What should I do with my hand when it isn't playing?

[PaulNaud]

Should it rest on the keyboard? Or should we hold it in the air, in this way we can drop our arm on the next note or chord?

[pianistimo]

i believe the general rule is to keep the hand lightly resting on the keys, but i must have an ingrained bad habit (but it helps my hand relax) - i sort of let it lightly leave the keyboard and go toward lap and then back to keyboard again.  glen gould looks like he is sort of doing that in the  miscellaneous thread pic.  i don't know if he ever let his hand rest in his lap, but it seems that he's using a sort of circular motion (as one does when conducting).

[debussy symbolism]

Greetings.

I know for sure that the other hand has to be completely relaxed. So true for every other muscle in the body. Constant reminder to yourself "relax" helps alot. Sometimes I do that even when I know my muscles aren't tense. It helps mentally.





Best Wishes to all.

[quantum]

In some situations it may be helpful to place your non active hand over the keys on which it needs to play next so there is no distraction getting them there when the time comes. 

[lostinidlewonder]

I put it on my lap if it doesn't do anything for a long time.  If it has to do something pretty soon then it is waiting to move above the next group of notes. Not waiting above the next group notes, but waiting to move to. Holding a position too early is useless.

When I play for instance the Ravel Concerto for the LH, my Rh sometimes has to hold onto the edge of the  piano to balance me. I think this is not necessary but for me it makes me feel more solid and sturdy during acrobatic parts.

[rc]

When I play for instance the Ravel Concerto for the LH, my Rh sometimes has to hold onto the edge of the  piano to balance me. I think this is not necessary but for me it makes me feel more solid and sturdy during acrobatic parts.

That's hilarious

Reminded me, I sometimes catch myself, while practicing HS arpeggios or scales, holding onto the back of my chair with my free hand. As if I was going to fly away. Thank god nobody can see that.

[steve jones]

I could tell you what I do, but there might be kids reading 

Lol, seriously Iv seens some rest it on there leg, other have it just hanging off below the keys. Not sure what I do, I'll have to remember to take note.

[rlefebvr]

Things you worry about, but no one ever talks about.

I too tend to put my hand on my lap for some reason. It really relaxes my hand.

Has driven all 3 of my piano teachers mad.

Don't do it as much anymore as my playing has become more relaxed so the need is not as strong.

[PaulNaud]

Things you worry about, but no one ever talks about.

I too tend to put my hand on my lap for some reason. It really relaxes my hand.

Has driven all 3 of my piano teachers mad.

Don't do it as much anymore as my playing has become more relaxed so the need is not as strong.

Who are your 3 teachers because I live in Montreal too?
Paul

[PaulNaud]

Do you remember my last question?
Who are your 3 teachers because I live in Montreal too?
Paul