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Posture of arms while playing

Author: Wayne
Date: 2001-04-30 04:12

I recently took my first clarinet lesson after some years away. I find that as I try to more accurately finger (economical movement?) I raise my elbows slightly. This keeps the fingers straight, over the holes, but is it the right wasy to play - in this position my fingers are not as bent - just wondering. Unfortunately, my teacher really liked my tone and didn't get into arm/finger posture. It looks a little funny but it really helps.

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RE: Posture of arms while playing

Author: Mike Irish
Date: 2001-04-30 11:59

Hi Wayne...

I dont think it matters a whole lot... some may be personal preferance...

I tend to hold the Clarinet at about 45deg ... the Oboe, I tend to bring up more horizontal..... and the flute I play at horizontal ( duh )...
now my oldest boy plays the clarinet with it held more vertical.... as well as the oboe.... I am trying to get him to raise the oboe up ... which will raise his head up so he can see the director better, and maintain cosistant / more even preasure on both sides of the read... while we were practicing, I had both his oboe and mine tuned to the piano... while he would let his horn drop, it would go flat... not much, maybe 10 - 20 %....

most the kids in the band here play bent necked, and horns almost vertical...

mostly... need to be able to watch the conductor, and see the music... and play in tune.... and if it is comfortible.... possition may not be too much an issue...

Mike

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RE: Posture of arms while playing

Author: Ken Shaw
Date: 2001-04-30 17:30

Wayne -

I try to keep my elbows fairly close to my body, mostly for comfort in my hands and wrists. I find that I have the least amount of hand and wrist strain when I keep as close as possible to a straight line down the top of my forearm and along the back of my hand. Any "cocking back" of my wrists (particular the right wrist) causes pain after a while.

Leon Russianoff had a good exercise. Hold the instrument vertically at arm's length out in front of you with your left hand wrapped around the barrel. Reach out with your right hand and put it in the playing position. Move your left hand to the playing position. Pull the instrument back to your body, keeping the same hand and wrist position.

Best regards.

Ken Shaw

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