Canadian violinist Adrian Anantawan is driven by a passion for music, but his performances offer more than just beautiful melodies. They also embody messages of inclusion and inspiration. Born without a right hand and most of his right forearm, Anantawan faced significant challenges on his path to becoming a musician, yet he has persevered and followed his dreams.
“A lot of times, we let fear prevent us from trying anything,” Anantawan shared. “For me, my journey has been about trying things, accepting the possibility of failure, and then seeing what happens. In my case, it has resulted in creating beautiful, expressive music.”
His journey was not without its hurdles. According to a blog on Violinist.com, Anantawan’s success required immense determination, family support, and assistance from the medical community.
His family, particularly his Chinese grandmother, defied the superstition that a disability brings misfortune. Instead, they encouraged him, seeing him as a complete person who just needed some adjustments. This support was crucial for Anantawan’s progress.
Initially, Anantawan faced rejection from music teachers who struggled to think beyond conventional methods. However, he eventually studied with renowned violinists like Itzhak Perlman and Pinchas Zukerman, though this did not happen immediately.
Finding the right instrument was also challenging. In elementary school, he was advised to play the recorder, but his limited fingers made it impractical. The trumpet was suggested, but he was not inspired by its sound. His true desire was to play the violin.
After numerous setbacks, Anantawan found a teacher, Peggy Hills, who helped him learn to play with his left hand. A key breakthrough came with the creation of a special device at the Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital in Toronto. This device, which strapped to his right arm, enabled him to hold the bow.
“From the very first note, I was captivated by the sound and the connection between my body and the instrument. It allowed me to express my imagination,” Anantawan said.
Today, Anantawan is dedicated to fostering inclusion for others. As an associate professor at Berklee College of Music, he founded the Music Inclusion Ensemble, a group that accommodates musicians with various disabilities based on their individual needs.
“The goal is to unite around a common human cause, showcasing our collective voices and advocating for how disability can be understood and accepted in society,” he explained.
Anantawan aims to provide individuals with challenges the opportunity to express themselves through music, just as he has. “My role is to use this platform to demonstrate what someone with a visible disability can achieve. It’s an honor, and you never know who in the audience might be inspired to make a positive change in their own lives,” he said.
