Playing Position

Standard Sitting Position

Qawwali Sitting Position

There are two common sitting positions, a standard position and one used by qawwali singers.  The standard position is simple.  On simply places the harmonium on the ground.  The right hand plays the keys while the left hand pumps the bellows.  This is the most common position used in India today.  There is also a position used by qawwali singers and folk musicians.  For this position one end of the harmonium rests on the ground while the other end rest partially in the lap.  Both positions are illustrated in the above pictures.
The position is reversed for left handed musicians.  In such cases the right hand pumps the bellows while the left hand plays the melody.
The harmonium may also be played standing and walking. In this case the harmonium is slung by a strap around the neck. This however, seems to be limited to beggars that one may occasionally encounter.