A revelation.
Zoe likes to play finger games now, so we repeat “Two Little Dicky Birds” and “One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Once I Caught a Fish Alive” ad nauseam. We were just playing them on the bed, when this conversation ensued:
Jean: This little finger on my right. (grabs Zoe’s right pinkie)
Zoe: No, it’s this one! (sticks out her thumb)
Jean: No, that’s your thumb.
Zoe: (pats her nubbin) There’s no thumb.
I had been dreading the day I would have to explain about her absent thumb and here it was, sprung on me out of nothing other than innocent finger games. Instinctively, I tried to do the supportive mom thing and launched into a “Yes but you can still do so many things!” spiel, but Zoe would have none of it and cut me off. She picked up her little plastic milk bottle with star-shaped sweets, held it out, grinned cheekily and said, “Can I have sheets?” I popped out a few, she shoved them into her mouth and said, “Sing again! One two three four five once I caught a fish alive!”
I can safely say that for now, she couldn’t care less whether she had one thumb or three. I, conversely, continue to worry about the future – about things like what if she should want to learn the piano but I can’t find a teacher willing to take her on, what if she wants to be a doctor but can’t because she lacks one small but necessary appendage…You get the idea. I doubt I’ll ever stop worrying, but I suppose I’ll have to learn to keep it under wraps. For her.
She just loves to "play" the piano. She's got a surprisingly light touch for a toddler too.
June 11, 2009
0 responses to A revelation.
A main part of piano learning has to do with getting around fingering. I can think of several ways Z can get around the lack of thumb just from playing scales alone. Also, there’s not need to be adhering to graded exams (thus learning from the ‘system’) but she can play for enjoyment.
There are plenty of other instruments that she can consider as well, like percussion will be great, the marimba is a close relative of the keyboard, or chinese instruments such as the zither. Wind or brass instrument won’t be a problem for her as well.
I don’t think the lack of a thumb would mean that she can’t learn the piano.
Ever considered the violin? Other than a supporting function, the left thumb is almost redundant for this instrument.
I know she can learn it if she wants to. It’s more of finding a teacher who would be willing to teach her. Not all teachers are capable of teaching children with special needs.
How about the flute? Or cello?
There’s a music part for her to enjoy and she can dance to express herself.
Or she can try ballet
My sister says the cello would be easier to play since the instrument rests against the player’s body and the thumb is used only for very advanced playing. Anyway, it’s all just hypothetical worrying now! Z clearly likes the piano, but it’s too early to tell whether for its noise-making capabilities or whether it’s genuine interest.
When the time comes, let me know. I know someone who might be able to teach Zoe piano if she’s really interested in learning to play that instrument.
Yup I asked my cello teacher (he’s principal cellist of the symphony orchestra here) about playing cello without a thumb and he says certainly it should not be an impediment even in advanced playing – but his opinon is that violin would be very difficult without a thumb. And BTW with the cello it would be played the “regular” way ie right hand is the bow hand. It’s hard to bow without a thumb (but not at all impossible) since the thumb acts as a fulcrum.
Hm, I don’t know about the flute, but it would be impossible to play the recorder because the left thumb is needed for the bottom hole.
Alison’s ballet teacher is already eyeing Z up for ballet.
I am sure with Zoe’s personality, she can learn anything she wants, especially with your support. She is doing brilliantly and I’m so proud to bear witness to her growing up.