I used to know how to play the piano, in fact I was pretty good at it.
But after suffering a traumatic brain injury I no longer remember how to play at all
I’ve tried a few times since finally recovering but it’s like the connection between my brain and my fingers just isn’t there like it used to be and the notes on the sheet music kinda float around.
It’s like I’ve started over from the beginning with a higher difficulty and it’s so frustrating because I know I used to be able to play some of the super simple songs from memory.
It’s been 5 years since the head injury. I’d love to learn again, but it’s been such a struggle to even start.
Oh god, I can’t even begin to imagine what that feels like. I’m glad you recovered, but that sounds horrible to have to go through.
If you want some inspiration or hope, look up Pat Martino. After a brain haemorrhage he had to have part of his brain removed, which apparently included crucial parts relating to musicianship. He was a virtuoso before, but completely forgot how to play guitar. This was at 36 years old, but he managed to re-learn guitar enough to be considered a virtuoso once again post-haemorrhage. I think I read brain scientists were stunned, science it should have been impossible. But the brain is a fascinating organ and apparently he managed to form new neural pathways using intact tissue.
A jazz guitarist who suffered hemorrhage and seizures in the 80s. Had to have part of his brain removed.
It took 7 years of practicing for him to return to playing properly after the amnesia.
It’s a struggle no doubt, but if you want it then it’s possible.
Having tried to pick up a new instrument in adulthood it definitely feels more difficult but to be honest the key thing I had when learning as a kid was time.
As a kid I could work at it in big chunks of time and progress that felt great. In adulthood I have to accept I’m chipping away at the rockface with how little time to put in.
It is possible to make progress though and I’ve learned to delight in the small wins.
I still play my first instrument and can’t imagine the loss I’d feel if all that work over many years went away so you really have my sympathy. But if you love it, please don’t give up.
Music is a life long hobby that’s really good for you, and that’s a valuable thing.
I see this illustrated in the anime “Your Lie in April”. The protagonist sees notes floating, but he also can’t hear the sound of the piano if he plays.
Piano
I used to know how to play the piano, in fact I was pretty good at it.
But after suffering a traumatic brain injury I no longer remember how to play at all
I’ve tried a few times since finally recovering but it’s like the connection between my brain and my fingers just isn’t there like it used to be and the notes on the sheet music kinda float around.
It’s like I’ve started over from the beginning with a higher difficulty and it’s so frustrating because I know I used to be able to play some of the super simple songs from memory.
It’s been 5 years since the head injury. I’d love to learn again, but it’s been such a struggle to even start.
Oh god, I can’t even begin to imagine what that feels like. I’m glad you recovered, but that sounds horrible to have to go through.
If you want some inspiration or hope, look up Pat Martino. After a brain haemorrhage he had to have part of his brain removed, which apparently included crucial parts relating to musicianship. He was a virtuoso before, but completely forgot how to play guitar. This was at 36 years old, but he managed to re-learn guitar enough to be considered a virtuoso once again post-haemorrhage. I think I read brain scientists were stunned, science it should have been impossible. But the brain is a fascinating organ and apparently he managed to form new neural pathways using intact tissue.
Just in case you’re not aware of him.
Pat Martino
A jazz guitarist who suffered hemorrhage and seizures in the 80s. Had to have part of his brain removed.
It took 7 years of practicing for him to return to playing properly after the amnesia.
It’s a struggle no doubt, but if you want it then it’s possible.
Having tried to pick up a new instrument in adulthood it definitely feels more difficult but to be honest the key thing I had when learning as a kid was time.
As a kid I could work at it in big chunks of time and progress that felt great. In adulthood I have to accept I’m chipping away at the rockface with how little time to put in.
It is possible to make progress though and I’ve learned to delight in the small wins.
I still play my first instrument and can’t imagine the loss I’d feel if all that work over many years went away so you really have my sympathy. But if you love it, please don’t give up.
Music is a life long hobby that’s really good for you, and that’s a valuable thing.
I see this illustrated in the anime “Your Lie in April”. The protagonist sees notes floating, but he also can’t hear the sound of the piano if he plays.