Tomoko knows that playing the piano requires healthy hands. The amount of pressure that is exerted on hands when playing, the amount of stretching and bending, and even the fatigue of practice can impact a pianist’s hands. Here are some handy exercises to take care of your pianist hands.
Starting to play the piano? Try these hand exercises to help
you warm up. (These exercises work to veteran players too…)
- Soak your hands in warm water to increase your blood flow. Then gently dry your hands. It’s good to massage your fingers and hands then, especially around the joints.
- Press your palms and fingers together.
- Press your hands flat on a flat surface such as a table or desk, then lift each finger (and thumb) one at a time.
- With your hand palm down against a flat surface, stretch the area between your thumb and index finger. Then stretch the area between your thumb and each remaining finger, one at a time.
Having strong hands also helps in playing the piano;
strength helps dexterity, flexibility, and control. Try some of these exercises
to make your hands stronger. Note that you can do these exercises almost
anywhere.
- Curl your fingers (starting with your first knuckle) around a stress ball, and squeeze it slowly, controlling your finger movement. This curved ball position is optimum when playing the piano.
- Try practicing playing the piano on your lap or other flat surface.
- Wave your hands as if you were British royalty, rotating your wrist with your arm at a right angle to your body and your fingers together pointing up.
- Move your arms and wrists as if you were revving up a motorcycle.
Your hands can get tired and even painful from practicing –
or using them in general. These tips can
reduce aches.
- Break every 20 minutes to do 10+ slow, controlled shoulder raises and rolls. Then extend your arms to your sides to shoulder height, and push them back to squeeze your shoulder blades.
- Position your hands as loose fists as if you were driving a car. Tilt your wrists up and down, then side to side, and move them in a circle.
- Stand up, and shift your weight from one leg to the other while letting your arms and wrists rela and flop around like a jellyfish.
With these exercises, you will play better – and your hands
will thank you.
