The Clarinet BBoard

The Clarinet BBoard The C4 standard

New Topic | Go to Top | Go to Topic | Search | Help/Rules | Smileys/Notes | Log In

Previous Message | Next Message

Re: Student right thumb problem

Author: nellsonic
Date: 2020-02-26 11:38

There's no good reason to not use a neck-strap if it's helpful. More and more players of all ages and abilities are doing so and this is why manufacturers like Yamaha are now making loops for their attachment a standard part of the thumb rest. Regularly hanging a substantial object off the end of your thumb for any significant length of time is not really a "best practice" for keeping your hand healthy over years and decades. Instead of questioning the need for a neck strap I think we might better question why serious students and pros don't do it as a matter of self-preservation.

Young students especially should be encouraged to use them. These kids support the clarinet from under the trill keys largely because it is heavy for their little hands. Let's help them out!

Here's more discussion about neck straps and pros that use them such as Ricardo Morales: http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/read.html?f=1&i=363811&t=363631

I would agree that a full length mirror is important. I have one in my studio that I use all the time, especially with beginners. So much more information is absorbed when the eyes are helping to gather it. We use tetrachords to work on hand position and as preparation for scales. One of the best times to attend to right hand position is when it's not involved in playing notes, such as during a 1st octave C or D Major tetrachord. Students quickly memorize these short patterns and are able to watch themselves in the mirror. I've also found some success having them hold a tightly balled piece of paper in their right hand while playing. The size can be adjusted by using more or less paper. If I want to send it home with them I wrap in tape so that it stays intact. I rarely find this necessary anymore, but it was helpful earlier in my career.

I've written more about tetrachords here: http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/read.html?f=1&i=443176&t=443133

Poor hand position of this sort sometimes creeps up on high schoolers during marching season because of all the "visuals" (choreography) which has them swinging the clarinet around at all angles while playing. It's an understandable coping mechanism but habituation needs to be guarded against by regular attention to fundamentals. It's but one symptom of what I lovingly refer to as 'marching-band-itis".

Anders

Post Edited (2020-02-26 11:47)

Reply To Message | Avail. Forums | Flat View

Newer Topic | Older Topic

Topics

Author

Date

Student right thumb problem new

ACCA

2020-02-25 15:47