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Lesson 10:
POWER IN THE FOURTH FINGER For trills, turns, shakes and extended movements for octave playing. Two photographs enclosed, Nos. 34 and 35. Photograph No. 1, previously sent, also to be referred to. The photographs show the left hand, but the exercise is to be practised first with the left hand then with the right - one hand at a time, never both together. The effects of this exercise are often most marked, the fourth finger becoming perceptibly stronger every day, and in the opinion of many instrumentalists this is one of the most valuable exercises in the series. Some little care will be required to attain the correct positions and initially it may not be possible to get the fourth finger as far over as is shown in Photo No. 35. Note that the fourth finger is not touching the ball of the thumb, although it may so appear from the photograph because of the line of view, for the finger should be kept almost straight. As an exception, the student may continue this exercise for five minutes every day while occupied with Lesson 11, which follows next week. To be able to extend the fourth finger to the position shown in Photo No. 35 is a great advantage when playing trills, turns, shakes and octaves. The effect of this exercise is to stretch the ligament which connects the fourth finger to a point near the elbow. If done too strenuously a slight ache may be experienced between these two points, therefore a certain amount of restraint is called for during the first few periods of practice.
On no account must the hand be held or turned with the other hand. Practise for ten minutes night and morning, and observe the principle of concentration, which is an essential to the best result. The previous lesson may now be discontinued.
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FIRST POSITION, as in Photograph No. 1, this position to be retained for 10 seconds.
SECOND POSITION as in Photograph No. 34, the fingers bent in a natural attitude, without any effort to 'place' them. Retain this position for 10 seconds.
THIRD POSITION as in Photograph No. 35, the fourth finger being stretched as far as possible over the ball of the thumb, the thumb itself being bent at the first joint, and the wrist being turned to the left as far as possible without strain. It will be understood that the latter note applies when the left hand is being exercised - the wrist is turned to the right when the right hand is being exercised. In this photograph No. 35, the thumb and finger are not touching each other but are as far apart as possible. This position should be retained for 10 seconds, the hand relaxed for the same period, then the exercise done with the right hand. It is as well to alternate after each movement as this exercise is somewhat tiring.