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Learning to play the piano can be quite a challenge for some of us. Well, if it is already a challenge for us, then what would it be for Nicholas McCarthy, who was born with only one hand? The 23 year old left-handed pianist overcome all odds to make his way onto the international stage. Here is a video of him playing the piano.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G77mcAAhfyc&feature=player_embedded

Nicholas started to play the piano when he was only 14 years old. His inspiration to learn came from a Beethoven sonata. After three years of hard work, he was accepted into London’s Guild  Hall School of Music and Drama. Now, at 23, he has already released his own album and received the International AMI Award for creative excellence in music. Just on Friday, he also played in the offices of the prime minister of Malta.

In fact, Nicholas was the first ever one-handed pianist to graduate from the Royal College of Music in London. Currently, he is in pursuit of a career as an international performer after impressing professionals and crowds with his smooth playing. However, it wasn’t always like that. When he was younger, music school officials would deny him of an audition solely because of his disability. “It was soul-crushing because that’s all I wanted to do. I could feel it would be an uphill struggle, but it made me more determined. I’m quite a stubborn character,” stated Nicholas.

Nicholas’s repertoire consists of a rather abstract collection of left-handed piano pieces, which are aimed at impressing his audience. The pieces include Ravel’s “Piano Concerto of the Left Hand” and Scriabin’s “Prelude and Nocturne.” Apart from these, he also plays pieces from Paul Wittgenstein, which were composed for his brother Ludwig Wittgenstein, who lost his right arm during the World War I.

Currently, Nicholas is a member of the paraorchestra, which is Britain’s first disabled orchestra. He is hoping for a record deal, a place at New York’s Carnegie Hall and that his story will inspire others. “If you believe in yourself, anything is possible,” he said. For the full story, read it here.

At Awesome Piano, we believe that if a one-handed pianist can make it so far, then students with a pair of hands would be able to at least pick up the very basic skills. As long as you have that passion and desire to learn, then you will eventually be able to achieve your goals. If you are looking for piano lessons in Singapore, do check out our website at http://www.pianolesson.com.sg/ today!