Here is an inspirational story. Matthew was born with a left hand that had three stubs, a half finger and a thumb. At four years of age his toe was transplanted to his hand, and he had bone from his hip transplanted into his half finger to make it straighter. He didn’t let this get in the way of learning to play a ukulele.
What does Matthew say. “When I heard my teacher Mr. Madge was starting up a ukulele orchestra, I thought it would be fun to give it a try even though I thought I would never be able to play it because of my hand. I like playing the ukulele and I think it is fun. If you want an easy instrument to play, you should give the ukulele a go and remember, even when it gets hard to shift from chord to chord, keep trying and never give up.”
I consider him an inspiration to all – go Matthew! Below watch Matthew play the Beach Boys classic Surfin’ USA.
WOW! That kid is awesome and definitely an inspiration for many! Looks like he had a great instructor. Matthew’s a champ!
I really love this post. Here is something you might want to show him. the sky is the limit!
http://www.roanoke.com/extra/wb/253929
Great job on letting him do what he wants and not be pigeoned holed.
Absolutely amazing! I know adults with a full complement of fingers who would love to be able to play that well!
Yep, here’s more proof that where there is a will a way will follow:
These guys are my inspiration when I start making excuses for my rather meager skills…
John
Matthew is great, and certainly an inspiration! Bless him for not letting his hand get in his way and having a good time with the Uke!
While we are on the subject of beating the odds and not letting a handicap get in the way of greatness, You certainly ought to introduce him to Django Reinhardt as well. In my estimation, Django was the greatest guitar player to ever live, and he no use of two fingers on his left hand. He was not born that way, rather an accident, but he certainly overcame it and went on to be, well, the best ever.
Thanks for sharing this with us U4K’s…
Matthew you are an inspiration to us mate, keep on ukeing and bringing joy to folks you play to, you got some serious talent my friend. Looking forward to some more of your videos