I am not a piano teacher, but I have a question I would like to ask of piano teachers. I hope that is okay.

We have a son who has spina bifida. He is almost four years old, cognitively very sharp, loves music, and has good fine motor control. However, he does not walk and has no movement in his ankles. In fact, he wears stiff braces on his feet and ankles. Does anyone have experience teaching a child with similar limitations? Do you think teaching him to play piano is a realistic option? Is not being able to control the pedals a huge deal? Is there a way we might be able to make modifications or compensations so he can use the pedals? I also wonder about his ability to lean to the right or left to reach the outside octaves without losing his balance. Should we just consider the violin, instead?

The piano I mostly play on was made in 1800 and without a pedal (that was 5 Guineas extra). I shouldn't give it any consideration.

Make sure his feet are on a box though.

A lot of four year old children can't reach the pedals (yet) and that doesn't stop them from starting piano. Piano is a great foundation for other instruments; you learn much more "theory" on the piano than on instruments that are "melody-only".

All of Bach can (should) be played without pedal. Maybe when the child reaches that level, you might want to switch to a harpsichord.

You could also play quatre main duets, because in duets, one person does all the pedalling.

On a digital piano, a pedal is simply a device that completes an electronic circuit when pressed, and interrupts the circuit when not pressed. I suppose someone who is good with electronics could create his own "pedal" device. I have read about electronic wheelchairs being operated by the tongue, so maybe you could create a device that can be operated by tongue. At the simplest (if the voltage/current sent by the piano is not too much, and if you don't have any dental fillings), the tongue itself could complete the circuit. But I don't think that this has been done, and since it might cause bad breathing habits, I don't think a beginner should consider it.

he would love a digital piano i suspect... lots of bells and whistles. a portable one could suffice for now. there are so many options. kids love experimenting with the sounds.

best of luck to your son and you.

Thanks for all of the suggestions and encouragement. I love the idea of a harpsichord! I'll have to start a fund for that.

He might have a more successful experience with a violin, though. He will never need his feet for that! And, the violin comes in his size!

I agree. If he eventually aspires to become a pro at an instrument, violin would be easier. But there's no reason he can't also do piano.