Oh Darn…Pinky:(

[unknown-user]

hey Everyone

I just started harp lessons with a new teacher due to being quite
un-motivated form my last teacher. She had diabetes, couldn’t really
play the harp and wasn’t motivating me. Unfortunately, I have been
taking lessons with her for about 3 1/2 years and she NEVER taught me
any technique on how my hand position is supposed to be or anything.
Now that i am with my new harp teacher, I had to basicially start all
over again because of my hand position. Everything is fine except for
my un-controlable pinky which keeps popping up. Im becoming a little
depressed-lol its hard for my pinky to stay down. Any tips on keeping
that pinky down?

Thank you!

-Bruce

[Tacye]

I have been known to pop a loose, thin elastic band over the 4th and
pinky.

[carl-swanson]

Tacye’s suggestion is a good one.

[unknown-user]

That is a great idea! I never thought of a rubber band

[unknown-user]

Sometimes it is useful for it to be up, if it will then lead the 4th finger in. I think you should be conscious of how we actually do use the 5th finger for balance, ballast and initiation of movement and relaxation. You have tension in it, that’s why it’s up. There is a significant muscle underneath it, along the side of the palm, which is very developed and large in pianists. You must consciously relax it and the pinky will follow.

[unknown-user]

maybe that’s why my pinky wont relax

[Author]

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