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Relieve Those Aches and Pains!

© Karen Stafford

As I could tell just from reading the postings on the Flutelist and Flutenet list, aches and pains go with the flute-playing territory. I can testify to that from personal experience. After all, holding your arms for several minutes in a V with your hand up and fingerings constantly moving isn't exactly a "normal" position. Read on, though, for some ideas on how to avoid these problems, and what to do if you have them.

1. Check your posture! This should go without saying, right? However, I was caught in the act at my own lesson when my teacher mentioned how I was leaning forward, straining to see a stand that was pushed down too low. In a concert setting, of course, your stand has to be down just enough for your audience to see you. But in your private rehearsals, there's no reason not to pull it up completely eye level. Then use a mirror to check your stance. Is your back perfectly straight, with shoulders down, not up or hunched?

2. Check your hand position. This is another toughie, because as you get cookin' on those Taffenel-Gaubert exercises, you may start lifting those fingers just a little too high. Or maybe your elbows start hiking up just a little too much. Use that mirror! Have someone stand next to you, holding the palm of their hand over your finger joints as you play to make sure your fingers go just far enough to release the keys, nothing more. Watch out for your wrists, too. Have them bent in just enough to allow your fingers to work in a relaxed manner.

3. Don't go for the 4-hour marathon sessions. Break your practices down into segments of really not more than an hour each, if possible. Each hour should concentrate on something different: possibly the first hour on exercises, the second on etudes, third on ensemble work, fourth on solos, or whatever. If your back or fingers or wrists start to hurt, STOP. Assess your posture, take a break, whatever.

4. Just be relaxed. Yeah, right, when you have a major competition coming up? Again, I learned in my lessons that the only really tense part you should have in playing is in your diaphragm to facilitate breathing, or possibly in your shoulder blades. (Note I didn't say shoulders). Fingers, shoulders, neck, wrists, should feel as relaxed as possible. I know it's easier said than done, because I have this problem big time, but it does make a difference.

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