Klarinet Archive - Posting 001078.txt from 1999/09

From: Richard Bush <rbushidioglot@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] hand posistion
Date: Thu, 30 Sep 1999 12:42:19 -0400

It is always easier to teach something right--the first time, the second
time, the third time, or until they GET IT RIGHT! Persistence is very
important. Many bad habits that form are predictable. Only experience
will teach the teacher what to look out for.

Bad right hand position on clarinet can be one or both of two different
bad habits. The first is pushing the thumb too far under the clarinet on
the thumb rest. Leblanc use to sell a screw-on appliance that had a stop
to prevent the thumb from scooting too far on the thumb rest. I think it
was called "The Tom Thumb." I loaned mine out to many students. Well,
the loaner ultimately never got back to me and they're not making them
any more.

Hooking the right forefinger under the side Eb/Bb key and using it as a
handle is the other problem, the one mentioned.

Both problems might be easier to correct by using one of those neck
straps that hooks onto the thumb rest. This could be especially helpful
to a little and weak beginner who finds the weight of the clarinet a
challenge.

When this thread runs it course, we can then take up the subject of bad
habits that clarinet players pick up and use in their left hand
position--a whole different issue.

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