Piano Bench Height

by Jeremy
(Ontario, Cananda)

Question: I was wondering if you could give specific suggestions as to the height of a piano bench. I have a fixed-height wooden bench that doesn't match the piano, but I may be able to modify it or buy a new one if necessary. I am in grade eight piano, just in case you're interested.

Albert's reply: A good rule of thumb is that your forearm should be about level with the white keys. The arm may be angled such that the elbow is lower than the wrist, but the opposite (a downward slant from the elbow to the wrist) is best avoided.

In other words, it's better to sit low than high. The reason is that you'll get finer control of the key, and thus finer dynamic shades and tone colors.

Any comments from pianists and piano teachers?