©Copyright 2015 Cloudbreak Music. All rights reserved
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
Classical Fingers now
sold to 27 countries:
USA, Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia,
China, Japan, South Korea, UK, France,
Germany, Spain, Italy, Luxembourg,
Russia, Canada, Mexico, Singapore,
Turkey, Norway, Belgium, Taiwan, Latvia,
Switzerland, Poland, Denmark, South
Africa.
Classical Fingers® Clarinet finger optimiser