Klarinet Archive - Posting 000594.txt from 2001/07

From: RobynB1070@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl] Double Jointed fingers cont.
Date: Sat, 21 Jul 2001 00:53:34 -0400

Michelle,

I must precede this message with a warning. I am one year younger than you,
as I am only entering my freshman year in college this fall. That warning
aside, here are my thoughts (guesses) on your finger problem.......

My clarinet teacher has recently been instilling a strict regimen of what he
calls "Alexander technic", which involves distinguishing between necessary
and unnecessary tension and movement. I have found it to be very helpful in
keeping me from tensing up when I play. My (uneducated) guess would be that
your finger problems stem from too much tension (trying to squeeze the notes
out of the clarinet) in your fingers. All I can suggest for that without
seeing you play is to concentrate on relaxation and try to practice in a way
that is effortless (i.e. slower, different rhythms, etc.). The book that my
teacher swears by (but that I have not yet read) is called either The Art Of
Practicing, or The Art And Technic Of Practicing. I don't know exactly what
it is about, but I know it addresses Alexander technic. Something to try
anyway.

You asked for some finger strengthening exercises. These are the ones that I
am aware of --
1. Take a clothespin and hold it between your thumb and index finger, with
both fingers curved. Slowly open and close the clothespin a few times, and
be sure not to support your finger with the rest of your fingers. Keep them
separate. Do this with each of the fingers on each hand. (The pinky is the
hardest)
2. Place your hand on a hard flat surface with all your fingers curved.
Lift each finger and hit it on the surface, keeping it curved and trying to
make the loudest pop possible ( without hurting yourself).

Well, there is my unprofessional opinion. I hope helps!

Sincerely,

Robyn

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