What if I somehow lost the ability to do what I love? How would I adjust?

Most composers must have wondered this, at least at some point. Bodies are brittle. Life can deal you an unexpected hand. The mind strays to gloomy places.

I’ve been dealing with an RSI (repetitive strain injury) in my left arm for more than a year now. Osteopathy, acupuncture, massage, wrist braces, regular cycles of ice and deep heat: I’ve been trying it all. But frustratingly, what progress I’ve made has been slow and faltering, and guitar playing doesn’t seem to be helping.

I’m at a point where I think: for the sake of a lifetime of happy playing, maybe I should simply put the guitar down for a bit and concentrate on those boring but important physio exercises instead.

It’s a pain in more way than one. But I’m being resourceful and feeling optimistic too. How does a composer like me adjust and adapt to this kind of challenge? Here’s a short video taking you through some of my process.