Man Wakes From Coma With Ability To Play Piano

[schplurg]

I have been searching for this story to no avail.

A few weeks ago me and a few friends watched a TV show on Discovery (their house not mine!) where a guy claims to have recovered from a coma with a newfound ability...he can play the piano like an expert.

He says he can't write music, but he sees musical notes in his mind and he can "miraculously" play them seemingly perfect, or close to it. He claims to have no musical training and has never played an instrument in his life.

My B.S. meter went off, of course. Does anyone here have more information about this guy? I can't remember his name...I think he is in the U.S. I can't find anything on the web or here at JREF.

For musicians: I wonder how he would handle key signatures since he says the notes just fly by in his mind. Are they notated as sharp or flat? Or is he stuck in C major forever? ;)

My off the cuff guess is that he played the piano before the coma. Perhaps he is a failed musician and saw an opportunity to get into the limelight. I would think people in his life would know that he could play previously, but as we all know, believers won't care, or simply claim that these people are lying.

Anyone?

[fuelair]

Went through www.dogpile.com > strongly suggest it for hunting data (google sucks).

This is your guy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Prr3OY_q8b0

In addition, near the top of the list there was a story of similar nature about a man who came out of a coma and now has to (his phrase) paint - artistic paint.

Hope this helps, fuelair/hunter

[fuelair]

Oh, my search string was "Discovery man comes out of coma can play piano" .

[alfaniner]

I once hit my head and suddenly found out I could play the saxophone.

But it took several years and a lot of practice.

[schplurg]

Thanks for that! The segment on discover was more of a short documentary and not just a home video shot by this guy. I didn't pay a lot of attention to it, which is why I am searching now.

I know that savants can sometimes do amazing things, especially with memory. Perhaps he tried to learn an instrument as a child and memorized the music? He claims not.

I can "understand" a savant having superb mathematic skills, as that can easily be tested. But this guy having the technique to play some of the music he is shown playing seems beyond belief.

A guy with a compulsion to paint isn't nearly as remarkable to me as a guy with the mental and physical ability to suddenly play the piano.

I'm not saying it's impossible, but I am very skeptical. I know there are some amazing very young child piano players as well, but I believe they had an uncanny ability to learn quickly, not play Mozart out of the blue.

[ExMinister]

Could it be this guy? From neurologist Oliver Sacks' book Musicophilia, related article: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=15362954

This guy is an orthopedic surgeon who was struck by lightning at a payphone, who subsequently develops a similar passion for piano.

The mind is a fascinating thing. I tend to consider Oliver Sacks a fairly reliable source and have read most all of his books. Interesting stuff.

[TubbaBlubba]

Cracked had a list with a guy getting hit by lightning and suddenly being able to play piano. Seems a tad dubious to me: http://www.cracked.com/article_19504_6-people-who-gained-amazing-skills-from-brain-injuries.html Number 3 on the list.

[learner]

The ability to play the Piano and other instruments to a high level not only involves technical ability but also physical training ( remember the first time you tried to span notes on a Guitar or piano?)
How is it possible he woke with all his Piano playing muscles fully developed?

[ExMinister]

The ability to play the Piano and other instruments to a high level not only involves technical ability but also physical training ( remember the first time you tried to span notes on a Guitar or piano?)
How is it possible he woke with all his Piano playing muscles fully developed?

Well in the case of the guy Sacks writes about, it was more a matter of waking up to a newfound passion for the piano, not that he woke a fully developed piano player. He claims to have been a guy who listened to rock music before the accident, but afterward couldn't get enough of piano music, started to sit down at a piano to play, and then more and more often, and then he was hearing music in his head, and it just became an obsession. So nothing really mystical about it. The man himself seems to put a spiritual spin on it, but it makes sense all the same without it.

[CelticRose]

I'd say it's not impossible.

He seems to be playing by ear. His music is unstructured; it sounds like he's just playing whatever comes into his head. He's not playing classical works like Mozart.

Also, I'd say he's self-taught at the very least. Watch his hands. He doesn't hold them in the typical positions that most piano players are taught. He looks like he's just stabbing at the next note he wants to play.

[Jim_MDP]

I'd say it's not impossible.

He seems to be playing by ear. His music is unstructured; it sounds like he's just playing whatever comes into his head. He's not playing classical works like Mozart.

Also, I'd say he's self-taught at the very least. Watch his hands. He doesn't hold them in the typical positions that most piano players are taught. He looks like he's just stabbing at the next note he wants to play.


So... jazz then?

:boxedin:

[Kuko 4000]

Savants can definitely play musical instruments masterfully compared to people who think they can't play or have never played music.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Savant_syndrome

Also, many savants are found to have superior artistic or musical ability.


I too thought of Oliver Sacks the moment I saw this thread. Would be interesting to know more about this guy, did he change in any other way as a resut of coma? I think stuff like this is totally fascinating! It always makes me wonder whether we could somehow brings these sensibilities to our current self without compromising anything else.

[Gr8wight]

http://science.discovery.com/videos/ingenious-minds-head-injury-reveals-hidden-talent.html

I suspect that's what you saw. Apparently, his name is Derek Amato.

[EHocking]

I'd say it's not impossible.

He seems to be playing by ear. His music is unstructured; it sounds like he's just playing whatever comes into his head. He's not playing classical works like Mozart.

Also, I'd say he's self-taught at the very least. Watch his hands. He doesn't hold them in the typical positions that most piano players are taught. He looks like he's just stabbing at the next note he wants to play.He had lessons when he was a child, here's some quotes from the Sacks article.

He had had a few piano lessons as a boy, he said, "but no real interest."

I ordered all the sheet music. ...I could hardly read the music, could barely play, but I started to teach myself......It had been more than thirty years since the few piano lessons of his boyhood, and his fingers seemed stiff and awkward.

He got books on notation, and soon realized that he needed a music teacher.

I too took lessons as a child, and having not played for over 10 years was able (half cut after an Xmas dinner) to execute a number of Beethoven Sonatas, sight read, to the amazement of my wife who'd only heard me talking about it and, to the appreciation of the others who were currently playing piano.

Not to forget that the guy was a surgeon, so he would not have lost much manual dexterity over the years.

It is very much like riding a bike.

... so I don't buy the miracle part of the puff piece.

[Bikewer]

Years ago, Guitar Player magazine ran an interview with a guitarist who claimed to have emerged from a (drug-induced) coma with the ability to play.
As I recall, the guy was with Mahogany Rush, but don't hold me to that....

[Cainkane1]

Cracked had a list with a guy getting hit by lightning and suddenly being able to play piano. Seems a tad dubious to me: http://www.cracked.com/article_19504_6-people-who-gained-amazing-skills-from-brain-injuries.html Number 3 on the list.
I liked the etch a sketch guy.

[Brown]

I once was struck by inspiration and tried to play the piano in a way that was so radical that I could legitimately claim to be the best piano player--in this fashion, anyway--on Earth. And I was making good progress, too, until I discovered that a piano doesn't have a spit valve.

[Buhmony]

Coma-revived patient: "Can I play the piano any more?"

Dr.: "Of course you can."

Patient: "Well I couldn't before!"

[Andrew Wiggin]

I'd say it's not impossible.

He seems to be playing by ear. His music is unstructured; it sounds like he's just playing whatever comes into his head. He's not playing classical works like Mozart.

Also, I'd say he's self-taught at the very least. Watch his hands. He doesn't hold them in the typical positions that most piano players are taught. He looks like he's just stabbing at the next note he wants to play.

I dated a girl once who learned to play like this. Basically a memory and dexterity test. She'd listen to a piece, and plink notes till she found the one that sounded the same. I think she said something once that she was relying on finding the starting note, then thinking of each note afterwards as so much higher or lower, and just sliding her hands over. After a few run-throughs it actually sounded pretty good, at least on pieces that didn't rely too heavily on chords. Her ability to puzzle out chords was pretty weak. Also, as you mentioned the hand position was totally different from what you'd see when a trained pianist played. I didn't mind listening though. It was worth it for other collateral benefits...

[CelticRose]

So... jazz then?

:boxedin:
Lol! :D

I was thinking New Age, actually. ;)

He had lessons when he was a child, here's some quotes from the Sacks article.

He had had a few piano lessons as a boy, he said, "but no real interest."

I ordered all the sheet music. ...I could hardly read the music, could barely play, but I started to teach myself......It had been more than thirty years since the few piano lessons of his boyhood, and his fingers seemed stiff and awkward.

He got books on notation, and soon realized that he needed a music teacher.

I too took lessons as a child, and having not played for over 10 years was able (half cut after an Xmas dinner) to execute a number of Beethoven Sonatas, sight read, to the amazement of my wife who'd only heard me talking about it and, to the appreciation of the others who were currently playing piano.

Not to forget that the guy was a surgeon, so he would not have lost much manual dexterity over the years.

It is very much like riding a bike.

... so I don't buy the miracle part of the puff piece.
Are we talking about the same person? I thought the guy in the video and the guy Oliver Sacks wrote about were two different people. :confused:

[dafydd]

Years ago, Guitar Player magazine ran an interview with a guitarist who claimed to have emerged from a (drug-induced) coma with the ability to play.
As I recall, the guy was with Mahogany Rush, but don't hold me to that....

Frank Marino. He was a guitar player who claimed that during an acid trip the spirit of Hendrix entered into his body. He did sound a bit like Hendrix playing with his toes on a very bad day.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pg7DKZ8_sYE

[EHocking]

..Are we talking about the same person? I thought the guy in the video and the guy Oliver Sacks wrote about were two different people. :confused:You are right. The bloke hinted at in the Op is, I think, Derek Amato, not the Sacks fella.

Of course we only have his word for it that he'd never played piano before, I can't find any independent verification of that claim - only that of a 16 year friend. I have friends that have known me for that long and never seen me play piano either - since I had given it up 5 years earlier...

Frankly I don't buy the story as spun by him, but it has certainly been a lucrative "discovery" for him.

It is somewhat "fortunate" for his story that he claims to have also suffered from memory loss - an out if someone does point out that he'd played piano before...

Oh, and the scienc channel video (http://science.discovery.com/videos/ingenious-minds-head-injury-reveals-hidden-talent.html) states that
The impact [of his head trauma]caused billions if neurons to release chemicals into the brain.
These neurotransmitters are how neurons send signals, but a flood of meaningless signals burns out brain cells.

A chain reaction of neurotransmitters, ions, blood and glucose creates energy fluctuations inside Derek Amato's head.

Wha..? Any brain surgeons out the able to clarify that?

Doesn't sound like much science is actually being applied to this story.
Or am I being too sceptical?

I'll admit I know nothing about the condition, "acquired savant".

[quarky]

Perhaps there's something like the reverse Phineas Gage phenomena?
Certain areas of the brain are woken? Others are quieted?

Suddenly over-coming shyness, due to a brain change, might bring out all manner of latent ability.

[Beaver Hateman]

I have no idea about this and no interest in reading more, but it's pointless bringing inability to read music into it. Some of the greatest jazz musicians in history were completely unable to read music.

[DAmato]

after a quick hike this morning, i got an email from a friend telling me he ran across this platform that was having a discussion in regard to my work. so, lets get started, as i am not much for banter, bashing, trashing, and nor do i have the time, but, i think it's appropriate that i respond to a few of the comments, and i will do my best to give you factual information, and although i will probably not get back on this site, i will include my personal email address for anyone to respond or write me directly. lets start with you
schplurg!
He says he can't write music, but he sees musical notes in his mind and he can "miraculously" play them seemingly perfect, or close to it. He claims to have no musical training and has never played an instrument in his life. FACT: i can't play anything perfect actually, and the six fingers i use when playing the piano are always fumbling over one another. i played a bit of guitar as a kid, a few ac/dc songs, nothing serious. my first instrument to dabble with was a snare drum in 5th grade, my mother thought school band was a good idea, i disagreed, as girls seemed more important in jr high. i never played the piano as a kid or young adult, and if my mother or any family member would have seen me playing a piano, i wish they would have informed me!

My B.S. meter went off, of course. Does anyone here have more information about this guy? I can't remember his name...I think he is in the U.S. I can't find anything on the web or here at JREF. FACT: Removed breach of Rule 12. Please read the Membership Agreement to which you agreed when you signed up.i live in ft. collins, colorado and my personal information is everywhere on the internet. you can always write dr. darold treffert to appease your skeptical self, and a handful of other dr's and universities studying my condition, i would be delighted to give you everyones direct email, just write me for any info you need. and of course, you can find me at derekamatomusic dot com

For musicians: I wonder how he would handle key signatures since he says the notes just fly by in his mind. Are they notated as sharp or flat? Or is he stuck in C major forever? FACT: i can play in most any key actually, someone just has to tell me what key im playing in. as to stuck in Cmajor, i do like this comment, as when im in the studio playing, it's comfortable to sing in that key, which actually makes my voice sound prob better than it really is, and even though im a terrible vocalist, i simply love to sing. oh, one more note for ya, i play several instruments, and nope, by no means am i a master at any of them, and yes, i know the music i make isn't always grand, although, good enough to not have to punch a clock!

My off the cuff guess is that he played the piano before the coma. Perhaps he is a failed musician and saw an opportunity to get into the limelight. I would think people in his life would know that he could play previously, but as we all know, believers won't care, or simply claim that these people are lying.FACT: i was never in a coma, although it has been stated in the media. i was simply a bit goofy for 5 days after my accident, fairly typical for a head trauma experience. nope, not a failed musician. i worked in the mixed martial arts industry for many years, i was a public relations director for a non profit organization in France for abused children, and a few other regular jobs! the people in my life don't have to lie for me you ding a ling and thats just a stupid comment out of your mouth!

Watch his hands. He doesn't hold them in the typical positions that most piano players are taught. He looks like he's just stabbing at the next note he wants to play. - FACT: fantastic observation actually. i use six fingers when playing, thumb, pointer, and ring finger. every now and then my pinky decides to throw down, not to often.

in all honesty, i really appreciate everyones input. after 5 yrs of this experience, i can tell you that i have been very lucky to meet so many fascinating people through my travels. im a typical guy, i have three beautiful children, one grandson, and i live a very simple life. im most content fly fishing with my son and brother as often as possible, and i love getting together with my friends for dinner parties. oh, and to the wanting to be in the limelight comment, geeez, im 45 yrs old, my limelight is my family and two fly fishing rods. and one more thing. do you really think the limelight is what i am in search for? im in search of giving back as much as i can.

derek amato

Please do not swear in your posts.

[ReverendClog]

:popcorn1:

[John Albert]

So what exactly is it that you're claiming about your ability to play piano by ear (an ability that some people seem to pick up quite easily) that is so extraordinary?

[Rrose Selavy]

Waking from a coma to play the piano? That's nothing. Here's Piano playing that can put you in a coma (though not all the ladies, it seems..):D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKF4HfwSsm0