Hand Surgery

[keyofc]

Hello,
I have a student who is having hand surgery, it is not due to bad teaching technique by the way.
But anyway, he is an adult who is very motivated and wants to keep learning as he is in the healing process.  He is also a songwriter.
Of course, he will not be taking lessons while he is healing - but he asked me for ideas to give him so he can continue learning while healing.
Any ideas?
I did give him a few - but would welcome all ideas.  He is only in his first beginners book. 
thanks a lot,
key of C

[abell88]

A couple of ideas off the top of my head:


Work a lot with the other hand! Work on tone, pedalling, scales and chords...

Watch piano videos.

Listen to recordings of the same works by different pianists, and try to analyze what makes them sound different. See if he thinks one is "better" or preferable.

Learn a piece mentally, without touching the keyboard at all, but imagining thoroughly every motion and sound.

Theory.

[steveie986]

Of course, we all know Paul Wittgenstein lost his right hand in WWI and continued to perform as a concert pianist. 

I feel one of the best ways to improve without touching the instrument is to listen to lots and lots of recordings. While recovering from hand surgery, Murray Perahia listened to Bach and recorded the Goldberg Variations after recovering (his recording, in my opinion, is on par with Glenn Gould's). Perhaps he should especially listen to unfamiliar music.

[pianobabe_56]

Incidentally, I will be having hand surgery on May 11th. My teacher and I will be taking this opportunity to work on theory, chords, and reharmonizing stuff.

[keyofc]

Thanks for all your replys - good ideas!
Pianobabe, I really think it's great that you are continuing lessons.  I wanted him to continue for his own benefit, but did not want to push it because I didn't want him to think it was money behind my motive.   I really think you can be more focused on rythym or another aspect of music in this time.  I thought I'd just send him some things.
Thanks,
Good luck on your hand surgery!