Why I wear GLOVES. The real reason... (my journey of dealing with Focal dystonia)

"Why do you wear gloves?" is a really commonly asked question across all of our platforms, and truth be told, I don't always do a good enough job at telling that story, and how it ties into this YouTube channel and the SBL Academy.

But with the recent release of "The Devine King Project Volume 1", my first solo album, I felt it was a good time to talk about it, especially because the gloves also play into why I've waited so long to actually put out any music of my own.

–Scott

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[teslastele]

I shared the old video of your diagnosis and solution with my physician wife. Years later, she saw a patient who was exhibiting a focal dystonia, but the patient was really only annoyed that she couldn't apply makeup anymore. My wife remembered your video, put a nitrile exam glove on the woman's hand, and to her surprise the dystonia subsided. Huge win for the patient, thanks to your sharing!

[donmccaig]

Man, I guess I've been hanging around for too long. I thought everyone knew why you wore the gloves. I guess it's always a good idea to get the new folks caught up to speed. Good video!

[NCPPGpilot]

3:56 The beginning of the answer. 7:17 The technical term for the issue 12:00 Discovering a solution 13:44 How the solution works

[mattygunn]

I am a clinical psychologist that works in traumatic brain injury rehabilitation. This is not something I have encountered but I will pass this along to my PT and OT colleagues. One incidental benefit for your audience is, when you're teaching, the white gloves help to highlight where your fingers are on the frets! So happy for you and grateful that the glove correct the issue, seemingly like eye glasses correct eyesight. We love ya brother!

[BacheweyChomp]

Not only did you not give up, you kept your dream alive AND helped thousands of aspiring bass players to boot. That's quite an inspiring story! Good on you, brother. ❤

[SecondaryHomunculus]

As a bass player of 32 years with 3 separate physical disabilities (tendonitis, arthritis, and a nerve disorder), I'm extremely grateful that you talk openly about this. More people need to understand that they aren't alone.

[willfulkersonmusic]

Hey Scott,

I'm a professional jazz pianist and I've had severe focal dystonia since I graduated college in 2017. I took 3 years off playing, and during that time I moved to NYC to study the Taubman Approach with Edna Golandsky. I completely left my old technique in the past, and I had to stop any of the movements that caused symptoms (isolated finger movements for example) both on and off the piano.

Since 2021 I've been back to gigging, and I sure do appreciate it now more than ever before! Currently recording my 2nd album with my trio and some horn players on certain tracks. I 100% relate to what you said about not feeling good having everything riding on one or two recording days back to back. For this reason, I've spent the past few years building a home studio to record in so I can take all the time I need (among other reasons!).

No gloves for me, and I definitely have FD still, but I've learned how to do what I need to do on and off the piano without those movements. I've changed how I type, hold a cup, shake hands with folks, and more. The good thing about solving it this way is that when I play with 100% correct technique, I have crazy endurance because it feels effortless. The hard part is trying to stay 100% without going back to any old habits while in the moment improvising haha. Definitely still on the journey.

I'd be happy to chat sometime more about it if you're curious. Cheers.

[JessicaMorgani]

Wow Scott... 6 years ago???
That's about a year after I started playing the bass, you were my first teacher and you also taught me English!
I started when I was like 13 yrs old and I had some level of English and knew nothing about music, but watching you for hours and hours I learned scales, chords and also English Grammar and pronunciation. It took a few days but I started watching your videos without subtitles!
Thank you so much!

[snoutfair]

The glove is a game changer. The guitar player in my band gets really bad eczema every winter, to the point where he couldn't play. I saw your videos and we talked about the glove. He tried it and it really helped. You do what you have to to keep making music. Thanks for putting yourself out there.

[HouseholdDog]

Scott have helped teach and instill a love of bass to hundreds of thousands of players.

You have made more music, through your viewers, than most people on this planet.

[drummerboi]

I am three fourths through this video without any skipping. I am learning piano and I have always wanted to play bass. I have been playing drums in church since I was 7. I mean I cannot express how much more this video has intensified my fire to play at my best. I know this was to bring awareness to focal dystonia but you have done so much more than spreading the word. I’ve been watching this channel since Thursday. Today is Saturday. You’re a great guy and super pure in your delivery from what I’ve seen through this channel. Thank you for this.

[weschilton]

Man, I knew why you wore the gloves from way back, but I didn't realize that even with the gloves you could only play so little. Considering your amazing bass prowess, I am incredibly inspired! You are one tenacious dude!👍

Fun fact: Scott Kinsey and I went to Berklee together in the 80s and played together quite a lot. I think I still have a VHS recording of my first recital with Scott in the band!

[danielesabiu]

A real serious issue. I know a professional violin player who Is affected by focal dystonia and he gave up playing violin except for teaching (just a few demonstrating during his lessons) and he's now even a conductor. You're brave, and you play so good even though you're not allowed to practice a lot. I support you! Ciao from Italy

[stefano]

The only thing I wanna say is “Respect”. Such courage and devotion to music. I salute you!

[WAMilyFamily]

Thanks for sharing your story.
I play bass, synths, guitar, and a little bit of classical guitar.
I was run over by a truck and broke my left shoulder and right wrist. I now have a degenerative issue in my right wrist and I still have a broken shoulder after 2 years and have nerve issues in my left arm that particularly affects my left hand. I have few other disabilities too.

It's cool to see other musicians out there doing it who are working around the issues they have and sharing their music with the world.

I had to start playing a short scale bass for a couple of years and just recently I'm back on the jazz bass. I still can't play my Steinberger.
I practice every day and little by little I'm getting back to things.
I have also recently picked up the classical guitar. I can reach the 3rd fret with my current range.
I believe I need music to live. It's got me through so much in my life.

Congratulations on the new music.
Can't wait to see the doco and hear all the songs. How exciting!

[waynewood]

Thank you for explaining. I have horrible trollish tendencies and watched another video of you, I was just about to make a snarky comment when I noticed this video. I decided to find out the reason. I am so happy for you that you found a way around this problem. You are an awesome musician and it would be a sad day if you couldn’t play anymore.

[Tommy-frnm]

Scott, thanks for sharing. My heart sank hearing what the 1st specialist told you. I'm glad you didn't give up! This is by far my favorite YouTube channel, and it's been such a joy watching it grow the past 7 or 8 years since finding it. Congratulations on the album, cant wait to hear it!
Much love from the USA 🇺🇸 ❤️

[BombToAgunFight]

You really are an inspiration Scott! The fact that you did not give up on what you love and found a life hack to continue playing is amazing within itself, but to also creat SBL, which is without a doubt one of the greatest educational music platforms in existence. Well that just goes to show how much you love people. To take the time that you can play, and use it to educate. I know there are many of us that are grateful for the site. So thank you!!! And the album is

[sdw-hvko]

Scott I started watching your videos back in 2012 because I wanted to level up my bass playing. Your videos provided me with such strong fundamentals and great practice routines. 10 years later I'm playing in bands and hopping in on jam sessions with confidence. So grateful for all you've done and continue to do for bassists around the world!

[MrBassflute]

Thank you, Scott. I am sharing this with a musician friend who is suffering from this; I hope this helps. You have my complete sympathy with your affliction. I hope they find a cure.