Tips for Developing Strong Posture When Playing a String Instrument
Playing a string instrument is a physical activity and requires us to be mindful of our bodies when playing. Developing good posture helps students play better, avoid discomfort, and prevent potential injuries. As a teacher, I know that it is challenging for students to develop good posture when playing. It takes practice and remindering. Helping young students develop solid instrument position and posture will help them in the long run.
In this blog post, I'll share some general tips for developing good posture when playing a string instrument. If you're a parent of a young string player, these tips will help you guide your child as they are practicing at home.
The tips highlighted here are things to be mindful of when playing any string instrument - whether it’s violin, viola, cello, or double bass.
Instrument Position
One of the first things to consider is instrument position.
- For violin and viola, the instrument should be held relatively parallel to the ground with a slight tilt to the right. A shoulder rest is highly recommended to help keep the instrument supported between the chin and collarbone. The instrument shouldn’t be held up by the left hand - more on that later.
- For cello or the double bass be sure that their end pin is set to a comfortable height. For the cello, the scroll (top decorative part of the instrument) should be just below the left ear. For the double bass, the height differs to some degree for each player, but I suggest students set their endpin so that the nut of the bass is around eye level.
Body Awareness
Good posture isn't just limited to instrument position - it's also about staying in a relaxed and comfortable position when playing.
- Keep the back straight: Regardless of what string instrument you play, be sure that your back is straight. Slouching can lead to strain over time. If you stand when playing the bass then stand tall. This is especially true when playing violin, viola, or cello in a seated position.
- Avoid tilting your head forward or in positions that put too much strain on the neck and back. The head should be upright.
- Avoid tension in the shoulders and try to relax as much as possible when playing.
Left Hand
The left hand is responsible for changing pitches and having good left hand technique is very important for successfully playing a string instrument.
For the violin or viola, the instrument should rest gently in the left hand without being held up by the hand. The left thumb should be straight, and the fingers should be relaxed and curved. The wrist should stay straight and the thumb should also be relaxed and shouldn’t grip the neck.
For cello and double bass, the left hand should also stay relaxed, with the thumb placed behind the neck and aligned with the first finger. The fingers should be curved with the hand making the shape of the letter "C." Finally, the left elbow should be up and raised in a comfortable position.
Conclusion
Developing good posture while playing takes time, and it requires mindfulness. Remind your child to take regular breaks during practice to relax and check in on their posture. With practice, your child will develop strong playing habits that will support their musical growth.
I hope these tips help you and your child in their musical development.