CBS America recently had an all inspiring story about a disabled musical prodigy Derek Paravicini in their news magazine program “60 Minutes”. Derek was born premature, at 25 weeks (A normal pregnancy lasts 40 weeks), and weighing just over half a kilogram. As a result of the oxygen therapy required to save his life, Derek lost his sight, and his development was affected too. It later became apparent that he had severe learning difficulties.

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As an adult, Derek is not able to perform the simplest tasks such as button a button or zip a zipper, tell his right hand from his left, hold up three fingers or even tell his own age. However, he is a musical savant. Derek is able to play any piece he has ever heard, with any key and with any style. He plays entirely by ear, and has a repertoire of many thousands of pieces that he has memorized - jazz, pop and light classical - and he is able to improvise.

Derek's musical talent is only the surface of the story. Music is the channel that allows Derek to communicate with people. Derek loves people and through music he connects with people.

Watch CBS News Videos Online

Derek Paravicini website
Derek Paravicini's Blog

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