I have been practising very hard (a few hours daily) for the last weeks (so I missed the trolling drama not only by good luck).

I have developed a kind of callus on my left index finger, close to the place I hold the flute. It is about 1/4+ " in diameter and about 1/8" high.

It does not hurt but I am worried about this thing I never had.

Anybody had or has a similar problem? Could this be considered normal? Or am I doing something wrong?

I can remember a little while ago seeing photos of sir Jame's fingers, showing calluses and dents in them, can't think where it was though, but did find this.. http://www.jennifercluff.com/blog/2008/10/galway-talks-about-flute-arm-pain.html

Mark.

It's happened to me before, and like you said, only when I practice for extended periods of times. I think it's perfectly normal, kind of like when a guitar playing gets calluses on their finger tips from pressing down the strings. I wouldn't worry about it unless it starts to look like something to worry about(you know gross, !****!, or something of that sort).

<Added>

Not sure why it did the *** and !!!. I didn't say a naughty word...I said something about that red sticky stuff that's a fluid in your body...didn't know that it offends people. Oh well.

It's normal, all serious players have them.

Sir James Galway's Callus photos:

http://xf4.xanga.com/c4cf27eb49033244053097/t193394482.gif
http://xf5.xanga.com/b29f0ae549230244053107/t193394490.jpg

My hand after 1 year of serious fluting(practiced 2-3 hours per day):
http://x55.xanga.com/70df30eb49630244053091/m193394478.jpg
http://x8e.xanga.com/938f0ae549630244053090/o193394477.jpg
http://xa5.xanga.com/da6f2be346532244053088/t193394476.jpg

I wish you calluses-free, but productive, practise for the future!

(Maybe I should try using "I am avoiding calluses and injuries" as an excuse next time I have not practised enough. )

Thank you very much. Not longer worried now.

<Added>

I suppose it should have been "No longer worried". Sorry.

<Added>

And thank for the pictures of your hand. Mine is looking more or less the same.

i have one too and have always been worried that i've been doing something wrong .... too much pressure, too heavy a grip - something like that, so i am sincerely pleased to know i am not on my own.

thanks for the posting jose luis

xx

We, callus bearers students, could be happy that at least in this aspect we resemble a little sir James (JJK).

I have yet to develop a callus on the left thumb. Looks like it takes much more than a couple of hours of daily practice.