Correct bench height

[Daniel_piano]

I'm having an hard time finding the proper bench height
I'm trying to follow Taubman, Mark and Richman advice that the proper bench height is that one that allow your hand, wrist and forearm to be in a straigh line
Taubman suggests the elbow should be level with the top of the white keys while Richman suggest the elbow should be a bit blowe the key level because only in this way the hand, wrist and forearm can be in a stright line

Anyway, I can't find the correct position
It seems that whatever heigh I choose my elbow is always above the white keys and my hand, wrist and forearm are not in a straight line and in an attempt to have them in a straight line I've to slouch or bend down my shoulder

For whatever reason my bench seems to high, contrary to Mark statement that usally bench are not enough high

Does anyone can suggest me a way to find a solution, or could take a photo of oneself while at the piano with the hand, wrist and forearm in a straight line?

Thanks
Daniel

[Brian Healey]

How close to the piano do you sit? Proximity is another bench issue to consider. If you sit too close, the shoulders and elbows have to naturally raise to assume correct position, no matter what the height. Try moving the bench back to stretch your arms out and see if that helps. Of course, that may not be the problem, but it's worth experimenting with if you haven't already.

Peace,
Bri

[richard w]

As long as you are sitting at the correct distance from the piano and your bench adjusts sufficiently, it shouldn't be that difficult to find the position. Try finding a position that is too low. If you can't you probably need to get a new bench. I have come across benches that don't work well with the piano they are paired with. Furthermore, different pianos have different key heights. If the keyboard is too low you may never find the right position. This problem generally afflicts small uprights. The position of the pedals might be causing a problem too. On grands they are often set quite far underneath the piano compared to their location on small and medium-sized uprights. I have a compact Welmar upright (my number two piano) which I would never be able to sit comfortably or correctly at, whatever height the bench was.

What kind of piano are you using to practise on?

Finally, maybe you are the wrong size or shape. You might need a specially adjusted bench or piano. But barring this and assuming you are on a decent grand or large upright it should not be difficult to find the right height with the right bench.

[Daniel_piano]

Thanks for all your answers
I sit at such a distance from the piano so that my arms can easily pass in front of the body so that when needed sides of the body are not an obstacles

As for my shape I'm 7.9 feet tall and have a long torso and large shoulders and I'm quite thin

The piano I'm practicing on is a Yamaha U1 upright

The bench I'm using is 45 centimeters (17.7 inches) tall at its minimum height, it can't go any lower only higher

I'm not able to find any position that is too low
By sitting at the mimunin of 17.7 inches height my elbow is still above the white keys top

Thanks again
Daniel

[xvimbi]

As for my shape I'm 7.9 feet tall and have a long torso and large shoulders and I'm quite thin

That is 2.36 meters. I think this may account for your problems with finding a good position...

[Daniel_piano]

That is 2.36 meters. I think this may account for your problems with finding a good position...

LOL
I'm not good with meters---> feet convertion
I'm 5.99 feet tall actually

Daniel

[Troldhaugen]

As for my shape I'm 7.9 feet tall and have a long torso and large shoulders and I'm quite thin

For a moment, I thought you might be the tallest pianist that's ever lived. Then, no way he's 7.9 ft tall.....you got me there..