Our Little Savant

Anyone who knows Mason knows he is completely obsessed with the piano. He now has accumulated about 10 different ones, they all have a name, and he knows which is which and which ones he prefers to play at any given time. About a month ago his respit nurse noticed that he was copying little basic patterns that she was playing, after just listening once or twice he was able to find exactly which notes she was playing in which order - black keys white keys two keys at a time- so I started playing with him and he copied twinkle twinkle, I was amazed!

It turns out there is an intern in Mason's class who took 8 years of lessons and has been playing on and off since he was a kid. So during breaks in school he would work with Mason on the piano and was able to teach him different notes, and Mason remembered and was able to find the notes exactly where they were.  It just so happens that Mason and his intern friend have a very special bond. I mentioned maybe trying lessons, and he agreed, and so far its working out wonderfully! 

This guy gets Mason, he understands he doesn't use his right hand and he likes using his toes and he knows how keep Mason focused on learning and respects when he's done or frustrated or knows to move on when something isn't clicking at the moment, he just knows. What a blessing he has been for Mason, it's been so incredible to watch Mason over this last month grow and learn. It's not like I can go to any piano studio and sign Mas up for lessons. I had a guitar teacher who also did piano and when I started telling him that Mason can't really use his right fingers and likes to play with his toes and sit sideways on the floor .. well he basically looked at me and said you're going to have a hard time finding someone to teach Mason in a structured setting. Well, we feel real blessed to have found someone who is just as excited about Mason's talent as we are!

This is Mason's first Twinkle Twinkle :