Out of control fingers!

[go12_3]

I don't know if any of you teachers have students(or students too) with *out of control fingers* as they play a piece.  The younger students are more of a challenge to explain and have them understand to keep slightly curved fingers instead of playing with flat fingers.  Now, I have a 10 year old student that has begun lessons since January this year.  She  has such long, fine boned fingers and they buckle, bend and has no control at all.  I mentioned to her that she is old enough to understand how to keep her fingers slightly curved, but after I show her, she only retains for a minute until all fingers lose control.  Any suggestions, please, I would appreciate that!   

best wishes,

go12_3

[Bob]

I remember one prof saying I had "flying fingers" but that went away, either from me paying more attention to it or from getting more technique and understanding. 

Kids understand making things easy.  It's easier to keep the fingers close to the keys.  It's less work. 

And arches.  Arches are strong.  Romans used arches and those things are still standing.  Finger arches are strong too and when you pull the tip back, you can scratch and you have more control that way. 

If it's a ten year old, it could just take some time.  Maybe a year or so, but they could grow out of it.  Maybe some exercises where they play slow and make sure every note has a good finger arch, no fallen arches.

Or with the scratch idea, you can have the kid make an arch and then scratch.  And compare that to letting the joint fall and then try scratching.  That doesn't work and it doesn't feel so great.  So being able to scratch the keys is good.  Although you don't always need finger technique -- Some pieces are more flat-fingered.

[go12_3]

Thanks, Bob, for the tip.  Yes, the arches would be a good concept for students to grasp.  Yes, it may take my student awhile but she is progressing otherwise.  And I agree, some  passages has to be more flat fingered.  Also,  it all depends upon how our hands and fingers work together in striking the keys. 

best wishes,

go12_3

[quantum]

Your student probably has a lot going through her mind.  Do these dynamics, control tempo, watch the spots at abc...  You really do have to reinforce concepts of proper hand position and movement as it is very easy to forget when playing.  

Ask your student to play a piece where the primary focus is correct hand position.  Even go so far as to allow the student to sacrifice other elements of the music in order to keep the hand position.  

Ask your student if she can tell if she is using correct hand position, and if she can demonstrate what it is.  

Ask your student to differentiate between her old way of playing, and the correct position you taught her.  Ask her to physically demonstrate both correct and incorrect positions and if she can feel the difference between the two.  This is important, as sometimes students can't tell the difference between the old way of playing and what you taught them.  

[go12_3]

Thanks quantum,

I will keep this in mind when my student returns for her lessons in August. 

best wishes,

go12_3

[makeanote]

Hi there go12_3!

One method I use for younger pianists is to balance a lolly on the back of the hand. If they can play through a piece without it dropping off, they can have it. It's a good mental reminder to them as well as a reward system.

For extra challenge, maybe try a jaffa! 

All the best,
Ian

[jgallag]

My teacher uses the Dohnanyi Finger Exercises Nos. 2,3,4,5,6, and 8 to teach correct finger positioning, avoid collapsing knuckles, and having the playing power come from the joint at the hand. They're not too bad, and if you take them slow (eighth note = 60) then she'll have plenty of time to concentrate on perfect hand position without worrying about dynamics and all of that.

[dan101]

Any time my students tend to rush due to lack of control, I always suggest playing slower and deep into the piano for their next couple of practice sessions. That usually seems to remedy the situation.

[mcdiddy1]

What do you mean by out of control fingers? Do you mean that that the student plays too fast or unevenly , or is spazing because of too much tension in the hand. As far as I understand every person with out an abnormalities in motor functions can control their fingers. You might want to think about possibly having the student able to play the piece at a much slower tempo then they think they can play. If possible advise the student to practice in front of a mirror and if that is not possible practice the piece anytime on a hard surface..listening for the tapping of the rhythm of the piece