Speaking as a right-handed person, and the originator of this thread, I can't really say what my friend plans to do. When I suggested he learns "conventionally" he was a bit horrified at the prospect - but he did learn to play trumpet right-handed (otherwise he'd have had to stretch his left hand over to press the valves, not an easy option).

When things start I hope to report back on this new learning process. Thanks again for the contributions - further comments, opinions, experiences, suggestions are all welcome.

norman