A friend of mine recently left three of five fingers on his table saw and saddly for him they weren't able to reattach them. He is a piano tuner by proffession and his ability to tune won't be impaired but his ability to play has been. The remaining digits that can be used are his little finger and his thumb.

Being as we suffered similar injuries he and I have talked this over endlessly. I suggested that he try playing in a modified stride style of piano playing. Luckily, a style he likes very much. As I know diddley about piano playing I am wondering if there may be another option for him.

Any suggestions?

Don

I too have had to modify my piano playing (and life) because of MS. I used to play at graduations, church, etc., but MS has affected my quick repetitive motion and the ability to change positions quickly. Now I just play simple arrangements that don't require either of those motions (ie. no Chopin). Actually, I kinda enjoy having an excuse not to play in public. Seriously though, I'm lucky in that my livihood doesn't depend on being able to play the piano. As far as enjoying music, I've really gotten into MIDI files and listening to new kinds of music on the Internet.

You didn't say which hand of your friend's is affected. If it's the left hand, then a modified bass is a very workable option. If it's the right hand, he would be limited to one finger melodies in jazz-type playing. I learned while teaching children to play piano that it seems to be a marked skill level when they are able to "change hand positions" or in other words, move to another place on the keyboard quickly. There are many arrangements that really don't require this. Playing simple arrangements by ear sound good when you "spread out" or try to use a wide range on the keyboard. The melody line can be a single note up high, and the bass can be a very low root note and a mid range chord. (this can even be a two-note chord.)

I would really suggest that he use this time to learn different types of music, maybe also differnet instruments. There are some great one-day workshops for blues playing. Also look into various dulcimer and folk workshops. I've learned a lot about arranging by making MIDI files of favorite songs.

Let us hear from you again.

Mary

Mary in Kentucky

I dont do blue clicky things yet, bur above is the URL of a search I did on google it seems to have quite a few options
kindest regards
Patrish

Mary Thanks for the Midi idea. Bill hsn't an electric keyboard. He uses a nice old upright Steinway he found in a barn and rebuilt from the casters up.

Are there attachments made to modify bass keyboards to allow for one finger bass chords on a standard accoustic piano?

Don

As far as MIDI sequencing, a keyboard is not necessary. It takes longer to enter the notes by hand (mouse), but that's the only way I can do it accurately. Afterall, Beethovan only had pen and ink!

Let me know if this is as muddled as it appears to be.

Mary