United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I just started playing trumpet with my left hand (trumpet is set up for two handed playing and right handed valve work), and found myself getting frustrated fast due to having to support the trumpet with one hand and use that hand to work the valves as well. My hand binds up and coordination wears after half an hour of practice.

So I did a quick search to get some inspiration, and see if any one handers had "been there done that", so I could get some tips and courage. Thought I'd pass on one BPI trumpet player that I found.

Chris

http://www.jfbcornet.com/index.htm
http://www.jfbcornet.com/biography.htm

and another...

http://www.redhotjazz.com/wingy.html

You might be interested in checking out these people http://www.flutelab.com/adaptive.html they adapt wind instruments for your specific needs. They are based in the Netherlands but will do stuff for people worldwide.
Jen NZ

Thanks so much Jen,
Seeing these kind of adaptations (and that others are pushing thru and making it happen anyway) help remove any doubts that swim up and create a sense of hopelessness.

I've always loved trumpet (and violin, piano, stand up bass,...) and thought "one hand, no problem!" But when starting from scratch, all sorts of different thoughts rise up, since this is new, as opposed to knowing how it works and adapting from there. I guess there are positives and negatives to both sides of the coin.

Anyway, thanks! I'll keep them in mind when I'm able to get past 'Mary had a little lamb' and into 'my funny valentine'.


Cheers,
Chris

Chris, GOOD FOR YOU! You wouldn't have known that John played trumpet for several years, and had just stopped the year before his accident. Sounds like he shouldn't have too much trouble picking it back up since it was his left arm that was injured. Keep on keeping on, and let us hear how you're doing! (figuratively and literally!)

Take care,

Ellen