Re: harp, piano etc.
Reno High School (renohs@powernet.net)
Mon, 15 Jan 1996 11:23:02 -0800
>>>This is because most artists don't know how to draw people (or angles)
>>>playing harps!
>>
>>While visiting my professional artist in-laws this Chirstams, I was
>>terribly flattered when they asked to take pictures of me playing my harp
>>so they could correctly portray harpers in future works. A week later I
>>attended my first formal harp lesson and distressed my new harp teacher
>>with my self-developed hand position. Then I got courtesy copies of the
>>photos from my in-laws immortalizing my cocked-back pinkies, low thumbs,
>>buckled knuckles, etc! I suppose out of consideration for future
>>historians I ought to have the pictures redone ...
>> Brenda Mallett
>>
>Hi there.
>
>I have very strong views (suprise, suprise!) on the subject of hand poition
>and technique. They are complex, being based on a lot of work on
>biology\anatomy, historical practice, modern technique and playing a *lot*
>of harps. They could be expressed by several K of message space but can be
>summerised by one line.
>
>Find what works best for the combination of your harp and your hands and
>use it!
>
>
>All I would say in caution is that the hand and shoulders *must* be
>relaxed. So many harpists have lower back trouble ( not , as common belief
>would have it from lugging our babies about) caused by the strain of
>holding the arms in the positions taught by certain schools.
>___
Another suggestion I have on this whole subject is to address RSI.
(Repetitive Stress Injuries) I work with a Rheumatologist who specializes
in this and is putting out a paper regarding this work. I must stress that
relaxation is one key. To assess your level of relaxation, you should make
yourself body conscious. Have a friend observe you playing the harp. Pay
close attention to the small stuff--like if the shoulders crunch up or if
the neck is crinked or even if you show some stress on your face. Then
consciously relax. Placticed relaxation is important.
Secondly, you must take timed breaks, even if you are really enjoying
yourself. 45 minutes has been standard. You need to unfold & stretch at
that point. If you suffer from RSI, the breaks may have to be taken more
frequently at first.
Third--and some of you may differ from this, but never wear a brace. If you
must, use it only as a reminder that the wrist or shoulder is the problem
and the brace will not fix it.
Also, remember to check with your doctor to rule out metabolic disease,
such as hypothyroidism (TSH <5.0 ) and diabetes. These are biggies in RSI.
I replied to this because I had received earlier inquiries on RSI and just
figured out the new mail system I am using. Still reach me at same
address, we just have a forwarding service in Eudora.
Joanne Ochs (ochs@equinox.unr.edu)