One-Armed Pianist

Mary Grace Gellekanao - a 28 year old pianist with an easy smile and sweet disposition. Grace was born on March 7, 1979, in Riverside Medical Center, Bacolod City, Philippines. When Grace showed interest in music and piano, her grandmother took it as a challenge. She sought teacher after teacher, but no one agreed to give her lessons. How could a girl without a forearm ever be able to master the keyboard? But both Grace and her grandmother were made of sterner stuff. They were not ones to easily give up. After months of walking up and down their town, their persistence paid off. One teacher wanted to be a part of the challenge, and she agreed to teach Grace, who was then only a child. She practices for at least four hours a day and can play many difficult pieces. She also plays the organ.

In 1994, Grace, encouraged by her teacher, Mrs. Sylvia Javellana, presented a solo organ recital. A year later, the country's Volunteers for the Rehabilitation of the Handicapped and the Disabled arranged for Grace's first public solo piano recital. It was a hit, but it was just the beginning.

In 1996, Grace started touring internationally and has been busy ever since with college studies and performances. She graduated in May 2001 from the University of St. La Salle, Bacolod City, with a degree in psychology. Grace hopes to use her musical talents to help others--especially those differently-abled such as herself--to accept themselves as God's special creation so that they can live productive, purposeful lives. She is currently volunteering with the 1,000 Missionary Movement in the Philippines.

Mary Grace performs practically every weekend all over the United States. She is open to performing for any church or organization. You can contact her at (225) 664-8174 or you can email her at revawall@bellsouth.net.