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THE proper position for the performer is to take a seat before the middle of the key-board on a piano of seven octaves ; this will be from  and at such a distance from it, that the arms can. conveniently reach the farthest keys of the instrument, and can also be crossed, and move with entire freedom in both directions. The music-stool should be firm and secure, and so high that the elbows may be a little above the level of the key-board. Both feet ought to be placed on the pedals the right foot on the loud, the left foot on the soft pedal.

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It is essential that the performer should see at once that the seat is convenient and firm, thus avoiding a future shifting or moving about, which produces unevenness in the performance, and a corresponding uneasiness in the listener. A good position at the piano is as important as a good way of sitting at the desk for writing. The movements of the arms ought to be graceful and easy ; the trick of spreading out the arms in such a way that each elbow protrudes like the apex of a triangle is very ugly and objectionable. All contortions of the face, any tendency towards grimacing, raising the eyebrows, frowning, shaking the head, or any other tricks, should be carefully avoided : the same thing maybe said of the habit of swaying the body to and fro, either from side to side, or backwards and forwards or shrugging the shoulders. A natural, unaffected, and graceful appearance, united with the correct expression and intelligent performance of a good piece of music will greatly aid the effect produced.