A piano called “Anybody’s Piano” is using artificial intelligence (AI) to help musicians with disabilities perform.
Kiwa Usami is a 24-year-old who has cerebral palsy, a condition that affects movement and posture.
Last month, Usami was one of three musicians performing with the Yokohama Sinfonietta in Japan using “Anybody’s Piano”. She pressed just one index finger to the piano to play Beethoven’s Ode to Joy.
Usami’s dedication to practising with one finger inspired the AI piano made by the Japanese company, Yamaha. The instrument tracks the music’s notes and adds whatever keys are needed but are not pressed. But it stops if a player hits the wrong notes.
Members of the 130-person audience of the concert said the performance was uplifting. An attendee, Koki Kato, 16, said she was “so touched”.
