Derek Paravicini is blind, doesn't know his fingers from his thumbs and needs round-the-clock care. But he has an extremely rare gift - he is a musical prodigy whose piano-playing has thrilled audiences at venues from Ronnie Scott's to Las Vegas, the Barbican to Buckingham Palace. Born prematurely, weighing just 1lb 5oz, Derek remained in hospital for three months and technically 'died' several times before he was finally strong enough to go home. It was not long before his blindness became apparent, and as he grew older, it also became clear that he had severe learning difficulties and autism as well. Desperately trying to find something to engage and stimulate baby Derek, his nanny discovered a toy organ at the family house and put it down in front of him. Miraculously, without anyone realising it at first, Derek taught himself to play. By the time he was two, he could pick out nursery rhymes - before he could even talk. Music proved to be an outlet not only for expressing himself, but for communicating with others - his way of dealing with a strange and confusing world. By the time he had graduated to the piano, aged four, he was already an exceptional musician in the making. His mentor in this journey has been teacher and music psychologist Dr Adam Ockelford. 'I'd never seen anything like it,' says Ockelford of first hearing Derek play. 'He hit the notes with his fingers, his hands, his elbows - even his nose! You could tell that he'd never had a lesson, yet he produced this original version of "Don't Cry For Me Argentina", with hundreds of notes racing off in all directions. It was eccentric, mad! But wonderful to hear. I just had to teach him.' Adam Ockelford's compelling account of their musical relationship is both immensely moving and a fascinating testament to the young man who still can't tell his right hand from his left, yet amazes all who hear him play. As Jools Holland, who has performed with Derek, says: 'He's got a wonderful pair of musical ears. He just has to hear what you play and he's straight there. There are no limits to what he can do.'
In The Key of Genius
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"A moving account of an incredibly gifted pianist" (Mail on Sunday )
"Nobody can really "know'' Paravicini since he is locked in his own world ... What Ockelford demonstrates is that it is possible to make such an insular world fulfilling, and the contemplation of this can touch the rest of us. That, in itself, is a considerable achievement." (Daily Telegraph )
"Ockelford tells his story well. No one else ... could have explained Derek in quite the same way." (Daily Mail ) --This text refers to the Paperback edition.
"Nobody can really "know'' Paravicini since he is locked in his own world ... What Ockelford demonstrates is that it is possible to make such an insular world fulfilling, and the contemplation of this can touch the rest of us. That, in itself, is a considerable achievement." (Daily Telegraph )
"Ockelford tells his story well. No one else ... could have explained Derek in quite the same way." (Daily Mail ) --This text refers to the Paperback edition.
Book Description
Autistic and unable to care for himself, Derek Paravicini is also a musical genius.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By Junipearl
Format:Paperback
How can you get through to a child who's blind and has severe learning disabilities? What if that child suddenly displays a budding musical talent out of all proportion to his disability? How can that be nurtured to the child's best advantage without exploiting him?
This book is a description of just how that was done for Derek Paravicini - a sensitive and awe-inspiring account which doesn't gloss over the difficulties, but ends on a truly uplifting note.
Despite his unfortunate start in life, Derek was lucky in some respects - that his family, wanting the best for him, called on his devoted nanny who came out of retirement to look after the disabled child she called her "blessing", and that a little later Fate should decree that he cross paths with Adam Ockelford, the professor of music specialised in working with blind children, who wrote this book. I don't think there could have been a better person to be Derek's mentor - with the musical knowledge to understand his talent, yet with the patience and experience to deal with his disability. Derek's verbal communication is limited, but Prof. Ockelford can "talk" to him through music, one of the most remarkable instances in the book being when he gently cajoles Derek out of a teenage tantrum, purely through communicating with him on the piano. Astounding!
You can actually hear Derek play by looking him up on "You Tube" , and see him in some everyday situations, which as Prof. Ockelford mentions in the book, demonstrate some of his difficulties without demeaning him. The severely disabled child now appears to be a charming (and rather handsome!) young man, with quite a personality and even a sense of humour - although I'm not sure if the latter was intentional! His prodigious but sometimes eccentric ability has been carefully channelled into a form which is fulfilling for both him and us and is a credit to all those who have devoted their lives to helping him.
This book is a description of just how that was done for Derek Paravicini - a sensitive and awe-inspiring account which doesn't gloss over the difficulties, but ends on a truly uplifting note.
Despite his unfortunate start in life, Derek was lucky in some respects - that his family, wanting the best for him, called on his devoted nanny who came out of retirement to look after the disabled child she called her "blessing", and that a little later Fate should decree that he cross paths with Adam Ockelford, the professor of music specialised in working with blind children, who wrote this book. I don't think there could have been a better person to be Derek's mentor - with the musical knowledge to understand his talent, yet with the patience and experience to deal with his disability. Derek's verbal communication is limited, but Prof. Ockelford can "talk" to him through music, one of the most remarkable instances in the book being when he gently cajoles Derek out of a teenage tantrum, purely through communicating with him on the piano. Astounding!
You can actually hear Derek play by looking him up on "You Tube" , and see him in some everyday situations, which as Prof. Ockelford mentions in the book, demonstrate some of his difficulties without demeaning him. The severely disabled child now appears to be a charming (and rather handsome!) young man, with quite a personality and even a sense of humour - although I'm not sure if the latter was intentional! His prodigious but sometimes eccentric ability has been carefully channelled into a form which is fulfilling for both him and us and is a credit to all those who have devoted their lives to helping him.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is a very touching book. It is unusual and we are very lucky to get such a moving and intimate insight into the life of someone as unique and gifted as Derek. He is a remarkable individual and Dr Ockelford expertly tells the story of Derek, his relationships, his extraordinary talent and how they have both managed to overcome so much to achieve amazing things. A great read, a lovely book.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Dr Adam Ockelford has the rare ability to draw us into Derek Paravicini's world, and to share how he's managed to communicate through music, perseverance and a lot of imagination. The reader does not require knowledge of music to be pulled into the story. Dr Ockelford's way with words is totally captivating, and like me, I'm sure you will find yourself willing Derek on, as he enthralls and captivates all who cross his path. There are plenty of questions about Derek's mind/ability that will remain unanswered, but nevertheless, this is one of the most moving stories I have read in a long time. Well done Dr Ockelford.
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4.0 out of 5 stars
A fascinating book.
As a piano teacher particularly interested in music for people with autism and Asbergers, I found this book very valuable. Read more
Published 12 days ago by altosruleok
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautifully written.
A beautifully written account of the early years of the extraordinary Derek Paravicini. Moving, informative, insightful, delightfully witty and definitely recommended.
Published 15 months ago by jhs
5.0 out of 5 stars
Extraordinary book about an extraordinary life
This is an extraordinary book about an extraordinary life. It is a must read. Great book, great service, great condition. You rock Amazon.com/UK
Published on 17 April 2010 by Dynamic Duo
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