A classically trained pianist in Edmonton has developed innovative technology aimed at helping others living with lower limb impairments reconnect with music—and themselves.
Riccardo Baldini, who began playing piano at the age of five, grew up in Italy and moved to Canada eight years ago. Six years ago, his life changed dramatically when a spinal cavernoma—a cluster of abnormal blood vessels in the spine—ruptured, leaving him paralyzed from the chest down.
During his rehabilitation at Edmonton’s Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, Baldini stumbled upon a piano in the hospital atrium. But when he tried to play, he realized he could no longer do so with the same ability. The experience left him heartbroken.
“It was heartbreaking for me losing all that training,” Baldini said. “All that was part of my identity. It was lost overnight.”
Searching for solutions, Baldini found there were no existing tools to help individuals with limited lower limb mobility continue playing classical piano. So he took matters into his own hands.
Seeing the need for inclusive technology, Baldini co-founded a project called Resonate. With the support of engineers and the Glenrose Hospital Foundation’s research and innovation department, he developed a mouthpiece device that allows users to control piano pedals—typically operated by feet—using only their mouth.
According to Baldini, foot pedals are essential in 80 per cent of classical piano music, and the Resonate device is compatible with any piano.
The invention, he says, has helped him “walk again with music.”
Mark Korthuis from the Glenrose Hospital Foundation said the organization plans to highlight Baldini’s journey at the upcoming Courage Gala, a fundraising event for rehabilitation healthcare in Alberta. Baldini has been invited to perform at the event.
“It’s a real neat blending of technology, music and the power of resilience and perseverance through something very traumatic,” said Korthuis.
The Courage Gala has been held annually since 2010 and has raised more than $5.5 million in support of the foundation’s initiatives.
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