Following the dramatic improvements in flute, oboe and clarinet participants during Keith Underwood's April Houston masterclasses when he supported their arms while playing difficult passages (we exert so much unneeded tension to hold up our own arms, rather than allowing our spine to support them), I have been experimenting with holding up my students arms in lessons, also with good results; greater technical facility, easier and longer breaths, and less fatigue overall.
I have been longing for someone to hold my arms when I practice, too, to see what effect it might have for several difficult passages in my current repertoire, but tonight I figured out a great substitute and had to share it with you right away!
I sat in a chair and put another chair facing me in front with a somewhat deflated exercise ball on the seat. It is important for the level of the ball (or stack of pillows) to be at the natural level for your arms as you lean forward slightly, bending from the hip joint with long, straight spine. I adjusted the angle of the chair I was sitting on slightly, so that as I leaned into the ball, my elbows--or the areas just above or below the elbows--were fully supported by the ball at the proper height.
Not only did this exercise achieve the desired results in improved ease, but the consistent, sustained arm support allowed me to identify, then release, the muscles that were tensing unnecessarily. When I took the ball away, I enjoyed almost the same results.
Very exciting! My alignment is even better now than earlier in my practicing day, and my jaw feels very free, also.
As always, never do anything that is uncomfortable when practicing! There is always another way. If it hurts, STOP RIGHT AWAY!
Remember to keep your neck free.
I can hardly wait to try this again tomorrow!
Let me know how this works for you.
Catherine
2 comments:
When you rest your arms on the ball, are your arms straight with palms down?
I neglected to emphasize the basic fact that I am playing when I am resting my arms on the ball. Lower joints of the arms are somewhat vertical. The ball supports the weight of your arms, partially from the elbows and forearms. If it is uncomfortable in any way, stop...Angling the chair you sit on to the right might help.
Draw the ball in towards your body with your knees possibly around the other chair. If the ball is too high, let some air out to lower the level so it is comfortable to play.
Fold forward from the hip joint, with long spine.
This is clearly a good video topic. I'll add it to the list!
Catherine
Post a Comment