Bassoon

The body's centre position is the basic position to which the musician always returns. In the centre position, the spine maintains its natural curves. Spinal curves vary between individuals; in the centre position, the backs and hips of different people may look different.

In order to find the correct posture, the musicians should first examine the position of their pelvis. The pelvic centre position can be found, for example, by first pushing the pelvis as far in and out as possible. The centre position provides optimal mobility of the pelvis and good control of the deep abdominal muscles. Furthermore, when the pelvis is in the centre position, the thoracic spine and the rib cage also stay in the centre position more easily; this enables free and well-supported breathing. The centre position of the thoracic spine can also be found through extreme positions. When the thoracic spine and the rib cage are in the centre position, breathing is easy, the breastbone is in a vertical position and the back extensors are engaged but not tense. The rib cage/thoracic spine and the pelvis should be aligned when viewed from the side. The centre position of the head and neck can be found by first moving the head back and forward, then leaving it in the centre position where there is free movement between the skull and the cervical spine.

A correct position of the thoracic spine and the rib cage enables optimal muscular support for the shoulder blades. In turn, these muscles ensure relaxed and strong arm movement. The shoulder blades should be in a vertical position against the ribs, encouraging a natural position of the shoulders. If the shoulder blade tilts forward and/or wings off, the shoulder blades have insufficient muscular support, causing strain in the neck and shoulder area and the upper limbs.

A typical faulty position for bassoonists involves curving the thoracic spine and twisting it to the left, causing the shoulder blades and shoulders to tilt forward and the head to push forward. In addition, this can cause the pelvis to tilt back, which straightens the lumbar spine. The playing position of the right hand (close to the body and low) makes it difficult to support the right shoulder blade against the ribs. The right shoulder blade often tilts forward and drops compared to the left side.

The right height of the instrument/reed is very important for finding a right position. If the instrument is too low, the musician is forced to curve his or her thoracic spine and to tilt the pelvis backwards in order to be able to play.

When playing the bass bassoon, the instrument should be on the floor in a position that allows for good posture of the head and neck.