nikki-k
02-11-2010, 10:32 PM
Hi!
I am posting this in several forums, and in reference to a few instrument types.
I am a paraplegic.. specifically, a T6 Complete ASIA A. What that means is that, for the sake of simplicity (if slightly inaccurate), my spinal cord is *severed* at about nipple height. This means that not only am I unable to walk/stand (run, jump, kick, etc), but I also have NO abdominal muscle control. This means that if I lean forward/sideways/backward, I simply flop completely foreward/sideways/etc (yes, like Humpty Dumpty.. and yes, it has been hysterical at times).
I told ya that to ask this: are there any other paraplegic key players? Does anyone know any? I am asking because I am finding it very difficult to play. Since I cannot lean, it is difficult to access a full 88-keyboard, plus, once I set myself into a position, I cannot slide down the bench slightly, etc. Also, if I lean forward even the slightest, one hand MUST be used to brace myself, thereby making it impossible to use that second hand to play. I have further hand injuries that have severely reduced my current playing ability, but "starting from scratch" with exercises we all did initially on piano seems to be helping. Being in a wheelchair makes the approach inverted; an able bodied person (we call you guys "AB's") can adjust THEIR position in relation to a static object, whereas for us wheeled people we have to be able to be the static object. Makes things interesting!!! I am still working on designing a "composing station" that will allow for this, as well as carefully choosing the keyboard/workstation that will benefit me most (wish list of completely unaffordable, but perfect, solution? Oasys 88)
Interestingly, I have made strides in resolving the use of at least one of the (up to) 3 pedals on a piano. My dying K2500XS came with a sustain pedal, and since I no longer had use for it, I dissected it. The circuit board inside was actually much larger than it needed to be, so I trimmed it down to just under the size of a US quarter, wrapped some plastic wrap around it and up the cable a bit, and then wrapped some tape around the cable. The little pressure switch is sensitive enough that I can use my tongue, or use my teeth. The drooling is annoying, so I am still working on this! Initially I thought of using a Breath Controller and simply mapping it; however, due to the level of my injury, I do not have good diaphragm control either.
I know it is a long shot posting here. When I woke from a coma and was told I was to be a paraplegic for life, I asked if I would retain use of my arms, and if my hands should heal well enough to have decent dexterity. They said yes, and asked why I asked those particular questions. I told them it was because I was a musician, and played piano/keys, guitar, and bass, and that if I could at least continue to do that, I might be able to live instead of simply surviving each day.
Oh! Any paraplegic guitar, bass, sax, etc players would be great to meet/correspond with as well!!!!
Thanks in advance for any help provided!
(PS: Jordan- if you read this, pls tell Robert that I had his wife ship me his CS80, since he is neglecting it too much :biggrin: )
I am posting this in several forums, and in reference to a few instrument types.
I am a paraplegic.. specifically, a T6 Complete ASIA A. What that means is that, for the sake of simplicity (if slightly inaccurate), my spinal cord is *severed* at about nipple height. This means that not only am I unable to walk/stand (run, jump, kick, etc), but I also have NO abdominal muscle control. This means that if I lean forward/sideways/backward, I simply flop completely foreward/sideways/etc (yes, like Humpty Dumpty.. and yes, it has been hysterical at times).
I told ya that to ask this: are there any other paraplegic key players? Does anyone know any? I am asking because I am finding it very difficult to play. Since I cannot lean, it is difficult to access a full 88-keyboard, plus, once I set myself into a position, I cannot slide down the bench slightly, etc. Also, if I lean forward even the slightest, one hand MUST be used to brace myself, thereby making it impossible to use that second hand to play. I have further hand injuries that have severely reduced my current playing ability, but "starting from scratch" with exercises we all did initially on piano seems to be helping. Being in a wheelchair makes the approach inverted; an able bodied person (we call you guys "AB's") can adjust THEIR position in relation to a static object, whereas for us wheeled people we have to be able to be the static object. Makes things interesting!!! I am still working on designing a "composing station" that will allow for this, as well as carefully choosing the keyboard/workstation that will benefit me most (wish list of completely unaffordable, but perfect, solution? Oasys 88)
Interestingly, I have made strides in resolving the use of at least one of the (up to) 3 pedals on a piano. My dying K2500XS came with a sustain pedal, and since I no longer had use for it, I dissected it. The circuit board inside was actually much larger than it needed to be, so I trimmed it down to just under the size of a US quarter, wrapped some plastic wrap around it and up the cable a bit, and then wrapped some tape around the cable. The little pressure switch is sensitive enough that I can use my tongue, or use my teeth. The drooling is annoying, so I am still working on this! Initially I thought of using a Breath Controller and simply mapping it; however, due to the level of my injury, I do not have good diaphragm control either.
I know it is a long shot posting here. When I woke from a coma and was told I was to be a paraplegic for life, I asked if I would retain use of my arms, and if my hands should heal well enough to have decent dexterity. They said yes, and asked why I asked those particular questions. I told them it was because I was a musician, and played piano/keys, guitar, and bass, and that if I could at least continue to do that, I might be able to live instead of simply surviving each day.
Oh! Any paraplegic guitar, bass, sax, etc players would be great to meet/correspond with as well!!!!
Thanks in advance for any help provided!
(PS: Jordan- if you read this, pls tell Robert that I had his wife ship me his CS80, since he is neglecting it too much :biggrin: )