Had a question from a student and can't answer it. I'm depending upon Micron, Patrick, et al., to help me out -- so that I can respond.

Here's the question:

"Hi Jim --- and thanks for trying to help. I've had a couple of lessons and have spent plenty of time practising but have unfortunately hit a roadblock.

I can't seem to comfortably press the keys when the flute is in the balance point which means that it is always slightly off balance and I am therfore fighting gravity while playing which results in the flute falling down my hands after a short while.

If I can't figure it out and get it right. My plans to learn this instrument may well die before really getting started and that would suck! In addition my posture is awful resulting in backache if I play standing (and frankly even when sitting)...I really hope I can find a way forward. Any ideas?"

Jim: Hope someone in the forum can help out!

Thanks so much!

Regards, Jim

Jim,
Have you looked at the Jennife Cluff flute pages?
You mioght find some help here, look up 'modified Rockstro'.

Thanks, Tibbiecow.

I'll try to find the site --- would appreciate a link, however.

Regards, Jim

As far as the backache...I was at a masterclass recently and she recommended moving while playing. Not in beat to beat movements...but more like one measure movements. For example, in 4/4 time try:
-move forward onto your left foot while playing 4 beats then move backward onto your right foot while playing the next 4 beats...then repeat throughout the piece or exercise.

Or

-move upward for 4 beats and then downward for 4 beats and repeat. Now, don't let the flute drop, but just bend at the knees a little...not huge movements

I have tried this and find it very relaxing to not be stuck in a stiff position...or to pulse lots (like on every beat). The movement turns playing into a whole body experience. Oh, the forward/back needs to be done standing with the left foot a little in front of the right....it is like doing a miniture lunge motion...just not near as low down

for Jim:

http://www.jennifercluff.com/

sometimes fixing hand positions and posture issues is a tad difficult in person on a weekly basis let alone on the internet.

Thanks, everyone for your help!

I'll pass your comments along to the young gentleman who asked me.

Regards, Jim

http://forums.abrsm.org/lofiversion/index.php/t22167.html

A nice discussion. A thumb rest is a godsend.

To everyone reading this:
Get one and enjoy.

Thank you, Pletko for the interesting link.

Never thought of a thumb-rest.

Appreciate it --- I'll pass it along.

Regards, Jim