In one of my recent workshops, pianists cited physical tension as the number one challenge they face at the piano. This wasn't surprising at all! As most musicians know from hands-on experience, it's not easy to simply flip the tension switch off. 

Injury is no fun, but it happens at an alarmingly high rate among musicians. The exact number varies.

For me, the question of respiratory function and playing piano has been filled with frustration and uncertainty. To be we must breathe, and the way we breathe greatly impacts our quality of life and musicianship.

Two weeks ago my friend Suzanne and I visited David Steinbuhler, founder of the D.S. Standard Foundation. David custom builds piano actions with narrower key sizes.