Sitting or Standing?

[Jose999]

How do you usually practice? sitting or standing? I usually start sitting to warm up and I stand to play studies or pieces

[Geordie]

Standing. However, if I have an upcoming sit down show with tricky page turns or mute changes I practice them as I’d perform them.

[sirisobhakya]

Standing first. Seated later when my legs are tired.

[Pre59]

I practice sat on a piano stool at home. But, I have noticed that when playing at some venues, the angle of the seat is such that it becomes more difficult to breathe, usually when the the base of the spine is lower than the knees.

[hyperbolica]

I like to sit high. I have a folding stool 20-22 inches tall. I don't like to stand, but I like the tall stool.

[timothy42b]

You need to practice both, because you perform at both.

I had an occasion where I thought I would sit, and the group ended up standing. The music stand I'd brought did not go high enough and I couldn't see.

Depending on bifocals, etc., vision and stand height has to be worked out for all possibilities. Breathing is also different but for me vision is the hardest part.

(of course if you only play by ear that's not a problem)

[timothy42b]

Oh. Occasionally I play a parade, though it's been a while now. I have one of those mini jogging tramps, and I dig it out and play scales while marching for about a week before.

[Burgerbob]

I do both. You need to be good at playing in any condition, not just on a chair or not just standing.

[Doubler]

Standing feels more comfortable for me. I try to sit often enough for it not to feel strange when I have to.

[boothbyz]

I also think a variety is helpful. Typically when preparing orchestral excerpts, I prefer sitting, while playing solo rep I prefer standing.

[RiyazAhuja]

I usually like to stand during practice, especially during warm ups in order to keep my back straight and good posture. Personally, I think that standing up lets me get a better air stream and take deeper breaths. However after a while of practicing, especially on bass, my arms and legs get a bit tired and I usually sit down.