I agree. Shifting is not neccessary but can make it a bit more comfortable, esp. when the left hand is near the treble or vice versa.

I'm actually using an adjustable chair for practise. I can still shift around a little bit, I just sort of sitting at the side edge of the chair when necessary.

I use whatever's in the practice room =)

Prefer adjustable benches. That way I can set it as low as I want, and I don't think about falling on the ground, because it's necessary to move most of the time.

Ok currawong, tomorrow I will pay attention to what I'm doing with my feet.
I might try possibly sitting a bit further back but I don't think I'll like it, it's like I might be losing a bit of control ?
I remember a member recently posted a video of a guy from Napoli sitting even more forward on his bench than what I do. He was in total control.

Just to clarify - I didn't mean sitting further back on the bench, but having the bench itself far enough back so that you're not sitting too close. I sit on the front 3rd of the bench.

Thanks currawong for the clarification. I think I'm about the same height as my former piano teacher and I can't remember whether I moved his bench forward or not. I also sit on the front 3rd of my bench.
Is it unprofessional to move along the bench or is it a matter of personal taste ?

Thanks currawong for the clarification. I think I'm about the same height as my former piano teacher and I can't remember whether I moved his bench forward or not. I also sit on the front 3rd of my bench.
Is it unprofessional to move along the bench or is it a matter of personal taste ?

Well it's certainly a matter of personal taste for me . I like to feel anchored rather than sliding to and fro, especially as most of my playing is done by reading the score, not memory (accompanying & chamber music) so it's important to know where you are without looking. Of course I move up for 4-hand work!

Drummer's throne with a back - was not inexpensive, but the extra support (without being in the way) of the narrow back of the throne) allows me to play longer without my back starting to hurt.

http://www.music123.com/Pearl-D2000BR-Ro...WWRWXGB&o=5

Fully adjustable height, back height and angle. Does not look traditional at all - but was worth every $.

Jansen benches are built like the proverbial tank - and are almost as heavy - with two distinct advantages. They stand up to a great deal of use and (in my experience, at least) they are less prone to developing the squeaks and creaks that some other benches do as they age.

Regards,

Good point BruceD!

Now that I think of it, I dont think I have ever played a non jansen style, or a metal bench that -didnt- creak!

Maybe I will build one.

I just sit on the edge of my bed.

Do you sit on a chair or a bench? I sit on a bench. I also sit on a chair. =p

I've had mine for 30 years, and it's still as solid as a tank.

For those who'd like a chair just like Glenn Gould's, you can buy an exact copy from and Italian company for $1557.00, or you can build an adjustable one yourself:

http://www.mprportfolio.com/b5l2o8g1s1/?p=16


Mel

Does it creak and squeak too?

Thanks Mel for the interesting picture of Gould's chair from the Italian company. I'm used to my bench which is only very slightly padded, but Gould's chair looks really uncomfortable. Considering his circular playing motion, I'm thinking he wouldn't have required the back more than 50% of the time ?!

I know about heavy first hand. My teacher has a mixed bag of students. The one immediately before me is an eight year old boy. As she's quite elderly, I perform the ritual Moving of the Bench while she's seeing him out. I have my very own benchmarks on the carpet now.

I have one of the small concert stools from here:

http://www.john-austin-furniture.co.uk/concertstools.html

in black leather and polished black woodwork - should outlive me comfortably......

My Hailun piano came with an artists bench. It is padded leather, and adjustable for height. That's my favorite.

Prior to this, when playing my digital piano, I used an office chair. It was great too, allowing height adjustment as well as lateral movement.

Hop

But I stand sideways instead. Just kidding.