PLAYING FROM THE SHOULDER
Since beginning to play our instruments, this command has been
heard again and again and again: “Relax!;—Relax your wrists!;—Relax your
fingers!;--etc., etc!”
What does that really mean and how do you do it?
You've played a passage beautifully and your fingers, wrists,
forearms, and biceps felt light and effortless. There was no thought of fingers or finger motion; only the
thought of how the music should sound.
How were you able to be in this mental state of Zen?
Something must support and keep the muscles, tendons, and bones
stable for that effortless movement! Actually there are two 'somethings': your two shoulders. The
command of advice we’ve heard all these years was only half stated: the whole statement should be, “Relax your fingers, wrists, and arms; play
from the shoulders!”. By feeling
those strong shoulder muscles hold the arms, wrists, and hands, you can move
with freedom, fast and lith. The
fingers should feel limp, dropping and bouncing on and off the tone holes,
rings, and keys. I did not say
they were light on
the keys! Rather, they move
through the motions as athletes, with an athletic wind up and follow through:
as in a golf swing – a tennis volley – a beautiful dive off a springboard – a
graceful bounce off the surface of a taut trampoline.
I hope you like the advice.
Please give me feedback and comments.
Sincerely,
Errol Weiss Schlabach
This has to be my favorite post! I absolutely love the way you describe finger movement on the keys. As I read, I found myself tapping my fingers, trying to recreate each motion you described. Tennis volley and taut trampoline were the two that resonated most with me, but I can see how all would fit. I know accolades from a beginner may seem trivial, but I send them nonetheless!
ReplyDeleteThe strength of your playing only is manifest when the fingers move
ReplyDeletewith relaxed ease, minimum effort, and no conscious thought of control.
The moment you try to consciously play a certain certain something, it will fail, for
when you perform, your subconscious works 20,000 times faster than your subconscious mind.
Trust your instincts!
Sincerely, Errol
also
.
This will help you tone the fine small muscles of the fingers, and the fine movements, which are the real builders of speed and accuracy, acquired by slow thoughtful, conscious movements. Sincerely, Errol
ReplyDeleteImagery may be the best method to relax.
ReplyDeleteImagery may be the best method to relax.
ReplyDelete