Klarinet Archive - Posting 000646.txt from 1999/03

From: Neil Leupold <nleupold@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: [kl] Fingers eveness! How??
Date: Thu, 11 Mar 1999 13:52:11 -0500

On Thu, 11 Mar 1999, Soo Khoon Goh wrote:

> I have been really frustrated lately with my practices because my
> fingers seemed to have a mind of their own. I know it is all my fault, but
> I was wondering if there are any exercises I could practice to get
> my fingers to be even on scales in running passages? Another thing is, I
> am VERY tense when I play. I am so tense that sometimes, my muscles
> (biceps) hurts when I'm done practicing for an hour or so. Is there any
> suggestions as to how to relax myself? I know the relaxation and the
> uneven fingers are directly correlated. So if anyone with experience could
> suggests something I can do, I would really appreciate it.

Here's a relaxer (not a joke): stop playing for a week. If
you're experiencing such a high degree of tension, it is per-
haps best if you start by relaxing your brain first. Get
away from the instrument and let your mind & body "come down"
from the tension habit you have developed.

In my early years of undergraduate study, I suffered from the
kind of tension you describe. By the end of a practice session,
my hands were so stiff that I had a death grip on the instrument.
My hands and arms hurt to such a degree, I'm surprised I didn't
develop tendonitis. Among the things you must work into your
practice routine are relaxation exercises. You've worked your-
self into knots -- both mentally and physically -- and it is
time for you to simplify your practice routine in order to
undo the "damage".

Simple trills, very slow and even, are a good start. I recommend
against the more complicated exercises that others are suggesting,
as well as detailed study that demands intense mental focus.
Instead, do something which does not require that you develop
a new motor skill or a new concept of how to play. In order
to re-program your mind and body, it is best (and easiest) if
you move slowly, working on something basic to your technique,
and then take a break when feel the tension creeping in.

But like I said, perhaps it's best if you start by taking
some time off from the instrument, and make a plan for how
you're going to relax and take breaks when you pick up the
instrument again.

Neil

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