“Don’t slouch!”
“Keep your feet flat!”
“Relax your shoulders!”
If your child is a musician, chances are they’ve heard these commands more times than they can count. But why, you might ask, does it matter so much? Does it really make a difference if they cross their legs while playing piano? Or if their shoulders are tense while playing the violin? The quick answer is: absolutely! But the why behind it is what truly holds the key.
Good posture isn’t just about looking graceful on stage; it’s about setting the stage for optimal performance. At its core, it’s the foundation for playing or singing your best. The goal for any musician is to perform with ease, which means freeing your body from unnecessary tension. Without it, those small tight spots — whether it’s your shoulders, wrists, or legs — can build up and lead to serious discomfort and even injury. Think of it this way: when you type for hours with poor posture, your wrists ache, your neck stiffens — that’s tension building up in your body.
Now, imagine a singer standing off-balance, favoring one side of their body. Suddenly, one side has to work overtime just to keep them upright, making it harder to breathe deeply and sing freely. It’s all about balance and freedom of movement. The more natural and relaxed your posture, the more effortless your performance becomes. It’s like unlocking your body’s true potential.
So, the next time you hear their music teacher say, “Straighten up!” or “Fix your posture!” Remember, it’s not just a critique. It’s an invitation to perform at their very best — to let their body feel as good as their performance sounds.
**Got any burning questions about posture and how it affects your performance? Your APA music teacher is a treasure trove of wisdom on the subject! Be sure to tap into that knowledge at your next lesson.**
Tiffany Sullivan
APA Music Director
