Man Able to Play Piano After Concussion
Head Trauma Leads to Career as Composer and Musician
Up until my accident I worked in corporate America. I had never even touched a piano. I still can’t read music or tell you where the notes are. I don’t even know what I’m going to play each time I sit down...but since my accident, the notes just pour out of me.
When I was 40 years old, a head injury changed my life. I was throwing the football around in the swimming pool and dove in after it, hitting the bottom headfirst. I wasn’t knocked unconscious immediately. I came up out of the water and collapsed before being taken to the hospital. I had some brain swelling and was diagnosed with a massive concussion. I lost some memory and about 35% of my hearing.
Head Trauma Leads to Career as a Musician
I recovered in four days and went to a friend’s house. He has a home studio and was recording. I sat down at his piano and started to play. There was no progression; it’s not like I started playing Mary Had A Little Lamb. I just started to play classically structured music -- full compositions. I played for 7 hours straight.
Neither of us knew what to think. My friend has known me his whole life, so he sat there almost in tears. I was just as shocked as he was. It was exciting. The next morning I took my mother to a local music store and played. She cried.
Building a Career as a Musician
I see black and white structures – blocks or squares – and that’s what I play. I play with my eyes shut; I don’t even have to look at the keys, and I have no idea what’s coming next. I rehearse every day, unless I’m traveling, and my playing is progressing. I’m becoming a musician. I think music.
I have what they call "total notation recall"’ so I can play something, not play it for four months, and then sit down and play exactly as I did the first time. If I’m out in public and I get something in my head, I find a music store, sit down at a piano and play the piece so it sticks with me.
I am going to attempt music full-time for as long as I can afford it. In 2007 I was selected by a Japanese company to do some soundtrack work. Several songs on the instrumental album were voted Best in Genre, and I was nominated Independent Artist of the Year by the Association of Independent Artists.
I’ve talked to many doctors, and there are 11 or 12 documented cases of people who had head traumas and went on to compose music. Maybe I just bumped a certain part of my brain, and we all have this gift. Maybe we all have the possibility of making music.
More Health & Science Articles
- Preventing Heat Stroke and ExhaustionTreating Symptoms of Classic and Exertional
- Scientists Develop Skin Cancer PatchColour Change Indicates Max UV Ray Exposure
- How to Get Enough SleepGetting Beyond Sleep Deprivation
- Alcohol Key in Mediterranean DietActive Ingredient Promotes Greeks' Longevity
- Two-Year-Old Boy World's Youngest SmokerFather Gives Toddler Pack of Cigarettes a Day
Comments
I really think this is one of the coolest stories I've ever heard. I'm tempted to hit my head against a wall and see if I become fluent in Spanish.
That goes down as the number two most fortunate accident off all time - behind only Peter Parker’s encounter with the radioactive spider.
I think this is a lie and the biggest bullsh*t story I've ever heard. Not to mention that he is obviously full of himself. I think it's obviously all a marketing ploy to make people think he's special.
Someone sounds jealous! You're the one who's full of it.
I gotta call BS on this also. Perfect note memory is one thing, but suddenly gaining muscle coordination that takes a lifetime or so of training just seems physically impossible. Being "in shape" for a musician does not happen overnight, miracle head-whack or not.
So if he's "BS"-ing, then presumably so is his mother, all his friends, his girlfriend etc etc?? Why are people so cynical? Haven't you ever experienced something amazingly inexplicable? I have, so I know these things are possible.
Maybe in some past life he was a concert pianist?
Who knows, let's see if he releases an energy drink or writes a book shortly after this, and we'll have an idea. Whatever the case, let's hope he uses his new found powers for good!
In response: It's really nice to hear feedback and read what listeners and readers think of my experience. In regard to some of the nay sayers, negative feedback, "Im calling BS" and so on. I am a pretty typical guy that had a experience that I myself am still fascinated with. My case is medically documented and has been covered nationally and internationally by some very educated people. Indeed it may be a bit hard to understand what I have experienced over the last 18 months of my life, and I respect everyones opinion and input. I guess it's one of those things where you almost have to just sit down next to me and let me show you. The "muscle training" comment is interesting. My personal suggestion to that particular comment, "maybe in my minds eye, my muscles tell my fingers what to play." More than likely my musical experience will not put me on the stage with Elton John, but I can assure you that regardless of the outcome, I will enjoy it while I can! Thanks to everyone for taking the time to read my interview with Heather Wallace and Orato. Best wishes, Derek Amato
I can personally be reached with any questions or comments at: msfagency@yahoo.com attn: Derek
Wow! I certainly don't need to fire back a comment at you, as it takes time out of my day! "Full of himself" and "marketing ploy." Do you really think the people in the music industry haven't considered your educated points? I am not "special", you are correct! Thank you for your musically educated opinion. I wish you success in your musical endeavors. Derek
I never said you didn't have talent or couldn't play. I do think you have talent but that's not my point. I wish you the best, I just don't believe your story. sorry
Derek On FOX TV Interview
Almost 20,000 people read this story this weekend, so it's safe to say it's an amazing story. Thanks for sharing it Derek! I've had some experiences that I couldn't explain...that defied rational explanation, so personally, I am a believer!
Heather Wallace
senior editor
Orato.com
What a creative title.
Please Login or Register to post a comment on this article