Improve your posture in 3 easy steps
By Judith Glyde
A good balance between your body and the instrument helps with sound production and prevents lower-back stress and pain. Your upper body should be tipped against the instrument, forming an inverted “V” shape, as when two playing cards are balanced against each other for support. In this position, arm weight will be increased and a better sound will be produced. If the upper body is not tipped forward, the weight of the instrument against the body, after time, may cause the lower back to gradually collapse, producing lower-back problems.
1. Sit upright and hold the instrument away from your body, your head lightly balancing on your spine. (Not shown: Your feet should be balanced as well and situated so that it is possible for you to stand up without rocking forward).
2. Without bending your head over, and keeping your upper torso straight, tip forward from your pelvis, from those bones you feel when sit upright.
3. Bring the cello to the body, your knees supporting the instrument, or one knee behind, one knee around. The body and instrument should be supporting each other, hence bringing the instrument to the body, which is in a forward position. The leg positions give a tactile sense to give the instrument stability.
