Author: Dutchy
Date: 2008-12-15 02:41
Welcome to the Bboard! This place is an invaluable resource for those of us who need to holler for help periodically. ![[grin]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smilie5.gif)
I am a 53-year-old woman, an adult amateur, playing a Fox 333, and while I don't have particularly small (or large) hands, I too had (and still have occasionally) trouble playing the left-hand Eb, and my fingers, too, wanted to "lock up". What I found helped was practice, practice, practice, and very specifically, playing scales and arpeggios, not necessarily only in the key of Eb, but just overall that it contributes to flexibility and strength. You don't use that finger for much, and it tends to be weak, and I was very frustrated at first, but after several months of really focusing intensively on scales and arpeggios, and also working with Barret, I found that it eventually started to get better. Regular methodical playing of scales and arpeggios also helped the issue of forearm strength to hold the oboe--I thought I'd have to get a neck strap or a Phred at one point, but then eventually it got better, as my forearm got stronger. It's like a ballet dancer doing "class" at the barre; you strengthen the muscles with routine small movements.
I wouldn't try to force your fingers into some unnatural position, and I also wouldn't focus on "speed" just yet. Just because 30 years ago you used to be able to play those 16th note runs at top speed, doesn't mean you're going to be able to jump right back in. (sez the slower-than-she-used-to-be Fifty-something ) Baby steps, hon, baby steps.
I would just keep playing. It'll come.
What's your hand span? If I measure my hand stretched out on a ruler, it's 7-3/4" from pinkie to thumbtip. I think I have average-sized hands.
ETA: You've been gone for a while...the new Schuring edition of Barret is superb; much easier to read than the Old Fogey. I have both, and trust me, the Old Fogey is relegated to the bottom of the "Not Currently Using" pile. Schuring is MUCH more pleasant to work with. Amazon has it. Thirty bucks, and worth every penny.
Post Edited (2008-12-15 02:48)
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