Take your keyboard to new heights: adjust your stand.

The ideal height for a keyboard bed is at the elbows when the arms are relaxed.

When setting up a portable synth or digital piano for a performance, it’s tempting to prop up the keyboard stand at a reasonably convenient height and, for the sake of time, just start playing. But for this you may pay a price during your performance with the keys being somewhat out of position.

If you sit while playing, be sure to set the stand low enough to have the key bed at elbow level. Ask a colleague for help moving the keyboard for a moment, then move it back on the stand. Of course, set the stand with enough clearance to let your knees in.

If you stand while playing, ensure the keyboard is positioned properly. Further, consider acquiring a custom double – X or table style stand if you’re tall so it’s not too narrow and too unstable.

A fun tip is to use cloth hockey or bandy tape on your stands top bars to provide a little grip under the keyboard.