Ergonomic Foam Seating for Musicians
It's well known that those working at desks all day should use a supportive, ergonomic chair that aids posture and seating position, with solutions such as contoured seating and back, feet and neck cushions. These needs are just as important for professional musicians: ergonomic seating supports posture for perfect control of an instrument, aids comfortable breathing and protects against poor posture – all the more necessary with a heavy instrument.
Why musicians need ergonomic seating
For cello players, sitting is compulsory because of the instrument. For others, such as violin and wind players, sitting isn't required but is often preferred, particularly when practising for long periods at home or in a studio, or playing in formal orchestral settings and concerts.
The ideal musician's chair
The most popular choice for performing and rehearsing is a seat with a firm foam base and a straight, hard backrest. With only a slight curve – far less than office chairs and similar seats – the player is encouraged to extend the spine and improve posture, which in turn aids comfort while holding an instrument.
A custom foam seat pad solution
These seating solutions can be expensive bought directly from a retailer. A good compromise is a custom-made foam seat pad used on a hard, straight-backed chair such as a modern dining chair (older, traditional chairs are often slanted or curved). Using eFoam's cut to size tool, a seat cushion can be made to your specification – we recommend very high-density polyurethane so the contoured shape holds under bodyweight. To order, take a photo of your desired shape and close-ups of its contours, along with approximate dimensions (width, depth, and the lowest, highest and centre points of any curved areas).
Customising an existing music chair
If you don't have a fully flat-backed chair, you can order a contoured foam piece to complement your chair's curve. For example, if your chair curves back, a wedge cushion can be created to level out the back of the seat. To create a snug custom solution, take photos and dimensions before contacting us.
If you already own a specialist music chair, you may wish to customise it, as retailers typically offer non-tailored options. Some find very high-density foam seats less comfortable than hoped and want to switch to a memory foam filling. Luckily, this is something we can help with. Memory foam supports the natural curves and lines of the body, and can encourage better posture for some players.
To discuss your custom foam seating solution with one of our friendly, knowledgeable colleagues, please contact us.
Frequently asked questions
What chair is best for musicians?
The most popular choice is a seat with a firm foam base and a straight, hard backrest with only a slight curve – far less than an office chair. This encourages the player to extend the spine and improve posture, which aids comfort and instrument control.
Can I make a musician's seat pad myself?
Yes. A custom foam seat pad made to specification can be used on a hard, straight-backed chair such as a modern dining chair. We recommend very high-density polyurethane so the contoured shape holds up under bodyweight; send a photo and dimensions to order.
Can I add memory foam to a music chair?
Yes. If you find a very high-density foam seat less comfortable than hoped, it can be changed to a memory foam filling. Memory foam supports the natural curves of the body and can encourage better posture for some players.
