When you’re teaching music for several hours a day, comfort isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. I learned this the hard way after spending years on a standard piano bench. While benches may look traditional, most don’t have adjustable height or proper support. For me, that meant constant stiffness in my back after long lessons. Eventually, I realized that if I was going to keep teaching effectively, I needed to take my studio setup seriously.
The first big change I made was upgrading to a proper chair. Instead of relying on a bench, I chose a chair with adjustable height and solid back support. The difference was immediate. My posture improved, I felt less strain during lessons, and I could focus more on my students rather than on my own discomfort. If you’re a teacher, I can’t recommend this switch enough.
But even with a better chair, sitting for long stretches can still catch up with you. That’s when I decided to add something new: a Strongtek curved standing board with acupressure points. This board allows me to gently rock back and forth, which helps mobilize my hips and engage my core. The acupressure points also give my feet a nice release after standing. It might sound like a small adjustment, but it has made a big impact on how energized I feel by the end of the day.
Another important piece of the puzzle is movement. Even with ergonomic tools, it’s crucial to stretch in between lessons. Sometimes I’ll do a quick shoulder roll or stand up and stretch my back before the next student arrives. On especially long teaching days, I’ll even pause for a short stretch during a class. My students often don’t mind—they actually see it as a reminder to take care of their own posture too.
These ergonomic changes may seem simple, but together they’ve helped me extend my teaching hours without sacrificing my health. More importantly, they allow me to show up fully present for my students. At the end of the day, that’s what matters most.
If you’re thinking about upgrading your own studio, start with one change and notice how your body feels. I’d also love to hear what works for you—do you have a favorite chair, tool, or habit that makes teaching easier? And if you’re interested in more than just setup, check out my post on listening to your students, which is another essential part of being an effective teacher.
