 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Maruja
Date: 2013-02-17 14:57
No, my fingers aren't really arthritic but they are quite slow on some of the faster runs. Can anyone suggest any useful finger exercises? Do they work? What about warming up the fingers in some way, just as you warm up the clarinet before beginning? Any ideas gratefully received!
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Author: Taras12
Date: 2013-02-17 17:27
I do have some arthritis in my fingers, and they are stiff. I'm just learning, but have found that Albert: 24 Varied Scales and Exercises might be a good place to start. Lazaras: Claranet Method 1 & 2 have progressive exercises and a few pieces to play. Both books are recommended by Ricardo Morales, Principal Clarinet, Phila. Orchestra
Tristan
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Author: kdk ★2017
Date: 2013-02-17 17:27
Any kind of gentle movement to get the blood circulating and raise the temperature of the muscles (tendons) in your hands and face should theoretically work, just as an athlete warms up before doing more demanding activity. I do a few minutes of scales - either reading them, playing the Klose scales from memory or inventing my own exercises. As I play these scales, which are low-demand but involve constant motion, I can feel increased flexibility and control in both my fingers and facial muscles. Everyone has different routines. You just need to find one that makes you more comfortable at the end of it.
That said, simply warming up won't probably do much for your finger speed or your ability to play fast runs accurately. If you can't play the run slowly, you won't be able to play it fast. One of the reasons for practicing scales and arpeggios until they're second nature is that most runs, at least in tonal music, are scales/arpeggios or almost (with something left out or some chromatic added). Once you recognize what scale or arpeggio it is, it's easier to play by falling back on the previously practiced pattern. If it's *almost* a standard scale or chord, you can concentrate on where it's different instead of on note-by-note reading.
Karl
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Author: Maruja
Date: 2013-02-17 17:54
Ah, I'm not thinking here of more to do with the clarinet - but more to do without - ie finger stretching, balling up first etc...
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Author: kdk ★2017
Date: 2013-02-17 18:52
Well, if you're doing something to warm anyway, why *not* do it with the clarinet, if it gives the result you want?
Karl
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Author: ruben
Date: 2013-02-17 20:16
Dear Maruja,
I do shiatsu massage-have been doing it on people for 30 years, especially musicians. There exist self-massages that can be readily and easily performed on your fingers that will make a significant difference. They wont cure you, but will offer relief and prevent your condition from deteriorating. Don't hesitate to get in touch with me.
rubengreenbergparisfrance@gmail.com
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Author: Taras12
Date: 2013-02-18 02:24
I had another thought for you. Massage is great as recommended by Ruben. Add to that, a hot parafin dip for your hands. There are some great units on the market which melt a mix of parafin and mineral oil. That will help as well. Actually, Playing the Clarinet will help arthritis and joint stiffening. It's non-impact and keeps the joints moving.
Tristan
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Author: kdk ★2017
Date: 2013-02-18 02:50
Maruja told us at the beginning that she doesn't have arthritis. She was using it, I think, as an image to describe fingers that lack dexterity in fast passages. As I read it, she's looking for ways to improve her finger flexibility and control.
Karl
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Author: annev
Date: 2013-02-18 15:11
If you are looking for physical warm-up exercises you may be interested in Janet Horvath's book, "Playing (less) Hurt: An Injury Prevention Guide for Musicians". She has a number of stretches that can be done before playing. I think the section on on-stage warm-ups goes through arm, hand and finger stretches. I like to do these before and after playing, when I have time, since I think they are good for maintaining flexibility and preventing overuse injuries. But I agree with Karl that if you are looking for faster more even fingers while playing, that the scale/arpeggio etc. excercises are the way to go.
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