Kung Fu Hand positions vs. "High 2 Low 2"
Kung Fu HandCan be memorized instantly. Naming reflects physicality. Refers to up to 4 notes at once. Applicable to every position. Can lead to a broader understanding of organization and balance. Can be used to provoke critical thinking and awareness. The student must prepare the entire hand shape in a passage.. Can lead to a systematic understanding of the fingerboard. Can be used to easily describe the action of the hand in modal scales, 3-octave arpeggios, 3-octave scales. Can be used to describe challenges in Kreutzer, Concertos, all standard rep, double, triple, and quadruple stops. |
High 2 Low 2Terminology is confusing. Can refer only to single notes. 1st position only. (Try explaining High 2 low 2 in half position) Has the effect of focusing a student's attention on individual fingers. Teacher writes "Low 2" over a single note. Student adjusts individual finger haphazardly, and without any preparation. Can lead to a case-by-case understanding of the fingerboard. No easily recognizable patterns during attempted transposition. Arrows or "High," "Low" scribbled everywhere. Not useful in Kreutzer or Standard rep. Mostly a crutch for poor note reading. |
Thanks for browsing through my system for developing left hand awareness, organization, balance, and systematic knowledge.
Again, I feel that the naming of hand positions is the significant part of this project.
At some point, there will be a demonstration through Kreutzer and some of the Standard rep - Vivaldi A minor, Bach A minor (or E major), Mozart 3, Deberiot, Bruch G minor, etc.
Feel free to leave feedback. Happy teaching! - Matt