We add, in this lesson, an exercise for the forearm. This is the next territory of importance to be brought under control. You will have no difficulty with this new exercise. The movement is of especial interest to students of the Piano and Organ, though every musician should have the muscles involved under perfect command.
One of the greatest joys in playing is the ability to read at sight, and to play accurately and with feeling.
AUTOMATIC FINGER CONTROL brings this finished ability more quickly than any other means, for it teaches you once and for all how to manage your fingers. The correct action soon becomes automatic, indeed, and then your full attention can be given to the beautiful hidden meanings of the piece you are playing. That is the highest meaning of technic—to be able to play without any thought of the mechanical “how.”
If you are studying these lessons in conjunction with an instrument, it will be well, for the first few weeks to give more attention to the Finger Control exercises than to practicing on the instrument itself.
In this way, when finally you do begin to play, your advancement will be rapid and satisfactory.
For this week, practice Exercises 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.
LESSON 3.
You should be coming along in good shape, now, so you are to have two new exercises this week. One of them is particularly for the hand. It is barely possible that this exercise of snapping the fingers open will cause the wrists to tire. Do not be discouraged by this. That is a sure indication that you are in particular need of strengthening of these muscles, and once they are built up, you will find yourself doing constantly better work on the instrument.
The second of the new movements is for strengthening the upper arm. Remember to take it easy at first until the shoulder feels strong enough to resist the strain that is brought to bear upon it. This valuable exercise will be continued next week.
Many students find it convenient to learn the exercises for the week by heart, and then practice them at odd moments as on their way to work. This is quite satisfactory, and if you are pressed for time, it is a good idea to get into this habit. BUT, be sure that you get in your two full periods each day.