In the Key of Genius: Derek Paravicini and Adam Ockelford at TEDxWarwick 2013

[@timelwell7002]

I had the privilege of teaching Derek jazz piano for a year whilst he attended the RNIB college at Redhill (UK). Whatever I played, he was able to play the same thing about a second behind me, which was extraordinary. I had to adopt some different teaching strategies from usual, but it was a rewarding experience for me to have helped in his development as a musician.

[@Penchwintan33]

That's so amazing, thanks for sharing! I lived in Redhill for a bit as a teen

[@johnwagg1538]

Thank you for helping Derek achieve his true potential. He has an amazing gift

[@timelwell7002]

@@johnwagg1538 Thanks John. As I said, it was a privilege and a pleasure to meet Derek and to teach him.

[@drummersnare6276]

is there video of him playing jazz? like with a combo or big band or something

[@Ana_crusis]

Out of curiosity can I ask, do you feel he has true creativity or just an amazing ability to hear and copy.

[@karenstark9235]

i love that Adams is primarily speaking to Derek, not the audience.

[@mailmallett]

Well observed. That could have easily have gone unnoticed.

[@tinamariaschmidt5828]

I love 💕 this, too. It shows that he values and respects him, as a human being, too. And of course, Derek also can not 🚫 see 👀 a lot of the things, either. 😃❤️

[@cqgod]

@@mailmallett I mean it was quite obvious the 3rd time he said it lol

[@alloriginalpirates]

Came here to say this. I work in the world of learning disability and it doesn't happen anywhere near as much as you'd hope.

[@endoflevelboss]

You sound like a right Karen

[@ZacandCompany]

"You may think 13 hours is a long time to keep talking but Derek does it effortlessly" Priceless.

[@IHateThisHandleSystem]

The true price the teacher paid for his student's greatness.

[@tiatunz9534]

My son is the same - can talk non stop for hours.

[@squurdixplays8137]

He has never seen a piano before, but he is so good at playing it

[@Mo-xx9gg]

Not true!

[@TheUltimateWord]

He's blind dummy lol​@@Mo-xx9gg

[@landoctor94]

@@Mo-xx9gghe’s literally blind

[@dokxyt]

@@Mo-xx9gg what's not true about it?

[@nuriyaeroshkina7971]

Behind the genius musician you can see his genius teacher. Thank you Adam Ockelford.

[@rohiten1]

+Nuriya Eroshkina... I agree wholeheartedly...A great teacher is something else and so important...Makes all the difference in the world

[@amor6528]

It's like the story of Helen and her teacher miss Sullivan

[@eddyvideostar]

To: Labobo: This is what I thought about my financial planner! Always make sure he is from a reputable company so you can get a good replacement, not just an independent individual.

[@Jack-uz4xu]

@@GreyArea619 Amazing you know gibberish . Thanks for sharing !!!

[@thomasmacgruber6701]

Yup, he reccognized a golden goose and went all in.

[@MultiGrave]

You should see him isolate notes from a group of musicians playing together, and play them back. It's quite astounding - it's like he can see every note as an individual entity, and recognise them... each note as distinct as landmarks on a map, so he has no problem at all in separating even dozens of simultaneous notes on dozens of instruments.

[@craigduncan4826]

I actually don’t see how it is even possible with perfect pitch. Incredible but it’s more than perfect pitch by a long way.

[@inspiringmedia3716]

​@@craigduncan4826fuck knows bro it's alien to normal humans.

[@drbob528]

Apart from Derek's jaw-dropping pianistic ability, the connection between these two men is a fine example of trust. Adam Ockelford's dedication to this relationship is inspirational . Thank you for the experience.

[@JN24185]

I noticed that as well. Clearly a special bond fostered over, quite literally, a life time. Such a beautiful thing.

[@YTPEXPERT]

This is what pure unfiltered innocence sounds like. He's so humbling

[@retalhatudo]

Once in a thousand years born a person like this... what a genius!

[@JoshuaRennig]

actually it's 2000, sometimes it's hard to remember these things though

[@AlexDeLarge77]

People use the term “genius” for mediocre people and their abilities. Derek is a true genius. An extraordinary talent that is beyond explanation.

[@Nobbie248]

His abilities are not possible by regular human minds. Abilities that cant be taught

[@DDandrums]

Not sure if I agree with anything you have said. Could you give an example or two of mediocre people who have been described as geniuses?

[@christiantaylor9309]

​@@DDandrumsI can't think of a specific example but the term does get thrown around a fair bit. Quite often for sports or popstars etc.

[@mrcool5522]

​@@DDandrumsSlash from guns n roses feels like a good example. People throw the term genius around lightly.

[@mrsseasea]

I feel like there are not enough keys for Derek........he's remarkable, in every sense!

[@Norsunkorva]

Mrssea Sea i feel like he doesnt have enough fingers to express his true ability in music

[@baqcasanke]

Exactly if they make a robotic hand capable to keep up with him he should get the first installation of the prosthetic.

[@timharper4246]

​@@Norsunkorvahe needs an electric keyboard setup with multiple boards stacked. That way he can play with synthesizers, pedals and wah-clavinets.

[@RH-ib7bg]

Derek is amazing but his teacher is astounding. His love for Derek is awesome. Did anyone notice how many times he said his name? Amazing on all fronts

[@JoshuaRennig]

i think you're missing the fact that guy attached himself to derek and derek carried them both all the way to the end,

[@JoshuaRennig]

i'd argue that guy has no idea the only thing he taught derek is how to avoid being nobody

[@michael_177]

@@JoshuaRennig Oh i think that's a very unfair thing to say. I'm sure Derek himself recognises within him the amazing person and help his piano teacher has been. By his side for so many years!

[@JoshuaRennig]

@@michael_177 that is exactly what i'm saying

[@JoshuaRennig]

@@michael_177 this job is for derek's piano teacher,

[@Pendaz11]

Adam should be commended on his service to derek what a wonderful human being

[@TheRjjrjjr]

Agreed.

[@RonWylie-gk5lc]

I could not agree more, he should be recognized for the years of work that he had obviously dedicated to this very special man, I though the 13 hour flight thing was most telling, easy to laugh at but can you imagine that!!!!, he MUST love him very much

[@tenebrisrex333]

No question

[@jeannehall6546]

Knighted, maybe?

[@JoshuaRennig]

more like condemned for boxing derek in and stealing his future

[@JDub07]

The most amazing tbing I take from Derek's story is not Derek himself but rather Adam. Adam could have very well left Derek after he became famous and made gobs of money as this genius teacher. But no, he stayed on, threw all these years he has remained. He is probably one if Derek's closest friends and Derek relies on him. Adam sees this and loves Derek. What an example of selfless sacrifice!

[@mariahyman2025]

Nanny made sure to tell Adam that he would be responsible for Derek musically.

[@laurado3137]

I wouldn t call it a sacrifice but yeah he is a great man

[@benjisisler]

Adam is doing something that's bigger than himself or even Derek and he knows that

[@benjisisler]

Plus if this is how he became famous it would be in his interest to keep with it..also he's just a good guy!

[@adrielpablo53]

i guess Im asking the wrong place but does someone know of a trick to log back into an Instagram account? I somehow lost my login password. I appreciate any help you can give me

[@kylec.9092]

Derek's "Chopsticks" is the most beautiful thing I've heard in a long time.

[@steveseviour2532]

Crud Muffin

[@thepedrorriva]

At what time of the video is that?

[@tymuroleksenko3810]

Pedro MR 17:00 I think

[@CapnPink28]

Yea, starts around 16:36....or shortly after

[@poblano6212]

Crud Muffin his chopsticks sounds like the family guy theme

[@sheilaf5732]

Thank you Lord, for the nanny who introduced this young man to music. Love his story and his music.

[@shinosukenohara5721]

shoutout to nanny

[@beverleypettit3577]

💯

[@mikefarina6526]

Adam was born for this gift. Teacher, mentor, care giver, family. Talent meets Talent

[@senpaiii623]

this is more than perfect pitch, its a combination of an insanely advanced memory of what he hears combined with the ability to multitask and single out sounds. perfect pitch is like seeing a color and knowing what the color is, with notes, but if shown multiple colors at the same time, consciously noting every single color at once and naming it in the brain is impossible. derek has the ability to observe multiple of these "colors" at the same time and remember them all at once

[@inspiringmedia3716]

Yes it's even more mind blowing 😂😂

[@jeff__w]

I agree. It doesn’t seem possible in a behavioral sense but, of course, Derek Paravicini _is_ doing it-which raises the question of what, exactly, is going on neurologically that enables him to do it? (And what are the trade-offs, if any, that might be necessary in having that capacity?) We’re probably nowhere near answering those types of questions.

[@inspiringmedia3716]

@@jeff__w it's autismo bro. Duhh

[@jeff__w]

@@inspiringmedia3716 Autism is sufficient to bring about that capacity (as shown by Derek Paravicini) but it might not be _necessary._ (Then again, it or something like it might be.) That's the question. _Edit:_ Or, to make my response, clearer: we _know_ autism is “causing” the amazing abilities Derek Paravicini has, obviously, but we don’t know _what_ neurologically is going on for autism to enable those abilities (and whether there _needs_ to be the deficits of autism to have them).

[@lukekiefer5964]

@@jeff__wAnd it’s important to note that only an extremely small subset of people with autism have these savant-like skills.

[@Slippery_people]

What this video doesn't show is the overwhelming standing ovation he got at the end. Just incredible.

[@darryllmaybe3881]

I loved his Improvisation of Chopsticks!

[@zachariah070]

I just watched a documentary about a man who loses memory every 7 seconds and he used to be a conductor so his musical abilities are still there even when he forgets everything. It really makes you marvel at how inherent and intrinsic music is to human, it's almost primal.

[@newinfinitia]

After this I realized that musicians are just practical mathematicians. And this one can really count his formulas. Beautiful improvisation.

[@ShootYourRadio]

I've always told people that music is math in notational form.

[@maynardewm]

That’s not at all how we think of it though.

[@timharper4246]

Theory is taught with math, but once you play, it changes to colors and emotions.

[@thegameclub6509]

​@@timharper4246 i have dyscalculia and I have just learnt to play the piano by ear, i have written songs for different occasions and even some music for some short films for my school.

[@FabioRodrigues-xs8vf]

​@@maynardewmsays who?

[@graphicartdude]

The fact he can recall any musical piece with near perfect accuracy is astonishing, but his ability to create world class pieces while improvising is simply mind blowing. What a guy.

[@hailuc7464]

This man is amazing. He has Absolute Pitch, which means that he can play any corresponding note when he has only heard it once. He can even substitute the changing pitch of the train engine, as it accelerates, for piano notes! A true genius

[@Penchwintan33]

Woah!!!

[@studiodebu]

The teacher is classy. No hype. Just Derek. And to all the comments about lack of emotion: not all music has to be about great, romantic feelings, does it? Maybe it should just sometimes be allowed to be about fascinating design, irresistibly energetic rhythms and the math of great harmony. If he swayed with a contorted face and let delighted smiles and exclamations of joy escape his lips as he played, you wouldn't have missed it at all. But Derek's music is his own thing. It doesn't have to be about emotions like you feel them. I do know what you mean though, his music doesn't at all have the nuancing of a singing Chopin line. But I never felt Chopin get into my bones and make me jump quite like this, either. I am grateful for such a variety of pianistic voices in the world! Let them "showcase" him, as long as he's happy! His teacher is a decent assistant, no P. T. Barnum in him.

[@teawithash360]

@Jose Luis Robles it's a love language for God. Every being, and creature that belongs to him hear the same Love song. That's why we, as humans, need to learn everyone's love language, and speak to them in a way they can understand. That will equal world peace. ✌🏽

[@jnananinja7436]

He reproduces what he hears. If he hears a piece played with emotion he will play it exactly the same way, with every nuance and subtlety.

[@theycallmejpj]

I love derek and have been a fan ever since I heard of him. he also highlights how much we still don't understand about the human brain

[@bradleyjones3410]

In another video i saw they measured the activity in dereks brain whilst he listened for mistakes in music pieces, and even though verbally he couldnt recognise if there was a mistake or not, his brain detected the error without failure. Makes you wonder

[@miharu4185]

Conscious mind is a construct

[@truthsings7]

Oh, interesting idea ·o· but I think (& this is just another thought) that more than not understanding, or in addition to, it's seeing what we're capable of if we just applied ourselves in work for/towards something ~

[@tomwatson8144]

@@truthsings7 I could work my guts out for a thousand years and never be able to do this. This is a gift from God.

[@thepianoplayer416]

Derek is actually a few months younger than his age because he was born prematurely. He isn't your typical sound recorder since he doesn't play the same pieces the same way each time like a concert pianist. It's wonderful to hear someone play the piano at a high level. At the same time he isn't a Classical pianist. He would instantly Jazz up his pieces. Even the pieces he would play frequently, he comes up with different endings or different styles of playing each time.

[@JoshuaRennig]

no, when you are born, that is when your birthday is 🤣

[@ThatTaRaGiRL]

Well.. @thepianoplayer416 I hate to burst your bubble, but you cannot be "younger than your age" 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 HOW do you even think this!?? Your date kf birth is your birthday..which is the age you are (and continue to turn over to the next) every year in of that date! Using such childish "logic" like that, you would assume that he would actually technically be OLDER, since he was born BEFORE his mother's due date for him, making him premature. But forget that... Jeez you will take it and run with it 🤣 Bottom line: YOU ARE THE EXACT AGE THAT YOU CURRENTLY ARE .... I can't believe i had to explain that! 😂 You should carry on being a comedian (you sure made me laugh!)

[@alika207]

I love him! For those of you who don't know, Derek has his own youtube page where he posts videos of himself playing people's requests! I couldn't believe it when he recorded a video playing a song I requested! Just search for Derek Paravicini.

[@NithinBalakrishnanIsOnline]

Here is a man who can reproduce any music he hears instantly. And here is the pathetic me, who forgets my glasses are at the top of my head.

[@benpietrzykowski9216]

I’d rather be able to count to ten and tie my shoes. Count your blessings .

[@benpietrzykowski9216]

Tht was rude sorry he is amazing

[@genericusername4206]

@@benpietrzykowski9216 why do you have to wear lace up shoes? Velcro is just as good

[@paulwyleciol3459]

Don't wonder: I can not do this at the same time!

[@mmilrl5768]

wow a crowd that waits until he's done playing to cheer. amazing

[@mailmallett]

It reminds me of dueling banjos. The teacher is not the guy you think it is. The 'teacher' just sits in awe.

[@mannybryan5734]

I love Derek so much, Knowing him in person is amazing, so kind and gentle and an absolute amazing musician. He can play absolutely anything.

[@TheFunkyCriminal]

makes me so happy i hate that people would compare him to an ipod, even if it is just a nickname. words dont even describe what his ability is.

[@sparkledouche]

It’s absurd to the highest degree that this video doesn’t have 20 million views. This is amazing.

[@democratictotalitariansoci1462]

Derek plays anything on his own way, and everything sounds bright, light and perfect.

[@tatianapostman9134]

waki so true. He really swings!!

[@wjackstl]

Derek's last piece was incredible

[@melmelsmusicstudio1800]

I was just reading about Derek on pgs. 684-685 in "The Oxford Handbook of Music and the Brain". So here I am. What a beautiful soul! So happy to hear the music whilst conducting my research. Thank you Mr. Ockelford! ❤

[@l3th4lv1p3r]

He came to my school today, AWESOME

[@xxHEADSHOTTxx]

Derek's Discipline and self control is really admirable

[@edisjrw]

My first comment in youtube. Just wanna say, u are super amazing derek.. 👍👍👍

[@flower-uw1hm]

Derek Paravicini is a joy to watch and to listen to.

[@Penchwintan33]

I wish this video was a gazillion times longer! I could watch him all day.

[@elnavandermerwe5098]

And what a kind, genius teacher Adam is!

[@Zerostar369]

I feel so fortunate to be alive at a time to share my existence with Derek.

[@jackgrant9301]

Derek has the two qualities of genius: a natural affinity and the tenacity to keep at it.

[@FRISKY_MANDINGO]

I have no idea why this video isn't more popular. Absolutely amazing. Before I knew it the video was over.

[@mattcoffee1269]

john papple their busy with their ipods....

[@brassholio]

Matt Voole *they're

[@geoffroymb]

20 minutes is indeed far from long enough to appreciate Derek's genius, talent and creativity, but thank you for help bringing this treasure to flourish in our world!

[@sadboitimes9012]

Derek is the greatest musical mind of this generation. No neurotypical person can hope to have half the understanding of music he has, even if they study music their entire life.

[@Jesterjacob-ws5ix]

No truly great person in any area is neurotypical. Might seems that way on the surface but some part of their brain/ nervous system is unusual. Derek's an extreme example.

[@timelwell7002]

I disagree. Derek has huge talent, no argument there. But as an improvising musician and composer myself, and as someone who had the privilege of teaching Derek jazz piano for over a year whilst he was at RNIB College, Redhill, I know his abilities and his limitations. Firstly, in music there is no 'geatest' - only 'greats.' But compare Derek to Jacob Collier, or to Maria Schneider, or to Keith Jarrett, or Bill Evans, really they have an even greater compositional ability, more innovative and surprising ideas, than Derek. He learns from their music, not the other way around. This is by no means a criticism of Derek, just my feelings and observations.

[@DodderingOldMan]

Wow... I think that's legitimately now my favourite version of Bumblebee on piano... love the jazziness of it!

[@CraigMansfield]

Look up Martha Stewart if you don't already know her 👍

Not just the music, the touch is absolutely gold.

[@eriknestaas2270]

His improvisations are absolutely incredible.

[@1Manandadog]

The human brain never fails to amaze me.

[@picklecakeface]

His variation on chopsticks is what really amazed me.

[@kenhkngai]

As a warwick student, i cant believe i missed going to this :( what a gift!

[@sansespoir]

I am delighted to see how Derek's playing has developed over the years. His improvisation on themes using dynamics and expression sound more like finished compositions. It can't be easy for Adam and his teacher Kelly to guide such unbridled talent. They delight in his ability and yet have to reign him in and gently suggest changes when appropriate. He lives nearby but I haven't plucked up courage to knock on his door -it's not the way here. Maybe I'll send him my copy of Errol Garner to try out.

[@idragonfly]

Big fan of Derek! I consider him a gift to the world.

[@alidabaxter5849]

What amazes me most about Derek is that he not only knows so many pieces of so many kinds by heart, but that he can improvise on any of them. That is the most extraordinary thing about his brain and ability - he can do things that many other sighted pianists can't.

[@johndoe2]

I love how he swings every composition!

[@christinabarshinger6174]

Truly remarkable young man. He's very inspiring and more than a musical genius Thank you Mr. Ockelford for being his life and musical mentor. Just amazing! Bravo Derek!!!

[@remediosgamarose2189]

Superb Derek. God bless you

[@Akashpagol]

The human brain amazes me. And the way brain manifests through Derek's musical abilities is just fantastic. I found Derek on the internet when I was a teenager and I still swing by once in a while to listen him play.

[@bristolstomp]

I dont know why but this made me cry. Those who can make music are so incredibly blessed.

[@NoobieLandCity]

You can make music too... you're probably too lazy to learn it thought and wanted to acquire it like if it's something you are born with it..

[@ThrawnUnknown]

bristolstomp; disregard the other two people who commented; what your comment said to me was thoughtful.

[@Twice_Marvel]

bristolstomp not blessed. Determined. Well maybe a little blessed in Derek's case. He still had to develop physically.

[@simonmurphy6844]

Derek is an absolute genius. As a musician myself I can only sit back and admire this absolutely amazing talent.

[@stephanoscharalambous3]

Adam is just as much of a genius as Derek. What a good person, they're a great partnership! Keep up the good work Derek and thanks for your magic!

[@dylanpritchard4981]

I once saw him play outside of the Tape Modern in London! Absolutely incredible!

[@santimiguelvega1444]

This just prove that the human mind has no limits, its ourselves who limit ourselves. Awesome!

[@buddhabeast3508]

My piano just threw itself out the window 😂 He is beyond what we can comprehend He paints happy music pictures Amazing!

[@photopicker]

The secret is connecting the ear to the keyboard. Hearing the sound in your head and knowing where it is on the keyboard. The keyboard has 88 keys. There are 12 notes in a octave. The keyboard is a stack of octaves from lowest note to highest note. Derek had the time to become gifted. His time and technique are impeccable. And he loves it.

[@jeanetteh.9240]

I know you wrote your comment 6 years ago, but I would still like to reply, and I hope you see this. I started learning piano when I was 7 or 8. I studied until I was 15. I was never taught to think of the keyboard as a stack of octaves. So, thanks for pointing that out. (I am now 70.)

[@gabeft95]

This is without doubt, the world's best pianist

[@kingscotimus]

Lady’s and gentlemen, the worlds greatest musician. Hands down. Bless you sir for you make this world an even more beautiful place.

[@LightYagamiVSL]

Gosh don’t simplify things so unnecessarily. He’s not the best musician in the world. How would you even quantify something like that. Obviously he’s gifted but your statement is delusional.

[@johnnyvadas]

This is just so inspiring. As a musician it is facinating to see perfect pitch and raw talent at work. As a father of an autistic son who is high functioning but challenged in some areas very hopeful and looking forward to his success as well.

[@trendydelquendy]

Please remember that autistics aren't necessarily savants - we can be a bit rubbish at other stuff too!

[@DJStefandeJong]

@@trendydelquendy true and I would also add that it is up to the child to find his/her passion, not the parent.

[@joshupchurch6589]

John Vadas Being a father of a high functioning autistic son. Just means 2 things. 1. You are a good man. 2. Your son is the example evolution that the world needs. My brother is high function autistic and the only thing he seems to lack in my opinions being an a$$. Other than that. He is just like everyone I have ever met. He helped me graduate. And is the kindest man I know. So. You proudly stating that your son is HFA means your a better man than most.

[@PreciousPotat]

@@trendydelquendy True. Though sometimes, I wonder if it’s just a matter of opportunity. Like, even if they’re not savants, they might be better than average in a field we don’t think of. Maths, music, puzzles and painting are the go-to. But what if you got a kid that’s as smart and creative as Einstein, but doesn’t have the vocabulary to voice his insights? Just for example. Autism often reminds me of that option you get when you right-click on a program in the task manager on a PC. And they randomly „choose“ highest and lowest priority on a number of programs.

[@YouGotPwnd]

is it fucked up that i want to play some of my favorite edm tracks to derek just to hear them replicated perfectly on piano? this dude would be a beast on twitch taking song requests

[@sourlemon360]

But the problem is... He's blind.

[@randyaffleck8510]

@@sourlemon360 no the problem is... @YouGotPwnd listens to EDM

[@Whatamood]

@@randyaffleck8510 if u dont listen to any kind of house, pop or whatever music, then you can say this. but nowadays everything is created with a pc and therefore is edm. i dont know if you know it but edm has over 200 sub genres so pls dont think that edm = EDM

[@nenissaK]

@@randyaffleck8510 If you don't listen to EDM then it means that you are lacking listening to EDM. There's good and bad music in every genre, and if you disagree, that means you're not listening to enough music.

[@derekparavicini]

Derek does do live request sessions on Facebook from time to time and is always asking us what people are requesting on his KZbin channel. He LOVES hearing requests and playing for other people. It always makes him really excited. Please feel free to make some suggestions on the channel!

[@KapperzSean]

I hear ya! im 26 i have cerebral palsy hydrocephalus and scoliosis people tend to look through us rather than at us sometimes it can be frustrating but hey what can ya do ya gotta be able to look at yourself and just laugh sometimes lol this guy is awesome I can play stuff by ear but im nowhere near this good you rock dude!

[@tornikekhutsidze2747]

He just can't realize how talented he is... amazing

[@markdemell8056]

This guy touched my heart.

[@teila211]

I could get lost in watching Derek play all day! He's just amazing.

[@JabroneyDirt]

Man, for all the obstacles this guy overcame and deals with to this day, it's people like him that truly show what a human being is really capable of at the highest levels. Bravo.

[@stephaniesmith7317]

Thank You Derek! The speed of your fingers during Flight of the Bumblebee... SIMPLY AMAZING!!!

[@watchman2700]

Born 3 and half months premature. Amazing

[@JohnNiemsMusic]

The most AMAZING MUSICIAN I have ever HEARD! WOW!~ I've never heard such an amazing display of musical talent!

[@duangp993]

Derek's fingers are like that of quid arms. So amazing 👏👏👏👏

[@cw4608]

Truly incredible! What a blessing to the world you are Derek.

[@johnchoat357]

The term GENIUS cannot begin to describe the abilities of this absolutely brilliant and breathtaking pianist/composer! As demonstrated numerous times, suggest the tiniest anthill of ANY piece of music and he can/will INSTANTLY compose a musical mountain around it. His changes in 'time' and 'tempo' are nothing short of astonishing; I could listen to him 'improv' ALL day long.....BRAVO, Derek!

[@billykranberry6077]

The way he bows...he's having fun :)

[@tom7601]

An inspiring young man and an inspiring teacher!

[@jennifer86010]

He's a genius because he has spent countless hours, days and years practicing piano and playing piano. It took him a long time to master the ability to quickly find specific "sections" on the keyboard, since it is only touch and feel which tell him which octave set he needs to reach. If your finger lands as little as 3/16ths of an inch to the right or left of your target note, you will play a wrong note or worse, two dissonant notes. Derek has developed fantastic muscle memory in his fingers, arms and body in order to do this. His ears are only there to verify the correctness of the work his fingers, hands, arms and upper body are doing.

[@hotdogsauce]

amazingly beautiful. this man is a gift from God.

[@nicholaswise5818]

Oh my god his stride is amazing

[@DenisMaksymowicz]

Damn, in the flight of the bumblebee you can hear Derek's instinct for jazz. It's subtle but there. I've always felt that he's at his best when permitted to take the original into his own direction

[@TrueMarsh]

Just because someone is disabled it doesn't mean he can't do anything to stand out. Everyone thinks that because he's blind he'll never play piano and he might never amount to anything, that proves anyone who thought that wrong. This man is the role model of anyone who wants to achieve something. If he can do it, anyone can! Never give in!

[@GBHanny8]

What a great great teacher.

[@donaldkern2364]

I play this video, among others, for my classes in Introduction to Special Education when we cover the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). To be able to see and hear true genius that results from the developmental brain disorder, as yet not fully understood, is far more effective than any lecture can provide. Thank you Derek and Dr. Adam Ockelford.

[@sandwichtv2164]

The music of geniuses always heals my soul wounds.

[@MrAlan0151]

Just plain stunned, for Derek and his wonderful mentor, thanks to both of you.

[@petersam5835]

I still remember him from when he had a 60mins interview I was like 12 !! Amazing

[@michaeldoster4847]

Unbelievably brilliant! What an absolutely amazing performance! It just kept getting better and better! How many times does THAT happen in a performance? Almost never. Thank you for sharing His amazing brilliance! As a keyboard person, he absolutely blew me away! Just brilliant! Thank you for sharing this amazing spirit and performance! My jaw was gapping the whole time in amazement. Thank you again for sharing this, and may God bless you and keep you.

[@marcelobrunorodrigues7630]

In the city where I live, Brasília (Brazil's capital), they are generally neglected and understimated when learning music. Fortunately that Mr. Ockelford is making a very fine work in UK. Congratulations to him and, above all, to Derek Paravicini!

[@thepianoplayer416]

If this is the way he played Chopsticks, the rest of us would be back in Gr. 1 piano. Absolutely incredible improviser. Many of us playing even the simplest pieces would be glued to a piece of sheet music struggling to play 1 note at a time. Here we have someone who does everything in his head is just beyond comprehension...

[@RonWylie-gk5lc]

What a treasure this is, I don't know who I admire more, Derek or his incredible teacher. What he is doing here is simply mind bending but the best part of this for me was seeing the wonderful relationship these two amazing men have grown together