Balancing Act ?

SarahP · Post by **SarahP** » Sun Dec 02, 2007 12:36 pm

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flutepicc06 · Post by **flutepicc06** » Sun Dec 02, 2007 1:49 pm

There are MANY, MANY different ideas about how the flute should be supported. Some opt for a three point system, such as the one you described, others like a 4 point system (where the right hand pinky is point #4), though this raises issues when the pinky must be lifted. Personally, I use my chin, and the base of my left hand index finger primarily. After learning to play one handed for awkward page turns, I found that my thumb didn't really have to be a big part of my support system. That being said, I think what he's teaching you is a good way to start out, and down the road you can adapt it to your own playing if you find the need. He's certainly right that you should not be grasping the flute, but balancing it.

Claiken · Post by **Claiken** » Sun Dec 02, 2007 5:57 pm

a thumb port probably throws any existing system way off... in a good way tho... lol

flutepicc06 · Post by **flutepicc06** » Sun Dec 02, 2007 6:05 pm

Claiken wrote:a thumb port probably throws any existing system way off... in a good way tho... lol

Not necessarily. It changes the "diameter" of the tube, and thus where the forces are acting, but may or may not actually impact what those forces are, and how strong they are. The same basic support system is used whether or not you have a thumbport, thumbelina, Bo-pep, or other tube expansions. For some players, a thumbport or other similar device may create a positive change in their hand position and flute support, but for others, it's unnecessary, and could simply get in the way. I fall in the second category.

Claiken · Post by **Claiken** » Sun Dec 02, 2007 7:41 pm

but my thumbport, the way its supposed to be used, we dont hold the 'bottom' of the flute anymore, we use the thumbport more as a ledge, almost like holding onto the rods (but a little below). im using it the way my teacher taught me. even if she taught me wrong, it is working! lol.

flutepicc06 · Post by **flutepicc06** » Sun Dec 02, 2007 7:58 pm

Claiken wrote:but my thumbport, the way its supposed to be used, we dont hold the 'bottom' of the flute anymore, we use the thumbport more as a ledge, almost like holding onto the rods (but a little below).

Which is exactly what I said. It changes where the forces are acting, but not what those forces are, or how strong they are. I.E. Without a thumbport, there's an upward force on the flute from your thumb. With it, there's still an upward force from your thumb, it's just acting on a different place. The thumbport simply allows a change in hand position. It does not alter what is required to support the flute.

Claiken · Post by **Claiken** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 11:53 am

flutepicc06 wrote:
Claiken wrote:but my thumbport, the way its supposed to be used, we dont hold the 'bottom' of the flute anymore, we use the thumbport more as a ledge, almost like holding onto the rods (but a little below).
Which is exactly what I said. It changes where the forces are acting, but not what those forces are, or how strong they are. I.E. Without a thumbport, there's an upward force on the flute from your thumb. With it, there's still an upward force from your thumb, it's just acting on a different place. The thumbport simply allows a change in hand position. It does not alter what is required to support the flute.

ohhh ok. i thought you were meaning that we still hold the bottom of the flute even with a thumbport, but that it jsut makes the flute thicker to hold on to.