Klarinet Archive - Posting 000985.txt from 2003/04

From: Audrey Travis <vsofan@-----.ca>
Subj: [kl] Re: Kooiman Thumb Rest
Date: Sat, 26 Apr 2003 00:45:21 -0400

Kelly
I've been away for several days and haven't had a chance to write - just
wanted to ask your opinion on whether this thumb rest might help my
situation.

The last few months I've had tendonitis in my right thumb. Physio
didn't really work so I had a cortisone shot which did help, and I then
began doing strengthening exercises with putty (recc. by my
physiotherapist), but it's now coming back. As it relates to clarinet,
it's a gripping problem, apparently not the weight of the clarinet. The

same problem happens when I grip anything too heavy. I play sitting and

always rest the bell on my knees, so I don't think my thumb is
supporting any weight, but on many notes, the RH thumb needs to grip the

clarinet to create a counterbalance to what the other fingers are doing
with the keys and holes. I find I can't play now more than about 10 -
15 minutes before pain due to gripping occurs. I've been trying, on as
many notes as possible, not to grip at all with my thumb, but just allow

it to float, but some notes really seem to require thumb pressure. In
your opinion, is it possible to learn to play virtually entirely without

using the right thumb on the clarinet? and my second question - how
does the Kooiman thumb rest work? and what does it actually do for
players? From what I've described, do you think it might be of use to
me or is it only good for relieving some of the weight of the clarinet
on the thumb? Remember, I'm already resting the weight on my knees and
my problem is gripping.

I'd really appreciate your opinion on this, because at this point I
don't know what to do and the thought of not being able to play is
devastating....

Thanks!!

Audrey Travis

I found that my beginning students stopped clutching their
horns, and also stopped biting by one simple change in their
equipment...the Kooiman Etude thumbrest, which is around $25...

I now have ALL of my beginners play on them mandatory after
about 5 lessons...they are amazed at the ease of playing the
open G and thumb F, and IMMEDIATELY stop biting/clutching
because they can balance the clarinet without having to hold on
extra with their hands on their mouth.

Just a thought...

Kelly Abraham
Woodwinds - New York City

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