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Doublereed Archive - Posting 000041.txt from 2005/09

From: "atlconcertband@-----.com>
Subj: [DR-L] Student Hand Positrion
Date: Sun, 25 Sep 2005 10:24:46 -0400

I have a new oboe student who has been playing for 3 years in the school
band, but has never had private lessons before. Her hand position (both
hands) is odd to say the least. Her fingers are held flat and she seems to
be holding the weight of the oboe with her hands rather than the thumb
rest, blocking any freedom of finger movement, and resulting in a "groping"
technique. Some fingers are bent at the knuckle near the fingernail. It
is very difficult for her to change because she's been at it this way for 3
years. Her explanation for hanging on to her method is "I can't help it --
I'm double jointed."

I'm having her play very simple exercises -- beginning level -- so she can
concentrate entirely on how she is holding the oboe, finger position, etc.
But after 3 or 4 measures, her hands are back in her odd position -- "I
can't help it, I'm double jointed!" She has been very cooperative with
other changes we've worked on in the few weeks she has been taking lessons
-- embouchure, breath support, etc.

Has anyone had similar experience? Any advice would be most appreciated.

Judy

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