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10-year-old boy with rare congenital condition amazes with piano skills
A 10-year-old boy with a rare congenital condition is inspiring people online with his ability to play the piano using his hand with limited fingers.
Migo, who has symbrachydactyly, began playing the piano when he was just four years old after watching his older sister play.
Symbrachydactyly is a rare birth condition in which a child has unusually short fingers that may be webbed, abnormally shaped, or absent.
According to his father, Francisco Ignacio, Migo would imitate his sister and experiment with the keys. His first piece was the theme from "Star Wars," which was his favorite movie at the time.
“We found out later on that he was a ‘widow piano player,’ meaning he could play the piano without reading any notes as long as he liked the song,” Ignacio told GMA News Online in an email interview.
Migo initially learned by himself. Whenever he did not know which key to press next, he would search for the song on YouTube and practice on his own.
He did this for several years until his family saw his potential and enrolled him in formal piano lessons.
However, Migo eventually lost interest in the structured lessons.
Despite this, his natural ability to play the piano continues to amaze his family.
“He has no particular technique but rather adjusts to what is needed to play the song. This just comes naturally for him. Sometimes he ends up crossing his arms to play a song,” his father said.
For Migo, playing the piano is more than simply making music. His father said he enjoys knowing that he can accomplish things that others may have thought were impossible for him.
Ignacio said watching his son adapt to different situations has also changed the way he looks at life.
“I’ve learned that everything will be okay and that he can do whatever he wants,” he said.
He recalled initially worrying about how Migo would live his life when he was born with the condition. But seeing his son pursue activities like playing the piano has eased many of those fears.
“It reassures me that Migo can do things normal people do and sometimes even better than most people,” Ignacio said.
Migo's story has also inspired his father to raise awareness about symbrachydactyly and advocate for greater understanding of people with disabilities.
Ignacio said his initial goal was to prevent people from being surprised or discriminating against Migo when they saw him.
“I want them to see Migo as a normal, healthy young boy,” he said.
Ignacio said their family's fears have gradually lessened as Migo has grown into an outgoing child who easily makes friends. He also dreams to become a pianist.
Aside from his love for piano, Migo is also a jiujitsu athlete.
The family has also encouraged him to explore activities that can help him become more confident and independent.
For Ignacio, Migo's journey is a reminder that having a disability should not prevent a person from pursuing their interests, talents, and dreams.
“Like what Migo says, we hope he inspires people who think some things are impossible to do,” Ignacio said.
Ultimately, Ignacio said their greatest hope is simple, and that is for Migo to live a normal life and be a “contributing member of our society.” —JCB, GMA News
