I love the piano with all my heart and soul, but I have one major problem... my left hand is paralyzed. My right hand is good and strong and can play its treble parts just fine, but I'm sure we all know that the left is very important as the bass part is the rhythm and harmony that supports the melody. So what can I do? I've always wondered what it would be like to be a professional pianist, but how many pianists do you see playing with one hand? I don't wanna give up, but it seems pretty hopeless. What do you do when you can only play with one hand?

Can movement somehow be restored? I'm not sure, but I do recall that one of the best pianists I have ever met is blind. . . . .maybe you could do duets? Or compose and things like that?

Some composers wrote specifically for one-handed performers. The one that comes to mind is Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No. 4 (I think it's no. 4). There are some others, but I can't seem to find the names right now.

I don't know if you saw a programme on channel four a few months ago, but there was a guy on there who played with piano who decided to try and play a song with just one hand.

I can't remember which song it was, but I do know it was about grade 7. He practised and practised, but it was possible for him to play it all with one hand - I don't know how he did it, but he did!!

So don't give up playing; you will be able to play songs both treble and bass, but it'll just be harder for you probably.

Good luck

Laura
XxX

Hi,
I recall a lady named Joni Eareckson-Tada. She was injured while swimming and is now a quadriplegic. She writes music and has published many songs. She also draws amazing pictures. All this she does with her mouth. You can learn more about her through a Google search. I say, where there's a will there's a way! Not to sound silly, but have you ever considered using your feet? Or is there something you can attach to your arm that will make up a basic chord shape, or even just a one fingered shape that you can use to play even just one note for the bottom? Be creative! I'd be curious to know how you make out.

P.S.
There is always hope...