 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: sarah
Date: 2001-11-05 02:46
To give you a bit of background-I am a freshamn music perfomance major. Right now I am 3rd chair, first clarinet (with hopes to move up). I have been told to practice 3 hours a day, probably in 2, 1 1/2 hour sessions. The problem is, after 45 minutes or an hour of practice, my right hand ring and little fingers just stop moving. They freeze in their slightly curved position, and in order to move them I have to snap them towards my clarinet with a bit of force. This dosn't hurt, but it completly upsets my playing and I usually stop soon after this starts to happen. I was wondering if this has ever happened to anyone else, and what they did. Or if I am just strange.
sarah
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: MsRoboto
Date: 2001-11-05 03:03
I would say this probably calls for checking with a doctor. As far I know this is not a usual occurence when playing the clarinet. It could be the beginning of some kind of repetitive strain type injury. You might even want to bring your clarinet to the doctor so s/he can see what you are doing that might be causing this lockup.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2001-11-05 05:50
I suppose there is always the possibility that it could be the beginning of some kind of repetitive strain injury but I've had this happen to me on occasion during long practice sessions, particularly if I'm working on a finger-buster. I have always suspected that, in my case, it was a matter of the fingers locking up due to fatigue from being held in playing position, probably with too much rigidity or tension. Since I've started making a conscious effort to keep my hands relaxed when I'm playing, I haven't noticed it as much. With me, it could be any finger(s) on either hand and it usually doesn't happen quite as early as it does with you. I would recommend you check out the book "The Art of Practicing." Also, if your school offers any Alexander technique classes or introductory sessions, you might want to sit in. And certainly ask your teacher about it.
Best regards,
jnk
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: JMcAulay
Date: 2001-11-05 06:44
With a problem that is specific to the ring and little fingers (actually, just the outside half of the ring finger, along with the pinky), the ulnar nerve may be involved. This is the one that travels past the elbow in a rather exposed position, the location called the "funnybone." My problem is not a lockup of those fingers, but rather a constant tingling and inability to feel properly in them, along with difficulty in closing them as compared to the same ones on the other (left) hand. Anyway, rather curiously, your finger problem might be connected with your elbow. Keeping your elbow in a rigid position for long periods of time might cause problems. To help relieve this, perhaps you could try a strap to help support the instrument. I know someone who uses an English Horn strap with his clarinet, and with great success. He says it makes his right arm feel a lot better after extended playing. If that doesn't help, then I'm with MsRoboto: see a doctor, and do it soon. An orthopedic specialist may be able to suggest a way to help your condition (of course, some klutz off the street -- such as the one writing this to you -- might do the same, but I do believe your odds are a lot better with a competent MD). I had surgery to correct my problem two weeks ago, and it'll be quite a while before everything is back to normal. I was told that delaying surgery, if it's required, can extend the recovery period. I understand also that surgery is likely to be needed only if the difficulty is constant. I do hope all turns out well for you. Hey, third chair as a Freshman is not bad at all. And if you do have to cut any practice sessions short because of your problem, do another session. Always remember how to get to Carnegie Hall.
Regards,
John
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Arnold the basset hornist
Date: 2001-11-06 06:54
Well,
this may <u>also</u> be a thumb problem.
(How beatifull is to play basset horn, with floor support all the time!)
Unfortunately I cannot offer a floor peg for your clarinet and supporting your clarinet bell with a coushion will not work with the 'long' tones. You may try a neckstrap, check different positions for your thumb rest, extend your thumb rest to the right (so the weight lays some more to the right on your thumb, a 'shorter level'). Finally, there are some threads discussiing alternate thumb rests on this site.
Since I play basset horn (with floor support all the time, playing clarinet is an exception), I got a free feeling (and speed) in my right hand ring and little finger I never knew before.
I hope, this will help,
Arnold (the basset hornist)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: chellie
Date: 2001-11-06 18:28
I've had similar problems with my hands and arms when I practice. My brother is a physical therapist and I told him that my right arm kind of locks up, but I don't feel any pain until I lower my arm to my side and relax. My right index finger locks up too. He said that it is a repititive strain and that like any athlete (musicians are athletes too) we need to warm up our bodies and take time to stretch during our exercise. He told me to stop and stretch out my hands and arms every 15 or 20 minuets. Since I"ve been doing that I haven't had any problems. I hope this may help you too, good luck!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
