Doublereed Archive - Posting 000046.txt from 2005/09

From: PhilFrei@-----.com
Subj: [DR-L] Re: Student Hand Position
Date: Sun, 25 Sep 2005 19:16:51 -0400

I can't speak to particular problems of double-jointedness. The advice given
on strengthening the fingers/joints seems very, very pertinent.

But changing old, established habits is a difficult chore just on it's own.
One thing that is important is commitment. Does your student truly "get it,"
that this change can lead to big improvements to her playing? Maybe a little
more get her to "buy in" would be helpful. One needs a lot of motivation to
change an established habit.

Another aspect is not to make a big deal about dropping out of the new
position. Just note one strayed and go back to the task at hand. Keep the initial
tasks simple so the mind isn't distracted from the new habit that one is
establishing. Perhaps the initial drills need to be even simpler.

Another thought -- how much pressure is being used to close the keys? Fingers
really should be quite light, but beginners tend to really clutch the oboe.
Working on lightening the fingers may help bring the stress on the joints down
and lessen the likelihood of their collapsing.

When working on lightening finger pressure, I like to do exercises that
combine a simple task with a large dynamic change. For example: B-A-G-A (left
hand), repeating with the dynamic changing from pp to ff and back during the course
of the repetitions. For the right hand: F#-E-D-E. (1st loop p to mp, 2nd mf
to f, 3rd f to mf, 4th mp to p).

The volume change is important, as there is a tendency to clutch more on ff
than pp, and this exercise, if done right, helps disengage that intuitive,
automatic habit.

Best wishes,

Phil Freihofner

---------------------------------------------------------------------
For personal help: email doublereed-owner@-----.org
Doublereed is a service of Woodwind.Org, Inc. http://www.woodwind.org