You are starting something new—something that is going to play a BIG
part in your musical success. The degree and speed of this success
depends on one thing—YOU.
Take warning from the old adage—“A new broom sweeps clean.”
You must strive for moderation in all things. During the first few
weeks, you will be tempted to give too much time to the following
exercises. During the later weeks, you may be tempted to neglect them
because of the marked improvement which you have already received. But
be determined. Go through with the entire course just as it is outlined.
Do each exercise the exact number of times each period that is called
for. And do the entire set both night and morning.
It is important that you do the various movements with considerable
effort because the complete contraction of the muscles obtained in this
way tends to squeeze the blood out of them, thus drawing a new supply of
fresh, nourishing blood in replacement. In this way, you not only
strengthen the muscles by the movement, but you also feed both them and
the nerves.
The fingers and wrists must bear a heavy part in the playing of any
musical instrument, therefore, we will devote ourselves exclusively this
week to strengthening these. If the muscles tire easily and tend to
stiffen up, go a little easy the first few days, but do some work each
and every day. The improvement will be all the more noticeable, as you
are evidently unusually in need of stronger fingers.
Practice Exercises 1, 2, 3, and 4 this week.