Klarinet Archive - Posting 000285.txt from 2002/08

From: LeliaLoban@-----.com
Subj: [kl] Legato fingers/hand position question
Date: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 17:47:39 -0400

Joe Redmon wrote,
>[W]ho out there plays with flatter fingers and takes
>a similar approch to playing and/or teaching the
>clarinet? In the brief time I have been doing this, I
>definitely feel more relaxed regarding hands and
>fingers.

I'm an amateur and I don't teach, but FWIW, I think that to some extent, good
hand position depends on the size and shape of the hands. "Ideal" finger
position doesn't enter the equation in my case. I have no choice but to play
with fairly flat fingers, because my hands are small and my fingers are so
short and thin that if I curve them and try to seal the holes with my bony
fingertips, I get air leaks and squeaks. If I flatten my fingers slightly, a
thicker part of the finger pad covers each hole
adequately. Fortunately, I find the flattened position comfortable anyway.

Lelia
LeliaLoban@-----.com

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