You have probably seen those weird devices attached to some flute player’s flute and wondered what it was, right? Those small attachments to the flute are meant to help with the fingers flexibility as the flutist plays the flute.

Going back a long way in my career as a flutist I had an unbelievable opportunity to study flute with a legendary flutist who, at the time, was the principal flutist for the Atlanta Symphony-Warren Little. I was just returning going back to college after my time as a touring musician and was attending Mercer University located in Macon, Georgia. After my audition (to be admitted to the music program) the chairman of the music department informed me that I needed a high-level flute teacher (at the time they had a woodwind teacher that taught all woodwinds). Apparently, the woodwind teacher felt like he could not give me what I needed as a flutist because of the level I was already playing at. So, the next thing I realized I was driving to Atlanta every two weeks for lessons with the legendary flutist, Warren Little.

At my first lesson with Mr. Little the first thing he did was have me play a short piece in front of him so that he could assess where I was at. At that time, I was holding my flute, like most younger flutists, with my right-hand thumb supporting the flute as I played. He then suggested that I try the way he played. He had me place my right-hand thumb BEHIND the flute instead of under the flute. It felt really weird to me but I tried playing music with my right hand configured like he suggested. I found out that all of a sudden, my fingers felt totally free and even the hand and finger placement above the flute keys was now perfect! The only problem I had now was balancing the flute without my right-hand thumb which I soon overcome.

I played this way for over thirty years. Then, within the last few years someone finally invented a unique device that would help the flutist support the flute (right hand) and better balance the flute.  It is called the “Thumbport” (see picture below).

It is made up of some kind of rubber/plastic material and just snaps onto the flute (see 2nd picture below). It is inexpensive and lasts for quite a while.  It can be purchased from almost any music store that carries flute accessories.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Like the Thumbport for the right hand, there is another device available now for the left hand. Do you experience cramping while you play the flute? There are several different manufactures who make left hand finger rests that clip onto your flute, providing a comfortable resting place for your left index finger. Depending on where you live, you might be able to actually go into a local music store and try the different models for yourself.

The beautify of the left-hand finger rest is that it helps to reduce the pressure needed for your left hand to grip the flute. It also eliminates the need for you to twist your wrist. The left-hand finger rest is especially ideal for players with large hands.

Pic of saddle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pic of saddle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Holding flute with saddle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I know a lot of band directors that start all of their beginning flutists with the two finger aids I just talked about. It has really helped them tremendously.

I have been using both the left- and right-hand finger aids for several years now and it has really helped my hands and even with the balance of the flute. Give it a try! You may find that it can make a big difference for you as a flutist!

For a YouTube video explaining how to use the flute finger aids and the benefits click here