in 1977, he sprained the ring finger of his right hand. because of this injury he began re-fingering some passages for that hand in such a way as to avoid using the affected finger. this altered technique appeared to aggravate the problem, ultimately forcing him to stop performing with his right hand altogether by around 1979. thereafter, graffman pursued his other interests such as writing, photography, and oriental art. in 1980, he joined the faculty at the curtis institute of music, where his career had begun. he took over as the school's director in 1986, and added the title of president in 1995, serving in both capacities through may 2006.