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Hey guys, I have a quick question.

After reading the following article about certain physical problems found by pianists, found at:

http://www.musicandhealth.co.uk/linkages.htm

After watching the movie clip, i realized to my horror that I have a slight tendon linkage between my RH thumb and index finger. It's not half as bad as the video demonstration, but its there when I pass the thumb under. I simply couldn't believe it!

My question is, how does this really affect my playing? I've never noticed this before, so it couldn't have bothered me, but now it's really starting to bother me. Any thoughts?

You will never be able to play the piano again!

There are 10,000 reasons why you will not be a great pianist. You can spend all your time worrying about them, or you can do the best that you can.

Pumkinhead: Have you experienced any pain as a result of this "linkage"? If not, then I wouldn't worry about it. Everyone can only do the best they can with what they have been given. Some of us have smaller hands, some may not be as flexible, some may not be strong enough to make the loudest sounds possible. But what does that matter? You offer your own unique perspective on your music, and that is what people come to listen for. Partly, they may want to hear the music of the composer, but most often, it's to hear what *you* have to say about it. Don't worry yourself so much about things that aren't really an issue at all.

I wouldn't worry too much about this either. As one who is losing my flexibility, I'm learning to "compensate" by trying other methods to achieve the same results. The fingerings and hand positions aren't ideal and go against my gut, but there's nothing I can do but accept it, suck in the pride and go on.

John

Pumkinhead, you play the piano with your ears not your thumbs.

Years ago when I was younger, I played golf near scratch. I thought I was so great, believe me.

I played this guy for money. Lots of people bet on the match.

He cleaned me out by four strokes, even though I shot a 72 from the tips on a big course.

He had one leg.

People can make do. No worries, mate.

The other thing too, which I forgot to add in my post, Pumpkinhead. The Schmitt exercises really help with this. Do them slowly with relaxed hands and wrists, and you'll see wonders in a few months. Again, as we've said here, don't worry about it.

John

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