SubCategory Archive (tags): ‘Hand position & holding’

Got Dimes?

PUBLISHED: September 15, 2009, John Ericson

Many players struggle along to varying degrees with an instrument that does not fit their hands well. The instrument may actually feel “normal” but there is a new normal that could open up more technique and comfort with some minor adjustments. One of those adjustments is extending the levers to meet the fingers better. Ideally [...]

Categories:

Equipment

Sub-categories:
Hand position & holding, Richard Seraphinoff

Get a Grip for Better Comfort

PUBLISHED: October 30, 2008, Bruce Hembd

UPDATE: 5/21/2010. Apologies for the missing images. They will get fixed soon. With the beginning and intermediate French horn students I teach, about 8 out of 10 of them have a very hard time just holding the instrument. For some, it is a real struggle. Well, let’s face it – the horn is awkward to [...]

Sub-categories:
Beginners, Hand position & holding, Repairs and Modifications

Alternative Hand Positions for Beginners

PUBLISHED: June 6, 2008, Bruce Hembd

Compromised right hand positions In my experience as a substitute band and orchestra teacher in the Phoenix area, I see a huge shortage of student horn players. Most high schools are lucky to have even the bare minimum of four horns. At the elementary and junior high school levels, I witness many young and enthusiastic [...]

Categories:

Teaching

Sub-categories:
Beginners, Hand position & holding

Hand Position Drift

PUBLISHED: May 29, 2007, John Ericson

I am through my first rehearsals and master class of the trip to Asia. The topic that has come up the most for me in terms of horn technique has been right hand position. Many players (not just here) seem to suffer from what I refer to as “hand position drift.” I think the cause [...]

Categories:

Teaching

Sub-categories:
Hand position & holding

Improve Left Hand Comfort with a Strap or Flipper

PUBLISHED: February 9, 2007, John Ericson

Today I posted an article on the IHS website, an “online exclusive,” “Median and Ulnar Neuropathies in University Brass Players.” The article is somewhat medical reading but in short relates to carpal tunnel syndrome and other related stresses. The observation I would add is as a horn teacher I have seen quite a few students [...]

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