Probabilistically speaking, if you were born without your right hand, what are the odds that you would become a world-class concert pianist? You might be mistaken (and forgiven) for assuming that the chances would be relatively low. However, that's perhaps because you have not heard of my guest on this week's episode.
Meet Nicholas McCarthy. Nicholas is a world-class concert pianist who has played all over the globe. He was born without his right hand. He was the first left-hand only graduate of the prestigious Royal College of Music in London. He has played alongside Coldplay at the opening ceremony for the 2012 Paralympic games, has a wonderful solo album, was a guest presenter at the BBC Proms, is a radio host and will soon launch his own podcast called "Of Note". He has also appeared on several prominent podcasts, including the Tim Ferris Show.
Nicholas is hugely inspirational. In addition to this however (and as usual as this show's USP), I apply a risk lens to Nicholas' story and it provides some wonderful insights into the question: "how can you turn the odds of something you want to achieve to your favour?" We cover loads of great stuff in this incredible conversation:
- Nicholas' background growing and how he got interested in the piano (and some great insights on parenting here);
- The challenges that he faced in studying the piano at a world-class level (there were several!)
- Left-hand repertoire, the style of playing in which Nicholas specialises;
- The balance between talent and diligent practice;
- Risk and risk-taking;
- Much, much more
I am delighted to bring this conversation to you and I hope you check out Nicholas' work.
Show notes:
Nicholas' website: http://nicholasmccarthy.co.uk/
Nicholas on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NMcCarthyPiano
Nicholas on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NicholasMcCarthyPianist/
Nicholas' solo album: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Solo-Nicholas-McCarthy/dp/B0113MCFVU
Nicholas' YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/nmccarthypiano
Nicholas playing Nocturne by Alexander Sciarbin (the piece this episode opens with) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwNxn-iFRuI
Twitter Account for "Of Note" Nicholas' podcast (to be launched at the time this episode went live) - https://twitter.com/OfNotePodcast
Facebook page for the "Of Note" podcast - https://www.facebook.com/OfNotePodcast/
Nicholas' TEDx talk - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9dNZKNVqrw
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