright in your chair with your feet on the separate pedals. This will make sure that you are using all four limbs while playing the piano.
#5. Avoid Genres that can Strain your Muscles
Practicing in specific genres that will not strain your muscles or tendons is recommended to avoid injury to the hands. For example, you can take care of yourself by maintaining good posture when playing piano and avoiding hip-hop and jazz styles if they don't appeal to you.
Inexperience may cause you to not know what different styles or genres will produce problems for your body in the future. Sometimes you just have to give them a try, determine what works and go with it.
#6. Use a Piano Music Holder
There are many pianists today who find using a portable music holder on the piano to be extremely useful. The Grand Stand for Piano’s music holder is the only piano music stand that hangs off the piano’s music rack to bring the music down closer to the pianist. There are several benefits to using this music stand:
Piano players can see the music without straining their eyes.
It’s an excellent device for people with limited vision, people who wear bifocals, and children or adults who sit low at the piano. These people don’t have to play piano with their head tilted up thus causing strain on the neck which can lead to long term problems in the neck, shoulders and back.
They don’t have to reach so high to turn pages. Not having to reach up so high aids the pianist in keeping the tempo because they can quickly get their hands back down to the keys. The distance from the music holder to the keyboard is much closer.
It’s also a great device for the students of piano teachers who have their students playing on a grand piano.
It’s a great aid for piano teachers who are doing Zoom piano lessons as the man in the video on our website shared.
#7. Hire a Professional Piano Instructor
The piano teacher will work with you to learn and master the skills necessary to become an excellent pianist. Your piano teacher will also offer advice on avoiding neck pain and injuries when playing the piano.
As a student, you'll be privy to special tips and techniques that only professionals can offer. You can also monitor your growth as a musician compared to other players because you'll get regular evaluations from your teacher. Your piano instructor will also answer any questions you have and provide advice when needed.
#8. Connect with other Piano Players
Whether you are an expert at playing the piano or just now learning how to play, joining a group will help you be surrounded by people who have the same interest as you.
If you surround yourself with professional players, you’d be able to ask questions related to neck pain and piano injuries. They would be able to share their experiences and could provide you with practical tips.
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Are you looking to reduce neck pain by using a piano music holder? Check the World’s 1st & #1 Ergonomic Piano Music Stand. You can purchase it right here.