the proper way to hold the hands on ths sax

[shauli]

hi you all,
I'm playing for a long time but this year i started to practice as i should (about 4-5 hours a day), yesterday and today my left hand started to hurt in the area of of the forehand benith the palm. its hurts mostly when i'm playing the lower Bb or B or C#. I'm playing a very good alto (mark vi) so i don't think it was build wrong...
is there anybody here who can tell me what is the proper healthier way to hold the left hand ? maybe an illustration or something?

thanks alot.

[MS]

Hands of different people vary. If no one suggests pics -do some self analysis either in front of a mirror or video tape the hand in question - then sit back and analyse. i'd guess you'll be able to figure out what you need to do.

There's some basic info in the Teal "Art of Saxophone Playing", but not specific to your problem perhaps. But might be a good place to start.

If you do video or mirror self analysis, try to find a general position for your wrist (curved fingers-moving at the knucle of the finger base) that requires the least movement to play palm keys and LH spatula keys.
Check out or have someone check out your overall posture. Curved spine playing position can cause tension to manifest itself in different body parts. Fore arm, shoulder, or neck tension will cause pain to show up in unexpected places.

If there's a GOOD teacher or analytic pro player near you -do a couple of sessions to see what they might find to recommend. There are a couple of teaching systems that deal with balances of posture, etc, that you might check out. Ssorry I can't remember the names - perhaps someone can chime in and help out here.

If that is in good shape, then you might check out the different physical ailments that plague musicians who use their hands for hours a day.

[MS]

One system name I seem to remember is "Alexander". ANyone have suggestions or links for this breathing/balance system?