Pressing too hard, killing my hands-- help!

[~aurora~]

I learned to play the flute on a very old Gemeinhardt 3SP (which has open holes, in case you're not familiar with their numbering system) over about 3 years, but due to it being reclaimed by an estranged family member I was without a flute for about 2 years. I just got an EM Winston 25S (closed hole) today, and I noticed that I press MUCH too hard on the keys, even though they're closed. The whole idea behind getting a closed flute was to keep my hands from hurting, but they're SO cramped right now, particularly the left one.

I'm positive I pressed down at least as hard as this when I had my Gemeinhardt, but I really need to stop now. The pads on the Winston are in great shape, and I'm probably going to kill not only my hands but the pads as well if I don't quit this! Please, any advice on how to relax my hands? I hate this horrible habit that I got into my first three years of playing.

I think my Gemeinhardt must have needed new pads, even though it played. The sound quality of the newer Winston is far superior to the Gemeinhardt, and the keys press and release much more easily. ^_^ Or maybe my lip/playing style is more compatible with a Winston than with a Gemeinhardt, who knows?

Thanks in advance for any help you can offer!

[chaos0008]

I used to have this problem too, back when I played on my school's old Yamaha which had pads leaking all over the place.

Perhaps you could try taking a piece, preferable one which is simple enough that you don't have to concentrate too much to get it right, and pay special attention to your fingers. Try to get a feel of what is just nice for you. Another option instead of pieces would be scales, especially the simpler ones. A great way to kill two birds with one stone. =D

[~aurora~]

thanks! I'm giving that a try, as well as keeping my fingers close to the keys. Hopefully my hands will learn in time!

[melantha71]

When I was having pain in my hands from gripping too tight, my teacher had me start practicing a really cool exercise. She had me play long tones, with my fingers almost touching the keys that were not depressed, and then when you are to depress the keys to change notes, you do it sooooooooooooo slowly and lightly that it almost bends the pitch between notes. If you get good at this, it *does* bend the pitch! And you learn to use a feather-light touch when you play.

Of course, this will only work on a very well-adjusted flute, so if your flute needs work, that may help, too.

Hope this helps!

[Flute_star3]

I had a problem like your a few months ago, I'm still fighting it, but my teacher suggested this excercise that's been helpful for me. And I quote:
Stand with feet apart, arms down, holding your flute more or less at the joining places between the head & middle joints, and the middle & foot joints. Making sure your shoulders & everything are relaxed, pretend to toss your flute in the air - that is, fling your arms up but [obviously] don't let go of the flute. Do that 5 or 6 times in a row, then play something - long tones or anything. You'll notice that the flute feels much lighter than usual. If you pretend that the flute is actually lighter than air and it will float away if you let go, that will help you not to hold onto it with a death grip. It's amazing actually, how little effort is required -- compared with how much we usually use -- to hold the flute securely. End quote (Bruce Bodden). I've also found it to be helpful with calming nerves, especially when deep breathing and closed eyes are added to the excercise.