Always bear in mind that the main idea of this course is not the strength of the fingers, nor even their suppleness. The main idea is coordination between brain and muscle, training the muscles so as to overcome the tendency of the fingers to move more slowly than the mind. Therefore, give your entire thought and undivided attention to what you are doing as you practice the daily exercises. If you will do this, your progress will be rapid and sure.
LESSON 1.
You are starting something new—something that is going to play a BIG part in your musical success. The degree and speed of this success depends on one thing—YOU.
Take warning from the old adage—“A new broom sweeps clean.”
You must strive for moderation in all things. During the first few weeks, you will be tempted to give too much time to the following exercises. During the later weeks, you may be tempted to neglect them because of the marked improvement which you have already received. But be determined. Go through with the entire course just as it is outlined. Do each exercise the exact number of times each period that is called for. And do the entire set both night and morning.
It is important that you do the various movements with considerable effort because the complete contraction of the muscles obtained in this way tends to squeeze the blood out of them, thus drawing a new supply of fresh, nourishing blood in replacement. In this way, you not only strengthen the muscles by the movement, but you also feed both them and the nerves.
The fingers and wrists must bear a heavy part in the playing of any musical instrument, therefore, we will devote ourselves exclusively this week to strengthening these. If the muscles tire easily and tend to stiffen up, go a little easy the first few days, but do some work each and every day. The improvement will be all the more noticeable, as you are evidently unusually in need of stronger fingers.
Practice Exercises 1, 2, 3, and 4 this week.
LESSON 2.
How are the fingers this week? Did they feel effect of starting regular practice? Even if they did, the temporary lameness should be gone by now. And we must continue these same movements another week. Pluck, remember, is that spirit in man which fails to understand despair—which keeps a man up even when he seems to be down. Do not falter. Keep everlastingly at it.