17 year old drummer - picking up the flute? Tendonitis?

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Zorlee
Posts: 1
Joined: Sun Jan 21, 2007 4:00 pm

17 year old drummer - picking up the flute? Tendonitis?

Post by Zorlee »

Hi!
I'm a 17 year old drummer, and I'm very serious about my music. I really love playing, and as far as I can see - music is one of my biggest passions in life.
I have a problem though, in october 2006 I injured my right hand. I practised a LOT and I used bad technique, which resulted in a beginning tennis albow in my right hand - it's a mild for of tendonitis, but it's been there until now, and it's not going that well...
I've been wondering about my whole music career and whatnot, and if all else fails with my right hand, would it be possible for me to pick up the flute? I would have to practise like crazy to become a great player, but I just want to play music... I'm very into jazz and latin music, so therefore I also like flute playing.
I'm desperate, so that's why I'm thinking about changing instrument. It's very hard for me, because I've grown to love my drums, but if there's no going back, I would like to try something new...
If I use proper technique, and learn it from a teacher, is there a high possibility in developing tendonitis or whatnot?

This might seem stupid, but like I said - I'm desperate.
I love music, and all I want to do is play music...
It's probably old to be 17 year old and start a completely new instrument, but I'll have to give it a shot at least...
What to do?

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flutepicc06
Posts: 1353
Joined: Mon May 29, 2006 11:34 pm

Post by flutepicc06 »

There's really no way to be sure how that would work out for you. With a previous history of playing related injury, my guess is that you'd be more susceptible than someone who is new to the flute but has never had any arm/hand issues before. As long as you use proper technique (as learned from a teacher), and don't allow excess tension into your playing, you may be fine, but the chance is always there for further pain if something slips by unnoticed. I would encourage you to try flute (as long as your doctor is not concerned about that exacerbating your condition) under the supervision of a good teacher, and see what happens.

shortandsilly

Re: 17 year old drummer - picking up the flute? Tendonitis?

Post by shortandsilly »

Zorlee wrote:Hi!
I'm a 17 year old drummer, and I'm very serious about my music. I really love playing, and as far as I can see - music is one of my biggest passions in life.
I have a problem though, in october 2006 I injured my right hand. I practised a LOT and I used bad technique, which resulted in a beginning tennis albow in my right hand - it's a mild for of tendonitis, but it's been there until now, and it's not going that well...
I've been wondering about my whole music career and whatnot, and if all else fails with my right hand, would it be possible for me to pick up the flute? I would have to practise like crazy to become a great player, but I just want to play music... I'm very into jazz and latin music, so therefore I also like flute playing.
I'm desperate, so that's why I'm thinking about changing instrument. It's very hard for me, because I've grown to love my drums, but if there's no going back, I would like to try something new...
If I use proper technique, and learn it from a teacher, is there a high possibility in developing tendonitis or whatnot?

This might seem stupid, but like I said - I'm desperate.
I love music, and all I want to do is play music...
It's probably old to be 17 year old and start a completely new instrument, but I'll have to give it a shot at least...
i'm not much for knowledge on these things but i think that if flutepicc06 says to go for it, it can't be TOO bad of an idea. i know how i would feel if i had to give up music and i know that i would fight to keep it in my life no matter what, even at the costs of pain and further injuries..but that's just me. anyway, i say give it a try and i think you will really enjoy the flute..it is the most beautiful instrument ears on this earth could hear[okay, maybe i am just a little prejudice..lol] and it is worth a shot. let us know if you decide to do it and if it goes alright.

good luck(:

c_otter
Posts: 93
Joined: Sat Jan 07, 2006 4:18 pm

Post by c_otter »

I'm also suffering from tendinitis caused by computer use.

I've found flute to have a neutral (or slightly negative) effect on the tendinitis. As I heal, I'm slowly increasing how much I play flute. I'm up to 25 minutes per day, and I use a timer.

Regardless, you might want to rest and wait until you heal from the tendinitis before starting flute or continuing with drums. To heal, you'll likely have to take a break from drums. Healing can be a maddeningly slow process, but it can happen with proper care. If poor technique caused you tendinitis, then it's quite possible that you will be able to play drums with proper technique. Once you've healed, start playing in slow small bits, even resting for a couple of days after the first time you play. Both the ice and stretching help, especially frequent, short, mini-stretching breaks when you're playing.

CAVEAT: I am not a doctor, so please take my advice to the grain of salt.

kdell
Posts: 19
Joined: Tue Oct 17, 2006 6:42 am

Post by kdell »

I think that trying flute would be a great idea...my lil sis plays percussion so I know a little too...and I think that as long as you have a good instructor, it shouldn't be a problem. Good luck! :wink:

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