Hello,
Lately I've noticed that my right-hand fingers slip a little off the center circle of the keys though it's maninly just my 4th finger(but I guess for fingerings it would be my 3rd finger?)anyways, if I got an open-holed flute that would be a problem. Does anyone have advice to help me get over this habit?
I'd really appreaciate it!
<3jcmusic

Well, it may or may not be a problem on an open hole flute. Depending on how far amiss your fingers are, it could be that even just a slight change in the size of the tubing (which I know happens for some makers when you jump into their French keyed line) could change your hand position just enough to push your fingers into a position that allows you to cover the holes. The right hand 3rd finger (D key) is almost always one of the most troublesome keys for people new to French flutes to cover. It's just a matter of adjustment, though. At the moment, it's not effecting your finger facility or anything, is it? If not, I would say not to worry about it too much until you get an open hole flute, and at that point, plugs are available until you adjust to having to cover the hole.

I have a Gemeinhardt 2sp

I have a Gemeinhardt 2sp

I have a Gemeinhardt 2sp

Flutist06---
Well I do think that I could be playing a bit faster than I am if my hand position was completely correct, but it isn't terrible so I guess I'll just have to keep an eye on my hands when I can.

sorry about the multiple post :0--I don't know what happened

Well, there really is no "correct" hand position. Yes, you have to cover the holes on a French flute (barring plugs), but that is not the one universal correct hand position. Most likely your right ring finger is pulling back a little because it's more relaxed in that position, which will actually mean you can play faster (having your finger exactly in the middle of the key won't help if it's introducing stress into the equation), and help keep you from developing carpal tunnel or repetitive stress injuries. Unless it's so major a move that you are literally playing on the arm (the bit of metal that connects the key to the rods), you're probably fine. In that situation, your fingers would most likely be too curved, which can also inhibit movement. The best hand position for you is the one where your hands are relaxed, so don't sweat it if that means your fingers aren't exactly in the middle of the key.

did you try a bo-peep

Bo Peps are meant for thumb placement, and from the sound of it, would not do much for this particular problem. Not to mention that they move easily (making the whole thumb placement thing questionable), and can scratch the flute.

I've played on my gemeinhardt flute for about 3 yrs.