Senior Anuj Iyer started playing piano in June 2023 after an ATV accident that cost him his pointer finger. Iyer started playing the Piano to overcome challenges associated with not having a finger.

Iyer shared, “I never knew how to play Piano before the ATV accident and the whole reason I wanted to play piano was because I thought it would be something I could overcome as a challenge.” Iyer had never played the piano prior to the accident, making it a unique circumstance, as he never had the experience of playing piano with all of his fingers. Iyer has had to adapt to playing the piano, as having one less finger changes his technique in playing it. Iyer added, “It’s really hard to learn songs when I watch videos of them, I have to create different key combinations with my right hand.” Due to his damaged tendons, Iyer has to ensure he’s moving his hands fast enough and pressing on the keys hard enough. 

Iyer elaborated, “We were out riding ATVs at San Tan Mountain…and my friend turned the ATV too fast and I was on the right side of the ATV with my hand resting on the door and as it flipped over my hand scraped against the ground for a few meters.” Following the accident, Iyer underwent surgery in which the surgeons had to amputate his pointer finger. Although the surgeon was able to ensure none of his other fingers had to be amputated, it would take Iyer roughly six months of physical therapy to completely be able to move his fingers again.”

Iyer has been able to play piano despite the challenges that come with playing it with only 9 fingers. Ultimately the accident allowed Iyer to find a new hobby and push himself to overcome challenges.