Arduino as Capacitive Sensor

I would like to try this, but a bit about my application.

I'm trying to create a midi bend up and midi bend down plate on either side of the right thumb for an "Electronic Wind Instrument" application.

What I need is for each of those sensors to return a value of 0 - 128) smoothly, as a function of how much skin is touching a piece of copper about a 1/2" square.

No skin contact needs to equal 0, and then as the thumb is rolled slowly onto the capacitance sensor, I need a smooth rise up to 128.

Is this even possible? Because I will not investigate this further if it is not even possible.

CD

Thanks.