7 common mistakes made by Pianists and Keyboardists

In today’s article, we will address the 7 common mistakes that prevent pianists and keyboardists from evolving more quickly and effectively in their respective instruments.
If you are a beginner or are at an intermediate stage on one of these keyboard instruments (piano and keyboard) be aware of this topic because they can make an immediate difference in your evolution.

1. Body posture

The way the student positions his body to the piano or keyboard can be decisive for a considerable improvement in his performance and technological evolution with the instrument.

Keep your torso erect, sit correctly, preferably using only the half of the seat that is closest to the instrument. Be careful with the incorrect positioning of the spine, keeping it arched for a long time can not only hinder your performance but also later bring you a health problem.

2. Distance between your body and the instrument

Another problem that can easily be fixed with just a physical correction is the distance between your body and the instrument.

Finding the correct position for piano or keyboard practice is at the very least essential. Getting too far or too close to the keys will prevent you from achieving your best performance.

A tip is, stretch your arms with your fists closed until you go over the keys. If it’s an upright piano, touch the ends of your fists to the wood. When you relax your arms they will probably be in a comfortable position for a study that lasts for hours.

3. Height of the bench

As with the first two errors or problems faced by pianists and keyboardists, the height of the bench is also something physical that we can easily correct. But if we don’t, it can negatively influence the technical development of the instrument.

Try to find the ideal height for your size. A tip is to leave your arms bent forming an angle close to ninety degrees between your shoulder and your hands when playing the keys.

4. Typing and hand posture

The way in which pianists and keyboardists place their hands and choose which finger to use when performing the piece or exercise is also extremely important to improve their precision.

Place your hands in an oval shape, as if you were holding a table tennis ball inside them. And avoid making an unnatural movement when changing fingers.

5. Skip steps and be anxious when practicing

Wanting to gain time and be in a hurry is something very recurrent in our society today. But this cannot enter your head when practicing your instrument.

When we want to learn an instrument seriously and correctly, we need to focus all our energy on that purpose and notice what can be improved. For that, play everything slowly and speed up only when everything is being executed correctly.

Do not ignore your mistakes irrespectively how small they are. Be patient and respect each of the stages of your evolution is essential and will your reward even more pleasant.

6. Lack of a conscious study routine

Studying to please others, like parents, is one of the worst things you can do to yourself. Besides wasting energy for nothing and wasting your time that could be put into something that you care about, can still bring you a permanent tantrum at the instrument.

So if you intend to dedicate yourself to the instrument, do it with your heart and preferably with a daily study routine.

7. Don’t worry about music theory

Many instrumentalists, when they get a taste for studying, can end up getting a bit obsessed with the technical part. They forget that music is something much bigger than pressing a few keys in the correct order. Don’t let yourself get caught in this trap.

In addition to the technical part, get concerns with interpretation and theoretical concepts. Also, knowledge about harmony, music history, good rhythmic, melodic and harmonic perception. They are necessary for anyone who wants to become a great musician and instrumentalist.