Five Reasons Physical Wellness Is Important for Pianists
As a pianist, I’ve spent countless hours at the piano, pouring my heart into music while often unfortunately neglecting the physical aspects of my well-being. It wasn’t until I was well into middle age and began experiencing discomfort in my hands and fatigue in my back among other physical pains related to playing the piano that I realized the importance of physical wellness. In this blog post, I’ll explore the top five reasons physical wellness is crucial for pianists, drawing on personal experiences and research to highlight the impact of our physical health on our music-making.
1. Injury Prevention
One of the most pressing reasons physical wellness is important for pianists is injury prevention. Repetitive strain injuries, such as tendonitis or carpal tunnel syndrome, can severely impact a pianist's ability to play. According to a study published in the Journal of Hand Surgery, musicians are at a higher risk of developing such injuries due to the repetitive nature of their work (Sataloff et al., 2017). For this reason, it is imperative that we care for ourselves by incorporating times of warming up and stretching into our daily practice routines. It is also important that we include time for our bodies and minds to rest.
2. Enhanced Endurance
Physical wellness contributes to greater stamina during performances and practice sessions. Pianists often face long hours of play, and being physically fit can help us endure these demands without fatigue. A study in the *International Journal of Sports Medicine* highlights that physical conditioning can significantly enhance an athlete's endurance, which is equally relevant for musicians (Kraemer et al., 2018).
For more insight on the benefits of enhanced endurance for pianists, check out episode 25 of my podcast, Coffee with Christina, and listen to my conversation with Dr. Brian Murphy. Brian is both a pianist and a runner and has spent some time researching and evaluating the correlations between preparing for a marathon and preparing for a recital as well as the physical, mental, and emotional benefits that running brings into his own musicianship. And, speaking of mental and emotional benefits…
3. Improved Focus and Mental Clarity
Physical wellness directly impacts our mental clarity and focus. A well-maintained body leads to a more alert mind, which is essential for complex pieces that require intense concentration. The Journal of Music Therapy emphasizes the connection between physical health and cognitive function, noting that regular physical activity can enhance mental acuity (Bradt & Dileo, 2014).
In my own experience, I have found that making exercise a consistent part of my daily routine increases my focus and allows me to tackle more challenging works and even to dive deeper into the emotional nuances of my pieces. Additionally, exercise is a phenomenal stress reliever and also enhances creativity. There are so many benefits to being physically active!
4. Better Posture and Technique
Proper physical wellness practices promote better posture and technique, which are vital for playing the piano effectively. Poor posture can lead to chronic pain and hinder performance. The American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation highlights that musicians must maintain ergonomic positions to prevent musculoskeletal disorders (Katz et al., 2018).
If you struggle with posture at the piano, try this exercise every time you sit on the bench: Sit about halfway to the back of the bench keeping your sit bones tucked solidly underneath you. Stretch your arms away from your body then slowly raise them above your head. Stretch as tall as you can. Take a deep breath in. As you slowly release the breath, also gently lower your arms to the keyboard keeping your back tall. Take frequent breaks to allow yourself space to stretch your muscles, especially during longer practice sessions.
5. Emotional Well-Being
Finally, physical wellness has a profound impact on emotional health. The act of playing music is deeply emotional, and maintaining physical health can enhance our mood and reduce anxiety. Research published in Psychology of Musicsuggests that exercise can significantly improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression (Karageorghis & Jones, 2018). As mentioned in point #3, there are so many benefits to being physically active!
Key Takeaways
1. Injury Prevention is Essential: Prioritize warm-ups and ergonomics to avoid repetitive strain injuries.
2. Endurance Matters: Incorporate cardiovascular fitness to boost stamina for long practice sessions and performances.
3. Mental Clarity Enhances Performance: Regular physical activity can improve focus, leading to deeper engagement with music.
Physical wellness is not just a supplementary aspect of a pianist's life; it’s an integral part of being a successful musician. By prioritizing our physical health, we can prevent injuries, enhance our playing endurance, improve focus, maintain proper technique, and support our emotional well-being. So, let’s make physical wellness a priority—not just for our music but for our overall quality of life.
Take care, my friends.
- Christina
