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Doublereed Archive - Posting 000045.txt from 2005/09
From: "Miriam Williams" <mwquacker@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [DR-L] Student Hand Positrion
Date: Sun, 25 Sep 2005 17:27:23 -0400
Sounds like one of my jr. high students! Holds her fingers nearly flat, but
seems to manage okay. She's trying to change and has made some progress.
When I ask her to arch the fingers (as they look when they're in a relaxed
position), the first joint nearest the fingertip bends when applied to the
oboe.
Some kind of support may help. A neckstrap is inexpensive and readily
available, and that might help her with support initially.
But perhaps a device that takes off all the weight such as Michael Benthin's
MUTS would be good. It could be that she might always need it, but maybe
not; as she grows, she may get stronger. I have some joint problems in my
thumbs and use it all the time.
I think the individual finger lifts are a good idea - could you elaborate
on them more, Jackie?
Miriam
----- Original Message -----
From: <atlconcertband@-----.com>
To: <doublereed@-----.org>
Sent: Sunday, September 25, 2005 9:23 AM
Subject: [DR-L] Student Hand Positrion
>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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