Sun, 19 Apr 2026 22:40:38 +0000

You Were Taught Wrong About the Lateral Position—Here’s the Shocking Truth When it comes to music education, one image dominates: the senior chair, the conductor with arms wide, and the “lateral position” — the standard posture students are taught to sit while performing. But what if everything you knew about this crucial stance is incomplete — even misleading? ### The Conventional Story: What Students Are Taught For decades, music schools and instructors have emphasized the lateral (or “left-side leaning”) position, suggesting it optimizes technique, visibility, and posture during ensemble playing. The message? Lean slightly to your left, align your body, and play with precision and expression. But current research and expert analysis reveal a different, far more nuanced reality.