Elbow Position in Keyboard Technique

The elbow is in the right place if the forearm is resting on the fingertips. If the forearm is not resting on the fingertips the elbow is out of place, so the forearm should be adjusted accordingly and the elbow will fall into place. If the forearm must move to high or low notes on the keyboard, lean forward. To play keys in front of the body, lean back. To reach low with the right hand or high with the left hand, rotate the shoulder .This will bring either one of the elbows directly in front of the body, with easy access to the necessary notes. If the body moves sidewards one inch it will bring the arm over one octave. The arm can be placed at an angle with the piano, but hand and forearm should hold a straight line (so that the fingers are aligned with the flexors and extensors)

The competent teacher must assume the role as diagnostician and should be able to assess the technical problem, and offer a solution of that problem to the student. The student and teacher work the challenge out together at the lesson and the student goes home to consolidate the solution. Why should a student be forced to discover on his own what has already been discovered, thus letting time being wasted and progress delayed.

Here's how to determine the correct elbow position at the piano:

1. Adjust your seat so that your arm is at an angle slightly more than a right angle.
2. Ensure that your forearm is parallel to the floor.
3. Sit forward so that your elbows are slightly in front of your torso when your hands are on the keys.
4. Your hands should form an arc at the keys, with fingers almost pointing down and wrists in line with the rest of your arm.
5. Your elbows should be at a comfortable distance from your body.