Posture and bench setup

Why this matters

Tension is invisible until your shoulders ache or your wrist twinges. Setting up well prevents that — and lets every later technique exercise actually work.

What you should be able to do

Set bench distance, elbow height, wrist shape, and foot position correctly in 3 check-ins.

Estimated focus time: 1h

How to practice this on your piano today

1. 1. Sit so your forearms are parallel to the floor with hands resting on white keys.
2. 2. Bench distance: elbows just slightly in front of your torso when fingers are on keys.
3. 3. Feet flat on the floor (or on a riser if you're shorter).
4. 4. Wrist neutral — neither dropped nor lifted.
5. 5. Shoulders relaxed; check by lifting them and letting them fall.