Tension in shoulders

[lisztisforkids]

When I practice I get terrible tension in my shoulders. Its at the point that when I play for longer periods of time I get shooting pains in my back. Iv tried keeping my shoulders down, playing quieter and slower but nothing seems to work. My posture isnt good, but its not bad. The tension is really starting to affect my playing now. Any suggestions?

[counterpoint]

Perhaps there's something wrong with your playing technique - and then the shoulders want to "correct" what the fingers, hands and arms do?

You're on the right way trying to play more relaxed. But do not only concentrate on the shoulders but try to be as relaxed as possible in the whole body.

[faulty_damper]

When I practice I get terrible tension in my shoulders. Its at the point that when I play for longer periods of time I get shooting pains in my back. Iv tried keeping my shoulders down, playing quieter and slower but nothing seems to work. My posture isnt good, but its not bad. The tension is really starting to affect my playing now. Any suggestions?

Are you sure it's tension?  It doesn't seem like there would be any unless you are sitting too low or possibly too high.  Sitting too low causes you to raise your shoulders.  Too low and you tend to pull them down.  If neither of these two seems to be the case, it's probably not tension but strain from a poor posture.

You'll need to learn how to sit and this is where things get complicated.  There are no good guidelines for this as it can change from one piece to another.  Using one set of guidelines meant for a different style of repertory when you are learning and playing another would be inappropriate.  You'll have to experiment on your own.  A good guide is to ask someone whether you look comfortable or not as you play - strain and tension are visually noticeable.

[richard black]

Sounds like what I put up with for years, until I took to sitting low - really low. Wind your stool down a few mm a day, which you'll hardly notice in terms of fingers approaching the keys, and see if that helps after a week or three.

[bluepuri]

just don't force yourself to keep practicing when your back is aching. you'll get injured. I've injured my shoulder as well... and you won't want it

[doxy]

Hi Liszt,
I know someone who can help a great deal, if you live in UK.
His website is www.paulmanley.co.uk, specializing in musician' s problems of all sorts.
Do get in touch, hope it will be helpful.
Regards