Fingering headache on a 8-year old student

[MISHUGINA]

Ok guys I SERIOUSLY need help here. I've never taught a kid so young in my life. Just when I thought my troubles are over after getting him a curved head joined, we're having trouble with his left hand thumb. It gets "cut" easily by the B-natural thumb key and he complains of the pain. I've tried adjusting flute positions etc and I'm asking him to wear band aid for next lesson. Any advice appreciated thanks.

[flutepower]

Hey MISHUGINA,

Wow I've never heard of that before.
Is this boy holding his flute correctly? His
left thumb should not rest in the way of the
thumb key, it should rather be tilted or
held more up. Double check his holding on the
flute!!!
Hope this helps
~Melissa

[Benjahmin]

@Meshugina

If all other measures fail, try having the edge of the key rounded with a file.
I've had a Sax-Student whos thumb got pinched by the octave key since the thumb was very small, which may have been just the same cause !

Try this LAST though, only if nothing else helps !



Benjahmin

[Mandera3]

I would check that the student is holding it correctly. The thumb shouldn't be near anything that would possibly cut him, unless there is something wrong with his flute. Make sure it is straight up and down on the B natural key. Also make sure that that there isn't any tension in the students fingers, keep him relaxed.

[virginiak]

Perhaps applying some "mole skin" or felt (Dr. Scholl's makes some, it's cheap and can be replaced periodically if it gets dirty and it doesn't harm the instrument) where the flute rests near at the knuckle joint of the left hand would free up his thumb to move and not bear the weight of the instrument as much.

You could try him on some balancing exercises with the flute (over a bed!) of just holding the flute with the pressure points from his left hand first finger knuckle area, his right hand thumb, and his chin. His other 8 fingers should be able to wiggle freely. If they aren't, then his overall balance is off and he's going to try to support the instrument at other less desirable points, like his left hand thumb.

[newgirl101]

@Meshugina

If all other measures fail, try having the edge of the key rounded with a file.
I've had a Sax-Student whos thumb got pinched by the octave key since the thumb was very small, which may have been just the same cause !

Try this LAST though, only if nothing else helps !



Benjahmin

UNtill i was in 8th grade (this year) my thumb would always get caught in the octave key. lol sorry it brought back alot of memories!