Deafness and musicians

So, have I mentioned that I play the piano? Not perfectly, not by a long shot. But I've been teaching myself how to play. And I've really been enjoying it.

"But you're half Deaf? How can you play the piano??"

I'm so glad you asked. I can hear and feel it, because it's an acoustic piano. And I'm not the only person who is half or more Deaf who plays the piano. There are several who do.

Here's a young gentleman who is severely Deaf, blind, and has cerebral palsy. And he is an AMAZING pianist. He taught himself to play, and he is just fantastic. I really enjoy listening to this.

Now, why would a Deaf person want to play the piano? Well, for starters, how about the simple reason that we can? We can play, and it is actually quite enjoyable. We might not be able to experience it the same way you do, but we do enjoy it. And for me, it's to prove that I can, that my deafness doesn't limit me. I'm still capable of doing almost anything a hearing person can do. Plus, it's always fun to play in front of a hearing person and watch their jaws drop as we do what they can't think. That's always a bit of a confidence booster.

And no, I will not be posting a video of me playing the piano. At least, not yet. I need a lot more practice before I'll do that.