 The Oboe BBoard
|
Author: lor65uk
Date: 2007-08-11 20:00
Hi, Strange question for you. I have just started playing again after a long break and seem to have developed a very tight 3rd finger on my left hand (G finger!), which is causing me problems in fast moving pieces. I'm not smooth especially from F sharp to A (I get a G in between). My fingers arch for the top 2 keys but are very straight for the third.
On my current Oboe I don't have a key over the hole which might be causing some problems, but I wondered if anyone had any advice?
I spoke to an Alexander technique person who said it was nerves causing a tightening of my fingers, but I don't know how to stop this (directing it into my feet would be much better!). I'm looking to buy a new Oboe shortly but not until i've sorted this problem out.
Thanks
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Chris P
Date: 2007-08-11 20:24
The ring finger isn't the most agile of fingers and it moves in conjunction with the little finger due to the way the muscles and tendons are connected.
If you place your fingertips on a table with your arm raised and then lift each finger in turn, the finger with the least agility is the ring finger.
The only thing to do is get used to forcing yourself to lifting it cleanly and be conscious of it when going from F# to A. Practice this interval sowly and cleanly, then gradually build up the speed. Rotate your wrist upwards as you lift off LH finger 3 as well (and this is especially beneficial in the upper register when switching the 8ve keys over).
I get told off for slapping my ring fingers down by my oboe teacher - she's surprised at this being the ring finger is the weakest, but as I've played sax for a lot longer than oboe the ring fingers on both hands do have to work hard - the LH ring finger has to close a heavily sprung key as this key makes the 8ve mechanism to switch over in the upper register and needs to have a heavy spring to be sure the lower vent closes, and the RH ring finger has a pretty large fingerplate to close.
Do you play sax as well? Maybe this could help build up your finger strength.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: hautbois
Date: 2007-08-11 21:12
I suggest you take a look at how high you hold your fingers above the keys. The goal should be to have the fingers held fairly low -- just high enough to permit the hole to vent without distortion in the sound. The less movement there is the better in lowering the finger to the hole.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Craig Matovich
Date: 2007-08-11 23:22
I would suggest a few things in addition to the other good advice already given:
1) 'pass the baton' from right to left hand... do f# to g trills, or 8th and 16th note exchanges, slowly at first then increase the tempo.
2) coordinate the left hand's independence... do g - a 16ths, again slowly at first.
3) Eventually, add g - b , then g - c upward intervals (stick to the lower range for a while).
Do as Hautbois suggests and minimize the finger movement... relax, and let it happen and .... use a metronome. Improvise combinations of 16th and the ocassional 8th note. Work in some triplets... alternate 8th, 16th, and triplet patterns. Use the metronome. And relax... it must be almost effortless with minimal motion.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: sylvangale
Date: 2007-08-12 05:41
Are you angling your left hand? Since I played inline flute for years I carried that angled hand position to the oboe, which does cause a stiff/straightened ring finger. My playing was more relaxed when I brought my hand down, taking out the angle.
If all else fails usage of something like the FHRED can really take away excess tension since it takes most of the instruments weight out of your hands. You may even find that after a while of using the FHRED you can gradually shift weight back to your hands and go FHRED-less with more comfort than before.
http://www.quodlibet.com/FhredStudent.htm
If you do go the FHRED route, many oboe shops carry it. So you can possibly try it in person if you have a major shop nearby or at least get it cheaper.
Regards,
Stephen (Piko)
♫ Stephen K.
Post Edited (2007-08-12 05:45)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: jhoyla
Date: 2007-08-12 06:36
Make sure the 2nd octave key is not forcing your hand into an unnatural position - the key can be either too low, or too high (in your case, possibly too low?). If that is the problem I recommend taking it to a good repairman rather than trying to bend it yourself.
Try covering the hole with a different part of your ring-finger - nearer the top of the finger. This will help you keep the finger bent, and will change the rotation of your left wrist (you'll have to keep your pinkie bent more than usual, also).
Also, try out different oboes (friends, a shop) and see if the key positions help you relax your ring-finger. I am not suggesting you change instruments at this time - just see if the instrument is part of the problem, or not. If so, you'll know what to look for when you buy your new instrument.
However, there are medical conditions which can make playing very hard for you. Alex Klein's retirement from the Chicago symphony because of dystonia is a case in point. I would discount medical problems before investing in a new instrument.
BTW, a covered-hole will definitely make your life much easier!
Good luck,
J.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: davidsbundler
Date: 2007-08-12 10:35
Hi everyone!
I think I have a rather tight WRIST (my right hand) when playing the oboe as well. Any suggestions to improve?
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: lor65uk
Date: 2007-08-12 11:19
Thanks for all the ideas, i'm sure its not medical as I didn't use to have this problem with my finger, I think its probably more likely to be the wrist movements but i'll try another Oboe and see if it might be that. I do tend to keep my fingers too high off the keys as my teacher has pointed out so it will be something to keep working on. Thanks again
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Chris P
Date: 2007-08-12 12:39
What oboe are you currently playing, and what one are you planning to upgrade to?
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: lor65uk
Date: 2007-08-13 11:30
I'm playing on an Evette model, was a really cheap impulse purchase as I just wanted to get playing again. Only cost me £250 which is why it is an awful model!. I have no idea what i'll upgrade too, definitely covered hole and wooden thats about it. I want something to take me up to grade 8 and beyond now.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: oboe1960
Date: 2007-08-17 12:05
I'd like to throw my 2 cents in on some helps- I took a few yoga sessions at a music workshop this summer, and all I can say is WOW! for how it made my whole body feel, including hands, wrists, and most importantly my breath.
We did a few things for the hands and fingers: Try standing comfortably and balanced. Slowly raise your arms straight above your head, and let your shoulder blades sink toward the floor. Breathe deeply and evenly. Hold your arms up until your fingers and hands tingle, as long as you can. Slowly lower your outstretched arms to your sides. Rotate each finger clockwise and counterclockwise as long as you like; this feels so good! You can rotate your wrists the same way.
I'm sure there are many other similar things you could do, but I remember these as really helping me.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: jane84
Date: 2007-08-22 19:35
All your fingers should arch a little or you'll constrict the movement - try changing the position of your finger. I used to do the same on clarinet.
-jane
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
