1.1.2 Physical Constraints
“It is difficult to imagine a more diabolically designed instrument than the flute” states Perry (Parry 2004, 54). Playing the flute requires both arms to be extended outwards - the left, across the body, and the right, away from the body. The left wrist can become quite prone in order to cover the keys properly, depending on the arm length of the flute player.Â
I am a rather small person, and so my arm length is limited. In order to facilitate the keys in the left hand, I must pronate my wrist and use the side knuckle of my left thumb to maneuver the keys. As I mentioned earlier, I have had tendinitis in my left forearm around the ulnar nerve, as well as in my right forearm along the top of my forearm and wrist.Â
Perry suggests to take adequate breaks during practice, and that these breaks should not consist of activities that use the neck and arms in a similarly strained manner. Specific to me, that would include computing, texting, or knitting.
Maintaining a high level of fitness is also an important component of increasing my weekly practice volume. It is general knowledge that maintaining a healthy body lends itself to a healthy mind, which enables the musician to function at a higher capacity. According to Taylor and Wasley (Taylor and Wasley 2004, 165), “Extensive literature surveys (Petruzzello et al., 1991; Taylor, 2000) have concluded that acute exercise can reduce self-reported state anxiety and physiological indices of stress”. From my own experience, incorporating several sessions of moderate to high-intensity cardio exercise per week has increased my overall level of health dramatically. I have slowly changed my eating habits and my relationship with certain foods which from my own self-reported data, has also lifted my level of health significantly. Since eating mindfully and being “in-tune” with my own body, I have been able to maintain energy, focus, and general happiness throughout every long, demanding work day.
According to Ackermann, Adams, and Marshall (2002), upper body conditioning done in the form of strength and endurance training will produce significant gains for musicians. Many of the students they tested reported a much lower level of musculoskeletal problems and/or playing related injuries. As a flute player who has to hold such an awkward instrument, I should incorporate more strength training into my exercise regime.Â