United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

My daughter wants to learn how to play an instrument. Any suggestions from anyone would be helpful. She has limited hand and arm movement on the right side.
Thanks for any help.

Hi I'm right OBPI. I played the saxophone ( I could hold my arm down and reach the keys) then the trumpet and, baritone. I started band in 5th grade and continued through high school. I would think that flute would be difficult because of the holding up and reaching. Trumpet, I could hold my arm agaigst my body and leep it just high enough to play. Sax was kind of hard on the neck, but easy to reach the keys. Hope that helped. Pat

I used to play the trumpet too! It's a great instrument. I am left obpi though, although there is people who are left handed who play the trumpet as well. I think anything she chooses she will do well at. Good Luck to you.

Hi Brenda,
When Brittney went to pick out an instrument they had a special time at school set up so that the kids could come and try all of the instruments to see which one would work for them. The instructors helped them. I think it might just depend on what she is capable of - and the instructors here sure wanted every child who wanted to play to find something that they could play. In 4th & 5th grade the classes learn how to play a recorder, and band starts here in 6th grade. We also tried piano lessons and my daughter's teacher was very caring and knew that Brittney wanted to learn, just might have some trouble and the teacher was patient. Brittney's wrist and fingers seemed to gain strength from the lessons. (she only took them for 5 months though because sports and other things took over)
Also, a stringed instrument might be easier because of your daughter's limited arm and finger ability. I do not know how old your child is though. I know that you will find one that works for your daughter.
Christy

I know how to play piano--at least I read music and know where the keys are. ut is was like typing. After a few minutes, my arm gave out. Noting I did helped to buid it up to the point of playing for more than a couple of minutes. Sax was good because the alignment was good--my BPI arm could rest on the side and I could reach the keys without the arm wering out. Not enough arm length for the guitar and couldn't hold a violin--except across my lap.
Try everything and let your daughter pick an instrument that is a comfortable fit. Pat

I'm a right OBPI and I played the violin. I think it helped me gained and maintain movement in my right arm. Sort of an exercise for me.
I played for 9 years. I haven't picked it up in 7, I miss it.
The orchestra teacher thought that would be better for me than the cello, which I really wanted to play. But all my teachers were good allowing me to play with whatever arm movement I had.

-Traci

Hi. I'm right OBPI - avulsion. I played the french horn while in middle and high school. It is the only instrument I know of that is left hand dominant. This would be an excellent choice for your daughter.