Learning an instrument with arthritis .

Mormodook

I have always wanted to play an instrument and today I took the plunge. I've thought a lot about what one to pick and I decided that the best option for me to fit in with the arthritis was a trombone. My hands are always sore so that ruled out any instruments with keys etc to press so that is why I settled on a trombone as it slides ! ( so I think !) Anyway I bought a second hand one today much to the amusement of my family ! Does anyone on the forum play any instruments with their arthritis or condition ? I want to prove to them that I can do it! It's not the arthritis they are laughing at its me with an actual trombone - I know it's an peculiar choice and rather loud ! I just hope the RA doesn't decide to mess it up !

vonski

Hi Mormodook

I've never played one of my own but I did try my sons and I managed quite well. The only other one is a bugle I think but not as much fun. I hope you manage well and have fun with it
Vonski

dreamdaisy

Good for you, Mormodook! I am an ex-musician, I used to play the piano, the clarinet and the double bass but not, alas, all at the same time. I still have the clarinet but it hasn't been out of its case for years - you've set me wondering . . . . . DD

mig

Way to go,good on you ,hope it's not too bad for family and friends. Mig

HannahT

Good on you Mormodook! Not letting arthritis get in the way of accomplishing something you always wanted to do.

I haven't played an instrument since school, but I do sing a lot. I did a bit of Googling and there seems to be a lot written on the best instruments for arthritis hands. Also, how playing and listening to music was very therapeutic for such conditions.

Interesting ......

Might think about taking up an instrument myself:)

Kittkat

Good for you! I can play the clarinet. Unfortunately I broke it pre-arthritis so couldn't play it now anyway

villier

Good on ya Mormodook, the only thing I ever learned to play was the recorder at school, even if the fingers were willing I don't think the grey matter would xx

dibdab

Well done you-go for it! I always wanted to learn to play keyboard when I retired, but have wonky fingers so I've given up on that ambition-have to settle for singing loudly and annoying the OH . I wanted to learn to paint too-but apart from wonky fingers I also have zero artistic ability so maybe not.

Deb x

phoenixoxo

Hi Mormodook,

I'm with the others – go for it! The trombone is such a beautiful instrument, sight and sound. I used to play all sorts of stuff, but nothing from the brass section as Dad reckoned little bro on his trumpet was more than enough noise for the village. Today I have my trusty mini-keyboard for when I'm in composition mode and I love to whistle too

Hope it goes well,
Phee

Mormodook

HannahT wrote:

Good on you Mormodook! Not letting arthritis get in the way of accomplishing something you always wanted to do.

I haven't played an instrument since school, but I do sing a lot. I did a bit of Googling and there seems to be a lot written on the best instruments for arthritis hands. Also, how playing and listening to music was very therapeutic for such conditions.

Interesting ......

Might think about taking up an instrument myself:)

What was meant to be the best one HannahT ? Cheers

ichabod6

I'd like to play the cello like the girl who is with the
Carolina Chocolate Drops. You can see them and her
on Tube8.

HannahT

Hi Mormodook,

Not sure if I can post the actual links to the sites I had a look at. Here is a brief list of instruments that could be played by someone suffering from arthritis:

Panpipes
Learning to compose music using your computer and mouse, and 'play' back your tune
Harmonica
Autoharp
Theremin
slide guitar
singing

There was no best one mentioned just discussions on what could be played if hands were affected by arthritis.

I used this search term 'best instruments for arthritic hands'.

Quite a bit came up. Maybe have a Google and see if anything takes your fancy. But the trombone still sounds like a good choice!

H

ichabod6

Hello Mormodook,

You've got me going again.
Once upon a time and long ago I put a ten shillings deposit
on a trombone. I had to recover it, because a few days later
my wife told me she was pregnant and the ten bob went towards
buying a pram.
So I was reduced to playing the mouth organ which I havent done
for years; but your post has prompted me to give it a go.
I cant suck and blow with the same ferocity as in years past and
my arthritic fingers dont cup the instrument with the old tenderness.
BUT I am giving it a go. The problem is my grand daughter doesnt
recognise the tunes I am playing.

Mormodook

Glad to hear that ichabod6 ! We can start an arthritic band together ! I've now had 3 lessons self taught needless to say ! I'm not sure if I'd give up the day job yet though !!! A bit of good fun always helps !

ichabod6

Hello Mormodook,

Listen to Chris Barber blowing Sweet Georgia Brown as a trombone
solo. I think you may be impressed.