Wow, I haven't been here for years... I actually had to look up my username and reset my password.
Anyway, here are my problems...
I have VERY small hands for an adult and fairly short arms. Because of this, my left wrist needs to be bent a considerable amount for me to reach the keys. My right wrist, too, has problems, esp. when I need to play low C, C#, and B. Some of its other problems may be related to posture; I'm not sure. I already turn my head pretty far to the left. This is required to making playing the instrument even possible; it does not take care of the problems. In fact, it adds to them as my neck doesn't feel too good either.
The extensions for the foot joint notes and/or playing a closed-hole flute (I play an open-hole, in-line one as that's what my teacher said played best) may take care of the right hand. I'm not sure that will be enough, though, and it certainly won't help my left wrist or neck. However, I think that "shortening" the flute might, as I don't have nearly the problems with a fife and different ones with the piccolo.
So... Does anyone make or know of any place that sells professional quality curved head joints (as one would find on an alto or bass flute)? Would a simple swan head joint take care of the problems?
Seeing as John Lunn isn't taking orders and the flutelab is based in the Netherlands, does anyone know of another place that does flute modifications?
One last question... There's no one who teaches Alexander's Method near here. Are there any online teachers? Has anyone had success with learning it from a book?
Thanks so much!
- Martin Quin
flute causing problems
Moderators: Classitar, pied_piper, Phineas
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fluttiegurl
- Posts: 882
- Joined: Fri Dec 10, 2004 11:05 pm
You may want to contact Pat at Cincinnati Fluteworks (www.fluteworks.com). I know she does incredible work, but I am not sure if she does modifications. You should consider an offset G. There are a great deal of misconceptions regarding the inline vs offset G. There is absolutely no tonal difference between the two. Usually, when you are comaring flutes and one is simply better, it is the flute itself, not the option. I would suggest trying more flutes. This should help a great deal with your left hand. I also suggest a C foot. It won't help you reach the keys better, but it will take away some weight. This may also help some.
Curved headjoints generally lead to intonation issues, even if it is a quality headjoint. Extensions on the keys are a much better solution. I don't mean to sound rude, but I do feel that from what you have said, your flute may not be right for you. If you do decide to buy another, go to a dealer with a flute specialist on hand that can help you better understand your options, and play many. I like for my students to play at least 6-10 flutes of the same brand once they have decided on a model. Sometimes, that is not very practical, but it allows them to try out different features.
I do think you are on the right track with the Alexander Technique. It is very difficult to learn from a book, but it has been done. There are occasional weekend workshops offered, but these usually simply touch on the basics. Some of your hand problems may be helped by relieving some of the tension in your hands and neck. This is a very hard topic to address in a forum without seeing you play, but I have helped several students with the same problem by helping them relieve tension and rethink the way they "reached" for the keys. It does sound like your posture has something to do with it. By turning to the left, you are forcing your arm to reach further than necessary. Stand comfortably, allowing your neck and head to be a natural position, then bring to flute up to match what your head is doing, as opposed to going to the flute. You can then push the flute away from your body slightly without letting your neck do the work. I hope this makes sense. Again, it is vary hard to address without seeing you play.
Curved headjoints generally lead to intonation issues, even if it is a quality headjoint. Extensions on the keys are a much better solution. I don't mean to sound rude, but I do feel that from what you have said, your flute may not be right for you. If you do decide to buy another, go to a dealer with a flute specialist on hand that can help you better understand your options, and play many. I like for my students to play at least 6-10 flutes of the same brand once they have decided on a model. Sometimes, that is not very practical, but it allows them to try out different features.
I do think you are on the right track with the Alexander Technique. It is very difficult to learn from a book, but it has been done. There are occasional weekend workshops offered, but these usually simply touch on the basics. Some of your hand problems may be helped by relieving some of the tension in your hands and neck. This is a very hard topic to address in a forum without seeing you play, but I have helped several students with the same problem by helping them relieve tension and rethink the way they "reached" for the keys. It does sound like your posture has something to do with it. By turning to the left, you are forcing your arm to reach further than necessary. Stand comfortably, allowing your neck and head to be a natural position, then bring to flute up to match what your head is doing, as opposed to going to the flute. You can then push the flute away from your body slightly without letting your neck do the work. I hope this makes sense. Again, it is vary hard to address without seeing you play.