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Doublereed Archive - Posting 000044.txt from 2005/09

From: Esther McLeod <oboeessie@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [DR-L] Student Hand Positrion
Date: Sun, 25 Sep 2005 17:15:46 -0400

Judy,
I am also double jointed. The third finger on my
right hand will sometimes lock and I will be unable to
bend it to reach the regular F fingering (from the D
key) without getting my hand away from the oboe and
shaking it out. This isn't usually a problem unless I
have been practicing for a long time, and then a short
break will allow me to relax enough to be able to go
back to it without problems. However, the third
finger on my left hand often assumes the
double-jointed position without any extra tension and
having no bad effects on my technique. It doesn't
seem to be a problem at all. The real thing that
seems troubling about your student's position is the
fact that she is carrying the weight of the oboe in
her fingers. This just won't work because the fingers
are not able to move. Perhaps you could sometimes
hold the oboe for her in her lessons or maybe a neck
strap would be helpful? Good luck!

Esther

--- "atlconcertband@-----.com"
<atlconcertband@-----.com> wrote:

> 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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