By prdp - 05/06/2013 16:33 - United States

Today, after years of training and competing, I realized that the universe does not want me to play the piano. Not only do I have hands that can fit in toddler-sized gloves, my carpal tunnel is already to the point where I have to wear a brace at night, at the ripe old age of 14. FML
I agree, your life sucks 51 694
You deserved it 4 706

prdp tells us more.

prdp 7

Thanks for your nice comments! I kind of knew it would come eventually, because 3 generations of my family have consistently had carpal tunnel, but it was intensified by my piano playing (and especially the fast music I tend to choose to compensate for my inability to reach larger chords) and made the symptoms appear at a much earlier age than any of my relatives. Luckily, I'm not JUST a pianist! I'm also an extremely avid concert and marching brass player (a female brass player? Who knew they exist?) who plans to audition for drum corps in the very near future. Classical (though I also play some jazz) piano and band are my true loves, and I know I won't stop playing piano anytime soon, nor will I stop my other instruments. :)

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Top comments

gc327072 30

Well if it's any consolation, you write well for a 14 year-old! :o

571 12
DWT 18

Being a musician can be painful. Take it from a guitarist.

207 9

Comments

middlenamefrank 8

You're 14? Your hands may grow several sizes in the next few years. Even if they don't, I've shaken the hand of Keiko Matsui; one of the most brilliant pianists of our time has hands the size of a small boy. And your carpal tunnel problem is probably just telling you that you're pushing too hard -- like an athlete, it IS possible to overtrain. If you're overworking, you'll probably be well-served by some time off, followed by working out a better practice schedule for yourself. Talk to your doctor -- you're hardly the first pianist that's had this problem. My dad went through it years ago.

7 2
septembers_over_fml 3

I had a sore leg for a week just from playing alot of rock band. can only imagine how you feel.

1 7
kaykay2922 11

You too? Ouch I know them feels :/

0 2
meaganxo 14

I'm pretty sure if you had carpal tunnel, you would be reacting the same way.

6 0
Cazz91 21

Carpal tunnel aside I would love to hear you play when you have a day the pain isn't too terrible over a recorded video uploaded on to YouTube. I love listening to musicians that play the piano. :)

2 1
Vidaria 2

Carpal tunnel sucks, but thankfully it's something that can be fixed...look up carpal tunnel release surgery!

0 2
yanksby7 6

Generally it's not done for someone that young if it can be avoided. When OP stops growing it can be looked into. For now physical/occupational therapy may do a LOT of good.

4 0
EvilUndead 9

Well, synthesizers have smaller keyboards, or you could try playing other keyboard instruments. Also if you already got carpal tunnel, it *might* indicate that you are not positioning your arms correctly. You need to discuss the matter with professional music teacher, and make sure you're positioning your arms correctly. Consult the doctor as well - it IS possible to seriously damage your hands by playing too much piano or working too hard. One of the composers did that, and wrote a piano piece for the left hand only.

0 4
XistingPrince 9

Go musicians! Yay! Man... I quit piano and I wish I could play it again. Keep it up and keep pursuing the musician's life. You can do it!

0 1
AmyLee_Davis 5

I'm 15 and play the piano for 7 seven years. I am completely incapable of playing the harp though :/

1 5