Doctors Don't Expect A 1-Pound Baby To Survive. He Ends Up Becoming A Musical Prodigy

#1 37 Years Ago

Derek Paravicini is a 37-year-old pianist. He was born prematurely, weighing only one pound at birth. He became blind as a consequence of the oxygen therapy he recieved at the neonatal ICU. Doctors didn't expect him to survive. But he did. And even though he is blind and autistic, he is a musical savant, an extraordinary musician. There are lots of theories about savants, but few real answers.

#2 Interview

He was interviewed twice for 60 minutes, the second time in 2010. These images belong to that interview.

Derek can instantly play any piece he has ever heard. And he can play it like any piano player he is asked to copy.

#3 His First Interest

Derek's father says that the first thing that interested him was a toy keyboard. He recalls that when Derek was three, he played a hymn they had heard in church that day. And since he couldn't see, and didn't know how a keyboard was played, he was playing it however he could, with karate chops, elbows, and even with his nose.

#4 The Teacher

Adam Ockelford is Derek's teacher. When Derek was a little boy, he entered a class where Adam was playing the piano. It was in a school for the blind. Derek shoved him on the back and pushed him off the piano stool and started karate chopping it. Suddenly Adam realized that he was playing 'Don't cry for me, Argentina'!

Later on, Adam called Derek's father and asked if he could teach him.

#5 His First Performance

After three years of daily lesson, Derek was invited to play at a charity fundraiser. Adam saw the thrill he got from performing and from feeling the love of the crowd. He's been performing ever since. When it's not a very big venue, he takes requests, with a twist. He asks what key they want the piece played on, and in which style. Then, he delivers.

#6 His First Concert

In 2009, for the very first time, with Adam's guide, he headlined his own full length concert, with an orchestra, on a major London stage. The featured piece was Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue. It's a very challenging peace for any pianist. Much more for one who can't see the conductor. It was an amazing night.

#7 Emotions

He loves to be around people. He stretches his hand out and says, 'Hello,I'm Derek,"and knows somebody will greet him. He has learned emotions through his music, not the other way round, as happens for most of us. And he continues to learn, and evolve. Now, we can hear his authentic voice.