Acquired Sudden Musical Savant Syndrome

[Balder]

Man Gains Musical Ability After Brain Injury, Learns To Play Piano Instantly
Updated: Tuesday, 23 Nov 2010, 6:23 AM EST
Published : Tuesday, 23 Nov 2010, 6:11 AM EST

 

Watching Derek Amato play the piano would make you think he had been playing his whole life.

But he says this is a talent he acquired in an instant.

 

"I’m considered an ‘acquired savant’ from a brain injury," Amato said.

 

He says he gained all of his ability after a concussion.

 

"I dove into the swimming pool and dove into the shallow end and hit the bottom of the pool," he said

 

A few days later he says he was at a friend’s house when he sat down at his piano and out of nowhere was able to play.

 

"It was immediate. There was not a transition. I could play suddenly!"

 

Amato claims he had never played the piano before but was suddenly composing on the spot, something he still does now.

 

"I'm not sure where I’m going, my hands just do what my mind is seeing," he said.

 

Amato gained recognition and says he recently went to the mayo clinic and shot a special with the Discovery Channel.

 

"To be able to sit down with some of the most educated doctors in the world and have them tell me about my brain…it was extremely humbling,"Amato said.

 

Doctors confirmed he is the only documented case in the world of acquired sudden musical savant syndrome from a brain injury.

 

He says was also diagnosed with a rare condition called Synesthesia, because he sees the music.

 

"I just see these little squares that go left to right," he said.

 

Now, with a medical insight into his gift, Derek is forging ahead and is even working on another album.

 

"I'm pretty lucky and I feel absolutely blessed,” Amato said.

 

[Douglas R Wallack]

Had to laugh when I saw that moniker!
Fascinating!

[Balder]

If it's true, it's really remarkable, isn't it? One wonders what we know or have learned without knowing we know it (and is just waiting for that kick to the tires to get it rolling)...