I have a problem with my technique I just recently became aware of. In my left hand index, middle and ring fingers, the first knuckles (from the tip) collapse so that from the tip to the second knuckle the finger is pretty much straight, actually a little concave toward my hand rather than curved out. Apparently, this is due to my fingers being a little double jointed. The whole fingers aren't straight, just that part. Are there exercises I can do both at and away from the piano that will help correct this problem (other than scales)? My right hand is fine, apparently since it's my dominant hand and the fingers/knuckles are stronger.

Thanks.

Patti

Patti,

My daughter had(has)exactly the same problem, and one thing her teacher got her to try is gripping a sponge ball or hand stress reliever of a size that comfortably fits in the palm of her hand, at intervals during the day when she's away from the piano. Then during practice and lessons, her teacher has her trying to simulate that hand position (as if she was still lightly gripping the ball), when she plays. She's had some success with it, but occasionally when not concentrating on it, she reverts back to the straight finger position again. Are your wrists up or flat when this happens?

Jamie

PS - This website may be of some use to you. While it deals specifically with musicians and injuries (repetitive stress, CTS, etc.), there appears to be a wealth of info on preventitive exercises that you may find useful. Hope this helps.
http://www.engr.unl.edu/ee/eeshop/music.html

[ October 05, 2001: Message edited by: Samejame ]

Thanks Jamie! I’ll give it a try and check the website out too. My wrist is up when it happens.

Patti

Press down the F key with your thumb and hold it. Now, press firmly and glide your index finger on the E key, starting from a point where the black keys end towards the edge of the white key. As slowly as possible. Repeat the same with other fingers, middle playing D and ring playing C.
Hakki.

[ October 05, 2001: Message edited by: Hakki ]

Thanks Hakki!