Does the functionality of your small finger determine your ability to master the violin?

After the recorder, the violin is the instrument most commonly offered to children by state schools in the UK. The violin is a challenging instrument. Rapid, independent motion of the digital joints in the left hand is desirable. This study was conceived after an 11-year-old patient volunteered that she had given up playing the violin because of difficulty and discomfort manoeuvring the left small and ring fingers independently. On examination, she was found to have absent FDS (flexor digitorum superficialis) function in the small finger. The research investigated whether lack of inde-pendent movement of the small finger PIPJ affected the musical ability of string players. Because an anatomical variation is fixed, training and strengthening exercises will be unlikely to correct any issues of technique that arise as a result.

Professional string players were tested clinically, using standard and modified tests, for flexor digitorum superficialis function. Two additional physical tests were applied: the gap and stretch tests. The research confirms that elite violinists and viola players usually have independent FDS function.

Based on the outcome of this study, a recommendation could be made for children to be examined being offered the violin or viola as an instrument. Not everyone needs to reach a professional level. If absent FDS function is confirmed, an explanation about why certain movements are difficult to execute might be more helpful than giving the advice to practise more.

Source: SAGE Publications