From: Jean Bynum <rl@mercury.interpath.com>
Subject: Re: 4th finger collapse?
Date: Sun, 10 Dec 1995 01:02:36 -0500

   I remember when my 4th finger would collapse like that (when I was an 
undergraduate music major! :( ) A few things I did that helped:

1. I tried to position my hand around my 4th finger. By that, I mean I 
got my 4th finger in place and stretched my other fingers back, instead 
of starting with the 1st finger and stretching up. A teacher can help a 
lot, but it's the kind of thing that requires so many small adjustments 
that you also have to be very self-aware and willing to experiment on your 
own.

2. I practiced placing and removing my 4th finger with the curve I wanted 
without worrying about what pitch I produced. This strengthened the joint 
somewhat and helped my hand to know the feeling needed. 
   While doing this, I also found that using less pressure on the string
made it less likely the middle joint would break. As the joint got
stronger I could use the weight needed to produce a clear note. 

3. I also tried putting my 4th finger down with the nail joint flexed
backwards, instead of curved outwards. Again, pitch didn't matter.This
forced the middle joint to bend the way I wanted. This seems like
something that could really injure you if you're not careful!  I only did
it a little bit and made sure not to press too hard. 

4. Gentle stretching and strengthening also helped. I would put my 4th
finger down with a curve, again not worrying about pitch, and stretch
backwards with 1, 2 or 3. (NEVER to the point of pain.) I also squeezed a
small piece of foam rubber with my 4th finger. 
   Basically, anything that causes you to work with that joint in the flexed 
position without excessive strain should help.

  My 4th finger had always been weak. I was pleasantly surprised by how
quickly these things did help, although I don't remember now how long it
actually took. 
                       Good luck!
                        Jean Bynum      

==========================================================================
From: Eve <kwarner@one.net>
  Newsgroups: rec.music.makers.bowed-strings
  Subject: Re: Double jointed pinky
  Date: Wed, 27 Mar 1996 08:19:44 -0500

  Try to keep the base of the finger, part closest to the hand, closer to
  the neck and also try to place pinky on its tip, rather than the fleshy
  part of the top of the finger.  Also, give your finger time to
  strengthen - many pupils complain of weak 4ths simply because it's not
  used much.  Start using 4s on everything for awhile to get it stronger.

 Hope this is helpful.
  Eve Warner
  kwarner@one.net