Klarinet Archive - Posting 000640.txt from 1999/08

From: Richard Bush <rbushidioglot@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Double-Jointed Thumbs....
Date: Mon, 23 Aug 1999 22:13:00 -0400

Ben,

First let me say how much I enjoy your postings about mikes and all
aspects of recording. Such information can be very helpful to almost any
instrumentalist.

Over the years I've taught clarinet privately (41+), I've had many
students who were double-jointed, at different joints and to varying
degrees. In severe cases, and it sounds like your student is such a
case, I have NEVER found any adequate work arounds.

I screen all new students for this malady when we first start lessons.
If they have this problem and they're just starting, I tell them to play
something else, maybe trumpet or trombone. If they've been playing
clarinet for a year or two, I suggest they transfer to saxophone. If
they've been playing a long time, we just live with it and make the most
of it.

My own personal opinion is that no one should play the clarinet if
they're double-jointed in the thumbs. Depending on your student's
circumstances, I would seriously consider telling them that they will
have limited success and will experience a high degree of frustration
all along the way.

Boy, I'm not much help, am I? And this is probably NOT what you wanted
to hear. Sorry!

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Unsubscribe from Klarinet, e-mail: klarinet-unsubscribe@-----.org
Subscribe to the Digest: klarinet-digest-subscribe@-----.org
Additional commands: klarinet-help@-----.org
Other problems: klarinet-owner@-----.org