There are fifty-nine muscles in each arm, including the hand, which the
Musician is called upon to use in his playing. If each of these are
trained to the proper degree, the heaviest part of the task is
accomplished, for not only does the control thus derived perfect technic
and touch, it also helps to overcome nervousness, develops a velvety
touch, becomes an invaluable aid to sight reading, and assists the
student in gaining the power to accompany sympathetically and accurately
at sight.
It is not necessary to exercise each of these muscles separately. By
careful study, the method of AUTOMATIC FINGER CONTROL has been reduced
to twenty-four weeks’ work. The exercises should be practiced the
required number of times twice daily, preferably upon arising in the
morning, and again in the evening.
Each movement must be brisk, and as complete a contraction of the
muscles involved as possible. Perform the work with one hand at a time
rather than trying to use both hands at once. Close mental attention to
the movement involved will increase the benefits derived, especially in
the case of those exercises which require that you set one muscle
working in opposition to another.
Do not, in your enthusiasm, practice these exercises more than directed,
nor should you do them just before your work at the instrument.
This Course comprises 31 exercises. As you will see from the lessons, it
is not enough that each exercise be practiced a single week. Sometimes
you will be required to work on a single exercise for two weeks in
succession and from time to time the exercises will be reviewed.
The 31 exercises have been collected and placed in numerical order at
the back of the manuscript. The lessons are found in order at the front.
At the bottom of each lesson page the exercises for the week are
delegated.
After you have studied your lesson sheet, turn to the exercises
required, for the week’s work, study them carefully and practice
faithfully.
Do not, under any circumstance, run ahead of your course. To get quick
results, you must practice the exercises in the order given, devoting at
least a week’s time to each lesson.
If you are just starting to learn your instrument, complete the first
two lessons in AUTOMATIC FINGER CONTROL before you take up the practice
on the instrument. Then take up the first instrumental lesson and do it
in conjunction with Lesson Three of AUTOMATIC FINGER CONTROL.
Always bear in mind that the main idea of this course is not the
strength of the fingers, nor even their suppleness. The main idea is
coordination between brain and muscle, training the muscles so as to
overcome the tendency of the fingers to move more slowly than the mind.
Therefore, give your entire thought and undivided attention to what you
are doing as you practice the daily exercises. If you will do this, your
progress will be rapid and sure.