Taking a step forward for the biomedical community, a professor at the University of Wisconsin is applying technology to classical music. Frankie Flood, an art teacher, has used a 3-D printer to help develop new "hands" for a 10-year-old seeking to be a professional musician. Shea Stollenwerk, a 10-year-old from Mukwonago, is learning how to play the viola.
Her lessons, however, are more difficult than most because she was born without part of her right hand. The young musician has not let her condition hinder her drive to play the viola--and Flood is there to help her see it through.
According to WISN, Stollenwerk said, "I tested it out and tried picking up some other parts and I could actually pick things up. It was kind of cool."
"Nothing is ever going to hold her back," her father, Steve Stollenwerk said. "She is going to do what she wants to do, and we are going to be there to help her."
Flood, however, wants to put a disclaimer on his products citing that his creations are more simple than prosthetics and should not be compared to them. As of late, his work has benefited nine children.
To add to his humility, his work was done completely free. His work has become globalized, too, and has reached children in other countries all around the world.
Hats off to little Ms. Stollenwork and Mr. Flood for bringing a discussion about disabilities in music to the table. The awareness of children's disabilities is a progressive step to helping provide a future to any child with a dream in music.
And with that, check out what the two had to say about the subject below.
