Klarinet Archive - Posting 001080.txt from 1999/09

From: David Blumberg <reedman@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] re: Hand position
Date: Thu, 30 Sep 1999 12:42:21 -0400

Ed Wrote:
Edwin V. Lacy" <el2@-----.edu> Subject: Re: [kl] hand posistion On
Thu, 30 Sep 1999, Rebecca Williams wrote: > Basically the problem is that
they are not putting their thumb in the > correct posistion. Then they are
putting their right index finger up > against the palm keys to support the
clarinet. I have had some success by taking two pieces of ordinary typing
paper, wadding them up into a tight ball, and having the student hold it
between the palm of their hand and the body of the clarinet. Another object
that can do the same trick is a small, sand-filled, soft rubber ball, often
sold in music stores as an exercise device for the fingers of guitarists
and other musicians. This can at least help them experience the open
feeling in the hand that they need. I wouldn't make this a long-term thing,
but sometimes only a few minutes of experimentation can help them grasp the
concept. Ed Lacy el2@-----.edu

--------------------------------

I teach it the way I learned it from Leon Russianoff. He would have a
student hold the Clarinet with the top hand (left) straight out in front
with the arm stretched out (locked elbow), and have the student with the
other hand reach out, and put the thumb naturally under the thumb rest. The
bottom thumb, and hand comes into a very natural , correct position that
way. Works with both hands (arms locked out, and place other hand into
position). Of course you have to being back the arms back towards the body,
but keeping the fingers in the same position makes for a very good hand
position.

David Blumberg
playit@-----.com
http://www.mytempo.com

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