How to Release Shoulder Tension When Practicing Fast

When you’re practicing fast scales, it’s easy to think it’s all about your fingers' speed, accuracy, and evenness.

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But what most pianists overlook is that real control comes from the whole body, not just the hands. If you’ve ever noticed that your playing becomes tense or uneven as you speed up, the problem probably isn’t in your fingers, it’s in your shoulders, rib cage, and even your lower back.

In this video, I’ll show you how to practice consciously by paying attention to what’s happening throughout your torso. This approach helps you not only play faster but also with greater ease, flow, and precision. As you increase speed, tension naturally builds in areas like the shoulders and rib cage and that tension directly interferes with your ability to move freely and maintain control.

When I play a scale, I’m not just focused on the notes or finger movement. I’m monitoring my entire body. I’m noticing what’s happening in my rib cage, my tummy, my lower back, and especially my shoulders. Because I know that as I go faster, my body wants to tighten. And if I
don’t catch that tension early, it will affect the sound, speed, and fluidity of the entire passage.

That’s why I practice consciously constantly observing and releasing tension before it becomes a problem. Each repetition becomes an opportunity to strengthen awareness and develop more control, not just physically but mentally as well. The more aware you become of your body while playing, the easier it becomes to stay relaxed and efficient, even at high speeds.

Here’s what to focus on when practicing fast scales
🎯 1. Shoulders- Are they starting to rise or tighten as you speed up Gently release them down.
🎯 2. Rib cage & torso- Feel if you’re holding your breath or tightening the upper body. Keep the rib cage soft and open.
🎯 3. Lower back & tummy- Notice if you’re gripping these areas for stability. Allow natural support instead of tension.
🎯 4. Fingers- Let them follow the freedom of the torso. When the upper body is free, finger movement becomes smoother.

This kind of mindful practice builds long-term efficiency. You’ll develop a sensitivity to the subtle ways your body reacts to pressure and speed. That awareness is the foundation of mastery, and it allows you to play with greater strength, movement, and control without fatigue or injury.

The best part is, once you start practicing this way, you’ll begin to notice when tension sneaks in even mid-performance. You’ll be able to adjust instantly by consciously releasing the tension from your shoulders, torso, or rib cage, restoring freedom to your movement and clarity to your sound.

Remember fast playing doesn’t come from forcing speed it comes from removing what’s blocking it. The more relaxed your torso is, the faster and more effortlessly your fingers can move.

So next time you sit at the piano, don’t just pay attention to your fingers. Pay attention to your whole body. Notice your shoulders, your rib cage, and your breathing. Practice with awareness. Monitor what’s happening inside. Because when your body is free, your music will flow with ease, energy, and confidence.

🎹 Key Takeaways
Fast scales require attention beyond just the fingers.
Monitor your shoulders, rib cage, and lower back to prevent tension.
Consciously release tension as speed increases.
Build awareness of movement throughout your torso.
Play faster and smoother by practicing with full-body attention.

This video will help you refine not only your technique but also your relationship with your body while playing. Awareness and conscious practice are the hidden keys to musical freedom.


Hi, I'm Helen Aun! I'm a peak performance coach, Alexander Technique teacher, and business mentor for pianists and piano teachers. With over 25 years of experience as a professional pianist and educator, I help musicians play with confidence and ease, and build successful careers.

What I Do:
Founder of The Helen Aun Institute, dedicated to helping pianists thrive artistically and financially.
Help pianists overcome performance anxiety and physical pain.

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