FIDDLE LESSONS
Willa has started taking fiddle lessons with Eunice Henderson. As her mum, little did I know that there is no such thing as a left handed fiddle.
After the operation to remove Willa's brain tumour, the right side of Willa's body was initially paralysed. Willa was unable to speak or move her body. This meant that there was an intensive period of time with Speech therapists, Occupational therapists, and Physiotherapists to help with Willa's rehabilitation.
With incredibly hard work and amazing determination, Willa made a brilliant recovery, but she still has right sided Hemiplegia (weakness down the right side of her body).
After seeing Willa trying to play the bow with her right arm, Eunice thought that she would get on better if we could switch arms, and play with her left. This meant a big 'refurb' of the fiddle - which Gilbert Williamson kindly did for us - which was an absolutely super thing to do for us.
Eunice could see an immediate difference, with the ability to use the bow once Willa could use the left arm. She still needs to work hard at getting the right fingers to do what she wants them to, but she is cracking on with it, and really enjoying her lessons! Eunice is hugely enthusiastic and Willa comes out of her lessons just buzzing!
It is widely recognised that music has huge benefits for mental health, as well as giving the brain a really good work out.
For Willa I see learning the fiddle as a really good sense of achievement for her. I'm very proud that she is giving it a go.
Willa's comments: 'Fiddle is the best!' There are different songs to learn. I like learning how to read the notes and play them. Eunice is a bit crazy. I like it!'
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