I would really like to learn how to play the piano, but I only have the use of my right hand. Does anyone know anything/one who could help me out? I can do almost everything else on my own, and would like to be able to play music on the piano. Is it possible? Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much! -Angela

-- Angela Winn (angelaisme04@yahoo.com), February 19, 2005

Answers

I have no experience with this, but that doesn't stop me from having an opinion! I'm sure you can play...obviously you will have to make accomodations. You will find the sustaining pedal very useful in providing a fuller sound. There is very little music written for right hand alone, except some beginner pieces. I suggest you find a teacher who will work with you and who will be willing to put in the time/effort to adapt music to make it playable. Good luck!

-- Alice (abell88@bloorwestvillage.com), February 19, 2005.

Angela, I want to encourage you by saying that Alice was mistaken when she said there is very little music written for RH only. In fact, there is an entire textbook devoted to the topic of one-handed music (I'm sorry, I can't think of the name of it). Also, many pieces written for 2 hands can be adapted for one--now I don't mean "most" music can be adapted that way--but you can certainly learn to play and enjoy many beautiful pieces. As Alice said, the sustain pedal will be very important for you (as it is for all of us!) I'll try to post the names of some books I have tomorrow. annie

-- annie (no_name_poster@yahoo.com), February 21, 2005.

Angela, Of course you can play piano with one hand! I am a music therapist and have worked with individuals who have had strokes and therefore were limited to one handed playing. And as Annie stated there are volumes of music written for R.H. playing. I would suggest you contact the Association for Music Therapy and ask them to recommend someone in your area. (www.musictherapy.org). If you are a beginning student, learning side-by=side with a teacher can be so gratifying and you can play "duets" together. As you become more accomplished, your right hand will produce beautiful harmonies as well as melodies. Good luck to you and DON't give up the dream of playing the piano....you CAN do it!

-- Marianne Ashton (ashtonrg@netzero.net), February 21, 2005.

Glad to hear I was mistaken!

-- Alice (abell88@bloorwestvillage.com), February 21, 2005.

thanks so much for the responses! I think I will look at the music therapy website today. Thanks again!

-- Angela Winn (angelaisme04@yahoo.com), February 21, 2005.

About a year ago I started teaching an 11-year old with only one hand. Her left hand (with no fingers) can play a single white key (black keys harder) but it's enough to provide a rudimentary bass line. Her progress is remarkable. At first I took on the task of re- writing the music for one hand. Now she does it herself. When I say, "What shall we do about the left hand (in a new piece) her response is now, "Don't worry, I'll figure something out!" And she does. I choose music that has a minimum of notes in the bass line. And I have found music for one-hand piano. At recitals no one even knows she has only one hand, and when they find out, they are all amazed. She has taught me so much about "limitations." As far as she is concerned, there are none! So, go for it!

-- Helen Garrett (jellicog@charter.net), February 24, 2005.