| Author |
Subject |
Aaronm
Registered User
(2/18/01 12:37:36 am)
Reply |
Beginner's Question
I'm seriously considering picking up
a string instrument over the summer (I'm a college student) but am
in a wheelchair. Though I love the sound of a cello (I took 12 years
of piano) I am also in a wheelchair due to my legs and periodically
back, and am writing to ask how "physically" difficult it is to play
an instrument, difficult to lug around, etc. It'd either be the
cello or violin, but questions remain. My arms aren't much of a
problem but I did have my left leg amputated and my right leg is
weak - hence I'm not sure how much leg work it takes to balance the
instrument, if any at all? Are there any issues that I've failed to
consider here?
I openly admit to having absolutely no clue
about the subject: that's why I'm asking people who probably do. 
Thanks,
Aaron Michael
|
ollec
Registered
User
(2/18/01 7:45:17 am)
Reply |
Re:
Beginner's Question
Obviously, I love cello more than
anything else, so I think it would be great if you could play. You
don't have to do a whole lot with your legs--you don't have to
squeeze the instrument or anything. It does, however, need something
to balance against so that it doesn't spin around. You also couldn't
do it in your wheelchair because the arms will get in your way (that
would be the same with violin too). As far as your back is
concerned, I don't know what to tell you. My experience has been
that violin is much harder on your back, but professional cellists
tend to have more back problems than violinists.
The other
issue would be transporting it. Cellos are bulky and with a hard
case usually weigh at least 15 pounds. A soft case would be lighter,
but offer less protection.
I would try both if I were you.
It'd be great if you could play cello, but violin isn't bad either.
Another option you might want to consider is the viola. It's more
manageable than a cello, but not as high as a violin (if that's
something that bothers you).
Good
luck,
Samantha
|
Ellen
G 
Registered User
(2/18/01 8:36:44 am)
Reply |
Atypical Beginner's Question
Hi. I'm afraid your post may be
overlooked because the typical beginner question is "What kind of
cello should I buy" or something like that. While it's a valid
question, a lot of people who have "lived" here a long time tend to
breeze over these posts. Yours is specialized, and if your e-mail
isn't something you want to give out publicly, you may want to check
the "private message" box where you registered. More people respond
on e-mail, I think, than are willing to post here
sometimes.
I know an individual who has a different set of
circumstances from you, but the gist is still that he cannot hold or
play the instrument and bow in the conventional fashion. It doesn't
mean he can't play the cello. It means his facility with the
instrument will be highly restricted, but he realizes this and is
playing solely for his own personal goals and fulfillment. In that
respect, you will figure out if it works for you once you try
it.
When I play, I need both legs to keep the cello in
position. With the right leg there, you would need something to hold
the left side of the cello or you'll have the instrument spinning on
an endpin. (I just tried this next to a soft padded recliner chair
and it sort of works) Your arms need a free range of motion, like
Samantha said. There are people with all sorts of special needs who
give cello a try. I think whether they continue to pursue it has a
lot to do with their expectations. Most of us are not going to
Carnegie Hall, but play for our own satisfaction. And with cello,
satisfaction doesn't always come easily. I'll never play at the
level I wish I could, but it hasn't stopped me from playing at the
level I CAN play it. I am not a fan of the violin because of the
range of the instrument; I think the deeper cello tone is prettier
but I couldn't tell you a thing about the demands of the instrument.
People who have been in accidents and have bad backs still manage to
play. There is a time for unconventional posture and methods, and
this is one of them, in my opinion.
I wouldn't rule it out
without trying it. There's somebody I'm thinking of that you might
want to talk to, but I'm not sure how to put you in touch with one
another. If you want to pursue this, write to me at
esgunst@nycap.rr.com Ellen
|
zambocello
Registered User
(2/18/01 11:01:58 pm)
Reply |
Go for
cello !!
A traditional way of holding the
cello is for it to be cradles between four points: the floor, the
chest, and the inside of each leg, just above the knee. The right
leg has the least work to do because, since the cello leans against
the player's body on the left side of the head, the left leg works a
little harder at holding the instrument. The cello is not gripped
tightly between the legs, but that side support is necessary. It
should be just a matter of trial and error to develop an appropriate
cradling device to help hold the cello side-to-side. Since it is
necessary to use the left hand for playing and not for holding the
instrument (just as on vioin the instrument is held with the chin
and/or jaw) it is necessary to have a good "cradle" for the
cello.
Some players sit forward on the chair and lean
forwards to the instrument, others sit to the back of the chair. It
sounds like the latter would be good for you, to support your back.
Also, sitting forward -- as I do -- means that a small amount of
weight is balanced on the feet.
Good luck!
|
mcello
Registered User
(2/19/01 11:38:37 am)
Reply |
You
won't know until you try!
If you love the cello, then go for
it! Find a teacher who is open and willing to explore possibilities
for the way to play that works for you. I think there are so many
things that many of us could say is a hindrance. I had health
problems that made it so that I didn't finish my degree when I was
in my early 20's and in my thirties I felt I might be too old. But I
finally just went for what I wanted to do and I'm playing and loving
it. I think your disability probably can be overcome and you will
enjoy playing and won't have later regrets of not trying. If you
start playing and don't enjoy it, then you will have tried and it
will be your decision. Good luck. Please let us all know how things
work out for you.
|
Corrina
Connor
Moderator
(2/19/01 3:10:04 pm)
Reply |
Hello
Aaron
First - Playing the cello is
completely POSSIBLE for somebody lacking a left leg. There is a girl
in NZ who is 9, and has no left leg, and a right leg only to about
the knee.
She spent a very long time working on balancing it,
and still has occasional problems. She has a wooden arrangement
which attaches to a seat, and cradles the cello, which, I believe,
her father designed.
Her right arm was very weak, but bowing
has developed its co-ordination a lot. She can play for only short
periods of time, but grows better every day.
The first thing
for you do to is to find a teacher. If possible meet prospective
teachers, so that they can get a good idea of the situation! If the
first one turns you down, don't give up. You will find somebody who
wants and is able to teach you. Make sure that it is somebody who is
a very good cellist as well. There is no point learning from
somebody whose technique is lacking. You need, and deserve, the best
If you
are interested in violin, please give it a go. Maybe it might be
your second choice, but you never know! The same teacher-business
applies, of course!
Go for it!
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