Learning one-handed (and one-arm) piano
For at least two years, I’ve told Jordan to wait until second grade to start piano lessons. That’s the grade her brother started and I promised it’s when she could jump in. So two days into second grade, she got to take her very first piano lesson.
On our way to her lesson, Jordan was a little nervous. She asked me if it was going to be difficult. I told her she would be able to learn on her own terms. If it’s too difficult, we’ll step back and take it a little slower. From watching her during her first lesson, I don’t think Jordan will need to take it slow at all. She jumped in and listened and was SO excited to practice piano. So much so, she told me she wished she could take piano lessons every day.
Along with that excitement, Jordan decided she did not want to learn one-handed piano. She wants to learn one-handed and one-arm piano. It’s a skill she’s been trying to build during random non-trained time in front of the piano in our house. Her brother taught her how to play Hot Cross Buns and she figured out how to play it with her hand and arm. So, her teacher is working on a way to teach Jordan how to read music in a bit of a different way, but not too different. I’m so thrilled to have a wonderful teacher who knows my family and is willing to get creative. Here’s a tiny peek into Jordan’s first lesson:
I couldn’t give Jordan’s teacher any tips. At the start, I let Jordan tell us how she wanted to learn. Adding in a one-armed playing style makes sense. I’m proud she showed us the way. She always figures stuff out when we give her space and let her try.
The mark of a good teacher is listening to their students, Audra. I’m so proud of you for listening to Jordan and letting her figure out that playing with one hand and one arm was better for her than playing one-handed. What a blessing you are to each other. I hope to hear Jordan play the next time I’m there! Love you! Mom
Hi,
I am raising my granddaughter who is 5 yrs old. She loves music and I believe she would love to play an instrument. I have a piano and she likes to mess around. Your story is very encouraging and I would love to find out more.
Sincerely,
Wanda Patterson
Oops. She only has her left hand.
That’s SO cool, Wanda! She’s going to love piano lessons.
[…] learning how music works. She surprised us last Fall when she proved to her teacher and I that she didn’t need to learn one-handed piano. She even kicked butt during her very first piano […]
Hi! Can you give any tips on right hand/left arm lesson books? Or right hand only lesson books? I have a teacher who is very willing to help my son learn piano, but feels she’d do a better job if there was a lesson book to get us started in the right direction. I’m googling like crazy and can’t seem to find anything for a beginner child.
I love your use of “born just right”. That has been a phrase we have used since the moment our son was born. What a lovely story you’ve shared. Thank you!
Hi, Amy! We have used regular beginner books but our piano teacher has kind of followed Jordan’s lead when it comes to learning her left-side since Jordan can only play one note at a time with her little arm. I’ll see if my piano teacher would be okay with me connecting you by email. Hopefully she can offer some insight.
I am an autistic flutist. I have a team of awesome music teachers (and an okay section leader) behind me. My first lesson was on how to produce a tone. It was awkward for me to balance a flute at first, but it feels natural now.
Hello, I am a piano teacher, and I have been given the opportunity to teach a one handed student. Might it be possible to get some more information and insight into teaching methods? Thank you.
Hi, Tim! I’ll see if Jordan’s piano teacher can chat with you!
Our Annie has her left hand and a “special” hand with no digits . We also have a teacher who is willing to teach Annie piano, which she is excited to learn. Even better, Annie has not a clue that this “may” be a challenge. In her mind, nothing is an issue…she was the 1st child in her 1st grade class to learn to tie her shoes….then taught her two handed classmates.
We would love some direction please.
Hi, Kim! We went into piano letting Jordan take the lead. Her piano teacher expected Jordan would want to play one-handed. We were wrong. Jordan wanted to play the left-side of the piano with her little arm. She can only play one note at a time, but that hasn’t stopped her at all. I would recommend letting Annie go with the flow and let her teacher follow Annie’s lead! Have fun!
Thank you… yes we always let Annie lead… outdid Jordan’s teacher find any particular music book better?
Any advise to the teacher:?
Hi, my daughter is very interested in piano with the same setup, right hand and left arm. I know it’s been years since your original post – wondering about advice from the teacher and/or from your family about what worked from the beginning. Thank you for your blog!