Curved fingers

[mmro]

HI, I'm a little worried because my middle fingers are curved. The one on my right hand to the right, the one on the left to the left. So far I haven't noticed to much trouble... but could this affect me later when playing more advanced pieces?? I haven't seen any famous pianist with curved fingers....

[jpianoflorida]

I wouldn't worry! You do the best with what you have! I've known pianists missing fingers, etc.     Your teacher can help you with exercises to strengthen them.   

[debussy symbolism]

HI, I'm a little worried because my middle fingers are curved. The one on my right hand to the right, the one on the left to the left. So far I haven't noticed to much trouble... but could this affect me later when playing more advanced pieces?? I haven't seen any famous pianist with curved fingers....

Why are you concerned with your curved fingers? It is a phenomenon known as clynodactyly and is very much genetic so there is technically nothing wrong with one who has it. My fingers curve, with second and third towards the fourth, and fifth towars the fourth, with fourth being straight. Unless I am mistaken, and if I am please point so out, this is quite natural and doesn't bear danger. If it doesn't affect you now why should it affect you later?

Unless I am mistaken, the only variations in hand proportions that do count are those that concern with size and thickness of fingers. If the hand is small, it is harder to reach larger intervals, and if the fingers are fat, it is harder to play in between black notes. There are plenty of pianists with small hands and those with fat fingers, and that doesn't seem to concern them? A thing such as clynodactyly isn't even reported as having anything to do with piano, and I am sure that many pianists have it, and that isn't stopping them. What is stopping you?

[mmro]

Not actually stopping me... just a thought.
Thanks, I won't think about it anymore

[ihatepop]

I wouldn't worry! You do the best with what you have! I've known pianists missing fingers, etc.

Missing fingers?! How do they play?!

ihatepop

[jpianoflorida]

Missing fingers?! How do they play?!

ihatepop

there was this lady that was blind and missing 2 fingers on her left hand....she played a jazzy style..it was amazing.....     just shows us that "where there is a will, there is a way"

[Mozartian]

Consider that when you play piano, you're curving your entire finger, and indeed slightly tilting your hand towards your pinky- not a straight position- anyway.

My 2nd and 3rd fingers on both hands are far from straight when they lie flat. It hasn't affected me adversely at all. Cosmetically, though...