Author: MarcyH
Date: 2022-06-29 10:59
I have acquired an "epidemic" of double-jointed students, this year: 3 clarinets and 2 flutes! Seems to be more of an issue for my clarinet students and I have suggested the neck strap to them (glad to know I'm on the correct path). Only one has utilized the neck strap so far, but she says it helps. I only recently remembered that I once tried a thumb rest that extend out from the clarinet, but didn't know if that would necessarily help. After reading these replies, I'll definitely look further into that option.
I have noticed 2 of these students are actually resting the clarinet on top of their thumb nail rather than the side of the thumb. I agree with those who said something about "not fixing the position". Everyone's hands are different. My only concern is that the different thumb position is preventing them from effectively covering the holes with their other fingers and sometimes interferes with fluidity of movement in changing notes. Several people on this thread said they just got used to it so I may need to break the "bad news" to my students. I would think that in the 21st century there would be SOME type of solution to this, but it might be that the condition is too different between each person to identify a specific correction.
One of my students (who does have small hands) is having a horrible time with the left thumb and is seriously on the verge of quitting! She has 2 joints affected on each thumb: base (palm bottom) and middle (palm top) - I'm in no way terminologically accurate. I was so happy when she figured out how to place her thumb so she could cover the F hole and press the register key for the higher notes. However, she has to reposition her thumb in such a way that, when going over the break, it delays her response time to quick changing notes. I've tried multiple ideas, including using medical tape around the affected joint and even tried a thumb stabilizer (not the best idea, but I didn't know what else to try). Regardless, none of those worked.
I fear that the student I started last week with similar thumbs may also have issues in the future so it would be nice if I could find a solution for (potentially) both of them. If anybody has any new ideas (as I see this conversation is 12 years old), I would greatly appreciate any help you can offer! Until then, I'll continue with the neck straps and alternate thumb rests to see how they work, as well as researching the exercises one suggested. Thanks for the input!
Marcy Holub, BME
Instructor, Halpin Music Company
Alton, IL 62002
(Notes and Rhythms, Key of Steam)
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The Clarinet BBoard
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