Octave playing

[xiaoken]

When I play octaves, I try to keep the 3 fingers curved, not straight, unless I have black keys to play.

However, I find that my hand inevitably feels very tight after just a few octaves. Can I expect the problem to go away as my playing progresses? Any method to remedy it?

[dj]

try to keep all the motion coming from the wrist when playing octaves. also, play the black note ones with 1, 4 fingering (as opposed to 1, 5). this will increase your grip and help 2 get rid of unnecessary up and down movement during the faster octave passages. above all, keep your hands relaxed in all playing. tightening your hand will only slow you down and make your hands sore.

[jlh]

Not only will tight hands make you play slower, but it will make you prone to tendon injury.  Before rigerous playing, try to gently stretch your hand and wrist.  This might make your hands more relaxed.  If your hands are tight, you're doing something wrong.  Figure out what the problem might be, and try to fix it before continuing.