3 Signs To Know That You Have a Cello Posture Problem
As a cello teacher, I have worked with over 100 students, each with a unique body type, strengths, and challenges. But how do you identify that someone has a posture problem? Over time and through my experience, I have categorized the signs of cello posture problems into three main groups:
Visual problems – when a student looks incorrect
Audio problems – when the cello doesn’t sound good
Physical problems – when a student feels wrong, experiencing pain or tension somewhere
We cannot ignore these three types of problems because even if today a student doesn’t feel pain or tension and only looks or sounds slightly off, that doesn’t mean that after a year of playing like that, real problems won’t develop. Everyone’s body is very individual and unique, and we must use it with respect when learning to play the cello.
Actually, when doing any activity. 😉
Visual Problems – When Posture Looks Incorrect
This is the easiest sign to spot, especially for an experienced teacher. A student’s posture might look off in general, or sometimes, just a single finger might look "wrong." From my experience, the most common visual posture problems are low right elbow, left thumb too close to the index finger, incorrect endpin length, and different variations of the balanced look between the index finger and pinky on the right hand.
Very often, visual and audio problems are connected. If a student’s arms, entire body position—including the neck, legs, and hands—look wrong and produce a poor sound, then a change in posture is clearly required. However, if the posture looks slightly off but the sound is good and the student feels comfortable, it might simply be an individual way of holding the bow or the instrument. Of course, this applies only when the deviation is not extreme. For instance, even minor differences in bow hold, such as the depth of the fingers on the bow, can be acceptable if the overall sound quality is excellent and there is no discomfort.
Audio Problems – When the Cello Sounds Bad
Incorrect cello posture directly influences the sound. A student might have a weak sound, produce scratchy or whistling tones, struggle with spiccato and other bouncing bow strokes, or be unable to play forte.
However, if a student sounds bad but experiences no pain or stress and maintains a healthy-looking posture, it might simply be that their practice routine isn’t effective. In such cases, a teacher’s insight is invaluable in determining whether the current posture can ever produce the desired sound or if alternative practice strategies might help. If after focused practice there is still no improvement in sound, then it might be a deeper issue that requires posture changes.
Physical Problems – When a Student Feels Pain or Tension
This is the most dangerous type of posture issue because pain and tension can lead to long-term injuries. If a student feels discomfort in their hands, shoulders, back, or neck, something must be adjusted. Some students don’t even realize how much tension they are holding.
When I first met my student C. many years ago, their shoulder muscles (the trapezius area) were extremely tense, while their upper arm muscles were super weak. They couldn’t produce forte, and their right elbow was low. When we started working, the visual and audio problems were absolutely noticeable to me, but the physical pain was something we discovered much later. C. had adapted to this pain and didn’t even believe they could feel different on the cello. We started by consciously relaxing the trapezius area, and they began doing physical exercises to strengthen their arms. This story has a happy ending –my student C. became a professional cellist and now has their own students.
Pain is a clear sign that something needs to change. Unlike visual or audio problems, pain always requires correction, no matter how good a student looks or sounds. And I would not recommend trying to fix it alone.
At the Very End
Recognizing posture problems early is essential for long-term success on the cello. While some individual variations are acceptable, certain issues must be addressed to prevent pain, improve sound quality, and build a sustainable technique.
If you are unsure whether your posture is correct, I highly recommend working with a teacher—even if only for occasional guidance. Small adjustments can have a huge impact on comfort and sound.
Stay healthy and enjoy your cello journey! ♥︎