‘If I can inspire just one person to pick up an instrument, I’m happy.’ One-handed pianist, Nicholas McCarthy.

Nicholas McCarthy was born without his right-hand; a minor set-back for such a tenacious and committed individual, who, at 14, turned his attention to playing the piano. Unfortunately, some people didn’t think this was a worthwhile pursuit. Refused entry to a local music school and told he was ‘wasting his time’, Nicholas used others’ doubt and rejection to propel his journey to stardom. Accepted into the distinguished and world-renowned Royal College of Music, Nicholas became the first left-handed student to graduate in the college’s 130-year history. Recently signed to Warner Music, Nicholas has toured the world with his left-handed repertoire; performed alongside Coldplay for the 2012 Paralympics closing ceremony, and is living-proof that the word ‘no’ should never be an obstacle to achieving our goals.

Nicholas McCarthy appears by kind permission of Warner Classics.

What you’ll learn:

• What inspired Nicholas McCarthy to start playing the piano at 14-years old.
• How Nicholas dealt with rejection by the teacher who told him he’d ‘never be a pianist.’
• How he convinced his parents to pay for piano lessons.
• How he combats the negativity of doubters.
• How being told not to audition for college motivated Nicholas further.
• How running enhances Nicholas’ musical performance and stamina.
• How and why we should inspire children with classical music.
• What frustrates Nicholas about the public’s perception of ‘classical music.’
• How it feels to play alongside Coldplay.