media release

Monday 8th September

New Melbourne clarinet learning device a success with students  The concept of Classical Fingers began as a model made of DAS clay bought from an art shop, secured with several clips. Now it’s an award winning, specifically engineered device that is helping clarinet students improve their playing technique by an estimated 50% in some cases, making its creator Phil Lambert popular with students and parents alike.  “A common issue for people learning to play the clarinet is being able to keep their fingers close to the keys and not lift them too high while they are playing,” explains Phil, the Melbourne based clarinet teacher.  He says students often give up for the same reasons - over active, pesky fingers that lift too high. “It’s a problem that comes down to millimeters.” Phil developed Classical Fingers after noticing many of his clarinet classes were being consumed by issues around finger height and correct placement.  Designed and made in Melbourne, Classical Fingers clips onto the clarinet with two magnets and covers the most important keys at just the right height.  “It acts as a deterrent and helps develop a better muscle memory. The fingers automatically sense there is something above them so they stay down, close to the keys, resulting in a smoother and more accurate performance,” he says. This allows the player to concentrate on remembering the correct keys and playing the right notes. Phil says another design feature is its ability to easily clip on and off the clarinet, allowing players to use it in their lessons and while they are practicing by themselves.  “Many of my students say using Classical Fingers is like having a teacher at home.” Parents might say its success is no surprise - learning aids, like Classical Fingers are becoming increasingly sought after by parents looking to ensure their children get the most out of their music tuition.  A recent study confirmed that more than 86% of Australian parents believe that learning an instrument is a vital part of a high school education and invest heavily into the pursuit. Clarinet student Flynn, 13, has been playing the clarinet for three years and began using Classical Fingers in March.  “I’ve always enjoyed playing the clarinet but before I started using Classical Fingers I could only play simple pieces.”  “It has definitely helped me play songs that previously I was having trouble with.” Flynn says that practicing at home with Classical Fingers sped up his progression and it wasn’t long until his teacher suggested he start practicing for more advanced exams. “Using Classical Fingers both in my lessons and at home has added to my confidence and helped improve my overall exam grade.” Phil says Flynn is a classic example of the type of student Classical Fingers was intended to help.  “Flynn was always an enthusiastic student, but he struggled with his finger placement which would let him down so as a teacher I’m delighted to hear him say that he feels that Classical Fingers has helped him overcome that challenge.”  “Just last week I accompanied Flynn on the piano while he improvised on the clarinet and it was just fantastic to see that creativity, freedom and confidence in his fingers,” says Phil. “To me, if Classical Fingers has helped one student, then it’s already a success in my eyes.” • Classical Fingers was released in March 2014 and is sold for $95 • It is being exhibited at the Sydney Powerhouse Museum through 2014 and 2015 and Design Korea 2014 in November • Classical Fingers was exhibited at Musikmesse, Frankfurt 2015 • It will be exhibited at NAMM, L.A in January 2016 • A list of stockists is available at www.classicalfingers.com (Buy Now Page) • Classical Fingers is an Australian made and manufactured product • Resembling a treble clef, it was recognised for its sophisticated, elegant design when it won a prestigious Good Design® Award in 2014 and a Melbourne Design Award in 2013. Recently it was announced as a finalist in the 2014 Premier’s Design Awards • Classical Fingers is being purchased Worldwide