Finger Independence: The Key to Mastering Your Craft
Finger independence is all about control and coordination. When we talk about finger independence, it often sounds like a scary concept, where individual fingers work independently. However, our fingers are interlinked, and isolating one can pull on another, leading to cramps, fatigue, and other issues. Instead, working on finger interdependence can make the journey to mastering any skill much smoother.
Understanding Finger Independence and Interdependence
Finger independence is not about isolating fingers, but about understanding how they work together. In the context of typing, building a puzzle, or playing a musical instrument like the piano, all five fingers must move in the same direction at the same time. Isolating one can create dual muscular pulls, which can lead to serious problems.
For instance, when you wave bye-bye with all five fingers together, it is almost effortless. However, if you spread them out and wave, you might feel tension, which means you are likely used to the resistance and need to be wary. This principle applies not only to the piano but to any instrument or craft that requires fine motor skills.
The Interestingly Ambidextrous Journey
My journey to finger independence has been fascinating, and it all started when I was a toddler. I had a natural interest in sculpting, painting, and working with other materials like pencils, paintbrushes, clay, wood, and stone chisels. Additionally, my interest extended to sewing, crocheting, paper folding, and other activities that required dexterity and skill.
Being ambidextrous, I used both hands in all these activities. By the time I considered learning a musical instrument, I had better control of my fingers than most beginners. While it wasn't perfect, age is still in my favor, and I have plenty of time to improve.
The Role of Practice and Imagination
Many people believe that achieving finger independence is a linear process that happens over a set period. However, the truth is that it is more about the quality of practice and the development of neural pathways. Practice creates neural pathways that make unconscious the movements required to execute a particular task. This is especially true when it comes to playing the piano, where it is not about building strength but about the muscles in the forearm.
My progress with finger independence happened after or concurrently with lots of ear training and visual-spatial thought experiments related to the instrument. Developing a vivid aural and spatial imagination profoundly affects my ability to understand what my fingers need to do. The more vivid your understanding of sounds you want to create, the easier it is to figure out how to practice to achieve the necessary neural pathways.
Improving Your Craft: Essential Tips
To improve your craft, don’t focus on how long it takes in comparison to others to develop finger independence. Instead, refine your imagination through ear training and theory. Understand what your whole body is doing to achieve the sounds you want to make. This approach can help you develop a more natural and effortless technique.
By working on finger interdependence and refining your imagination, you can achieve a high level of control and precision in your craft. Whether it's playing the piano, sculpting, or any other skill that requires dexterity, developing your finger independence will take both time and practice. But the payoff is well worth it.