15-year-old Pianist Touches Hearts and Souls at Mayo Clinic

[YABAtheDRUG357]

he looks nervous.

[TheNiceGuy975]

anyone know the song title for the song he plays at 3:25 ?

[SiennaReed]

@elizabethsingstar16 thanks :)

[SiennaReed]

Wow he us so amazing! his music is just so beautiful. I play the piano too and I don't think I'm ever gonna play as good as him.

[elizabethsingstar16]

@SiennaReed Never give up!

[Yotes4Life]

@Pockytastic That's unfortunate. Especially because you know absolutely nothing about this individual except the brief story he told and that he is good at piano, yet you wish to be with someone like him...

[kalldridge]

His music is so beautiful! :')

[paddledpink]

It's wonderful to see a young man do something positive in life instead of going out to get high, drive drunk or get a girl pregnant. I only hope he continues on this path in his life. :)

[wolfgangdwolfmeister]

Did he compose what he's playing? I think every hospital should have an in house pianist to make the patients feel better!

[BenIre94]

song at 3.24 anybody know it truly magical! 

[kelli51]

Oh Alex please don't ever stop, To me it seems as if you might have a hard time speaking emotion verbally. Don't ever worry about that because you speak such beautiful, beautiful emotion in your music... I can't thank you enough, your music touches me deeply and I want to listen to it over and over, it is beautiful!

[morgonkey]

Such beautiful playing gorgeous the way your fingers glide along the keys

[frozentundra007]

Really lovely to listen to your music, Alex. Placing your Mom's need and you for continued musical inspiration and talent on our prayer warriors list. 

[naisyalam]

@Martel211996

i think you misunderstood. he has moved beyond playing beethoven's work, and is now creating his own. not to say he is a better composer.

[orangejraffe]

He's good but not as good as Beethoven was

[tehUBERn00blet]

@orangejraffe Okay, now what was the purpose of that statement?

[kerimsekban]

he's playing the CINEMATIC ORCHESTRA. very good, keep on fighting alex.

[WWERocks74]

does anyone know what type of piano this is? please tell me!

[lllllllllllllll88]

Very nicely done...

[SnowyNote01]

He should make his own CD! i'd like to buy his CD of his own compositon, maybe he can do that on his PC or Mac machine. Burn it & pass it to me! You added one more on my dream list.

[SnowyNote01]

Yes, healing genius, Beatles, Bach, etc,amazing! He knows Bela Fleck?

[TheAntiChr1st]

@slovakmath

I think the poster of the video simply meant that he moved from playing Beethoven to playing his own composition. Now that doesn't really implies he's better than Beethoven, does it?

[slovakmath]

"At 15 he's moved well beyond Beethoven"? Why would the Mayo Clinic even think this, much less place this comment in the video description? This possibly has to be the most absurd statement I've heard in at least a week. There hasn't been a single human being that has passed Beethoven's ability in composing piano sonatas. The music he is playing may be nice for a novice or someone who doesn't know anything about the piano, but that doesn't imply the right to claim this

[loveyasweets]

Awesome! I have chills!

[jayb1964]

I think what this kid is doing is wonderful. Music has healing power. He problaby has a busy scheduale with his involvement in music and school. It's remarkable how he takes the time to play for the people at the Mayo clinic.

[MrsSarb]

This is one of the things I love about Mayo. I used to work there while this building was being built and when they put in the piano I noticed a big difference in the environment. What a beautiful thing to do in a healing place.

[MrChiddyProductions]

amazin but i still prefer the older couple :P

[clinicmediatv]

Thank you for shriung this with us all !!

God Bless you

[curtishlc]

beautiful :)

[ducminhbui]

There are many ways to give LOVE and bring JOY into the world. Just let God's Love flow freely within us and He will use us effectively to save many.

[BSHVN2006]

@ducminhbui

A fable like God has nothing to do with joy and happiness. Keep your unscientific raving nonsense away from our internet.

[brwi1]

@BSHVN2006

Yeah! Joy and happiness are too scientific for God!

[elapichoo]

why people always comment about the dislikes, seriously, i dont think anyone came to this video to see the dislikes it has, the came here to hear the piano and just that.

Stop now please :)

[FlyinHyy]

those who dislike this, when your travling across thes country or even the world to see docs at mayo or cleveland clinic etc, you have no clue what hearing music can do for your spirit as you embark on what seems like a last ditch effort or hope journey!

[FlyinHyy]

Love it!

[eNeyee]

you make it seem so easy to do ;P x

[TheUltimateImposter]

Wow, how God blesses us....

[HereditaryAPATHETIC]

Beautiful song

[mikierios]

i swear i almost cried when his mom started talking...i feel so sad about her having to wait on something she needs...this kid needs to make a concert and whatever he makes from it he can help his mom out even more then he already is!

[cathepatton]

goodguysdoll and KarNerman, as has been posted already, he isnt interviewing for your job or Julliard...he is simply trying to give a little pleasure (and successfully, I might add) to a few people! I doubt very seriously if you have done anything for free just to see the pleasure in someone elses face and heart! Grow up and enjoy life for a change and don't be so judgemental. I promise life will be more of a blessing to you. You go, alex! Thanks for the memories! ;-)

[donheld]

If the world had more of this and less bickering we'd have a much better world.

[Natenoooo16]

i keep wanting him to move further back on the stool!!

[MacDonaldtoyou]

Wow Alex, that is Beautiful! Keep it up and thank you!!!! Rachel

[jacksonrileyjones]

What a talented young man.......I so enjoy seeing young people playing any instrument......its something that you can take with you for ever, Thank you for bringing comfort and joy to those at the clinic......and to all of us who like to tune in and be a little envious. Thank you and God Bless you and your talent!

[misslolomae99]

wow get him on americas got talent

[nanaudrey]

omg! Why can't people just enjoy the music w/o acting like it's part of a college course w/ a quiz at the end. All these pedantic show--offs should avoid viewing something made simply for the love of music...no one asked for your comments or suggestions to the artist; he wasn't applying for a job or admission to Juilliard - give it a break!!

[goodguysdoll]

If the pianist is reading this, I suggest you remove the comment in the info section about your moving well beyond Beethoven. That is completely appalling. I have never heard such an ignorant comment in my life. I assure you I am a professional concert pianist with a MM degree in piano from Juilliard, and speak for all serious musicians when I take issue with that horrific statement. And I doubt you played the whole "Moonlight" or "Pathetique" sonatas when you were 8. Get real please.

[KarlNerman]

@goodguysdoll I agree completely. What a bizarre statement regarding moving beyond Beethoven. As I said in my comment recently, he was playing the slow movements of the "Moonlight" and the "Pathetique" sonatas - they are standard for beginners.

~ Composer/Pianist

[LosIlluminados]

@goodguysdoll as arrogant as this guy sounds, i agree with him. each and every word. although it's nice he plays something like this without music training of any real sort, this is pretty much me drifting down memory lane when i played level 6 music. moonlight sonata (3rd mvt at least) was in level 6. it kinda puts down people who have been playing seriously and learning all contexts of piano when someone says that "he's well beyond Beethoven."

[LosIlluminados]

@goodguysdoll also, sorry about 1 year reply, it just caught my eye. i hate to be the party pooper, but you have every right reason to state that comment.

[goodguysdoll]

The Mayo Clinic is one of the most evil corporate powers on earth, and they don't care one iota about their patients, only their pockets. Take a look at the cars in the doctors' parking lot to understand the true hypocrisy of this country's medical profession. I visited Mayo Clinic once for one week and every doctor was the quintessential example of medical ignorance and arrogance. And for the record, this pianist is NOT "well beyond Beethoven.' What a shockingly ignorant statement.

[tenor175]

Young man, as a pianist and organist, you have a very God Given talent about you! You not only play wit passion but you play from the heart! I hope you continue to play at the Mayo Clinic......Use the talent that God has given you :) God bless, and keep touching people's life's.

[Tackman2135]

Alex – you are absolutely amazing! God Bless you and your family.

[cadre500]

Alex God bless you and your family. I pray your mother recieves the medical treatment she needs and you are all well. 

[gasmask120]

that doesent seem too hard!! (sarcasm :D)

[njtyper]

You're really something special and beautiful

[Viktorsiable]

You are outstanding ,keep practising and you ll make it to the Carnegie Hall

[TheAvocadoRepublic]

I love you, Alex. <33.

[Gaia88X]

WOW he's good! I hope I can play as well as him when I take piano lessons. :)

[ihavemonkeysinmybutt]

everyone claps and hes like yeah yeah whatever

[Tantago]

wow it catches everyones attetion because of how lovely it is. eveyrone walks by and they just stop.

[lllllllllllllll88]

Wonderfully played. Wonderful kid.

Thank Q 4 posting!

[pianoguy98]

how creatrive

[marlee39]

A beautiful person, beautiful music, what a blessing !

[TheTerrasoladiem]

So wonderful! Keep Playing!

[suzuki3799]

You play the piano with your insightful heart , which is the most wonderful about you.Everyone is unique in his own way. Keep going like this, good boy.

Comment from Australia

[kin260]

@cecisota12 thanks. =)

[kin260]

@ohdavw Though i've never had a piano lesson i think i do pretty well?...

[Caitlin232323]

Wow and he didn't open his eyes while he was playing once..

[ChoclateSailor]

.........his eyes were open the entire time...

[Caitlin232323]

i dont think they were.

[icyrazor]

Pssh!!! Marlow and Frances Cowan is better.

[ConnorChubbs]

the lord will never give us a burden that is beyond our capability to withstand

[LEVIDAVIS420]

absolutely beautiful !!!

[Itsdefault]

i hope you go far with your music.

[gardenwife]

Alex! Thank you for letting them video you and post it. Just lovely!

[Sodanarggg]

It's not called "Pathetique Sonata". It's called the Pathetique Movement.

[mrischay]

@Sodanarggg actually, Beethoven's sonata #8 IS the Pathetique (Grande sonata pathetique)

[Oscamarito]

3:57 to 4:06 is the best part. Wish there was a song with that melody.

[busyin618]

Lovely. He uses music as his laughter and his tears. All the best wishes for you and your family.--hope your mother is feeling better.

[AngelsxRequiem]

I'm jealous <3 haha :]

[burton1221]

LOL

[stringrdude]

"Great playing! Totally awesome."

[hillaryishillary]

3:23 ♥♥

[yescandles]

I wish he could smile after the applause. :-)

[cjc913]

What awesome talent you have been blessed with .....keep sharing !

[Soularddave]

There's more than music that flows from his heart through his fingers. I'm awed and touched deeply by what I see and hear through this young man's efforts.

Thank you

[EmmaLoveChilds]

WOW! Really specia.

[Meowmie707]

WOW! He blows me away! What a gifted talented young man!

[ArthurNewYork1]

YOU'VE just touched another soul. THANK YOU.

[Oddyssus99]

I am 15 as well and make my own compositions. No where near as good as this, but still good enough that most people are shocked when they learn I composed them.

The only piano lessons I took were like eight years ago when I was really young. Never got very good. Bout a year (two?) ago I started sort of teaching myself to play the piano (I can't read sheet music yet though). When I hear this though, it just blows me away. I need to get myself some real piano lessons.

[luv4life78]

me too :) i compose also, i'd love to continue...maybe compose for movies one day. but that's kind of crazy and out there xD

[Maritimer2009]

Such a beautiful touch on the keys, so effortless yet meaningful! Lovely, just so lovely!

[RollingThunderHorse]

Thank you for sharing your amazing talent!

[SummerSpiff22]

anyone know what music he is playing if it hasnt been asked yet?

[ILikeRagtime]

He was just eight years old and started coming to the clinic with his mother, Lynnette. Lynnette is a patient at Mayo and comes for treatment at least once a year. When he was eight, Alex was playing Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata and the Pathetique Sonata. At 15 he's moved well beyond Beethoven, to playing his own compositions. Alex plays by ear and is always composing.

[Oddyssus99]

To quote the description "His own compositions." meaning he made it himself...

[globalcitizen88]

Amazing! So elegant!

[angieskidney]

Beautiful! I came here from a posting about this video on kidneyspace forums and that lady talking in the middle of the vid .. I got my kidney transplant in the end of 2007.

I really wish I could play like that man but since I can't, listening to him is very enjoyable and makes me happy.

[ron2644]

Awesome piano playing, I really enjoyed the music! Alex is really talented and I hope that I run across him playing the piano at the Mayo Clinic, when I am there.

Both Alex and the Mayo Clinic are amazing. His playing compliments the knowledge and help that the Mayo Clinic brings to its patients. Hope others will post more of his fine music, it heals everyone!

[jenkins501]

All I can say is Oh My God, how I enjoyed that. He's incredible!!

[becky9251]

Alex is as incredibly talented as his mother is brave while waiting for her kidney(s). The very best wishes to them both and to their family.

[yamahonkawazuki]

indeed

[talowen1]

Music, is the universal lauguage of the soul and angels of heaven.

What a magnificent talent. As is said of the Linden tree, "when it blossoms, all of the world stops to listen." Truly an inspiration to to the weary seeking love and comfort. Your soothing tones heal and lift others burden of despain in their hour of need, even if for just a moment.

[GhostDog65]

Nice

[sambug2007]

great job.... GREAT GIFT !

[chaqing247]

so beautiful made me cry, such a way with music

[jamaicasgurl]

Very nice job. Is that a song he composed? If not I would love the piano music for that, it's VERY pretty!!!

[harwetopa]

What a wonderful, beautiful, smooth touch you have on the keys! It's a true gift: not only your music, but the Mayo Clinic providing such a magnificent instrument for all to access!

Bravo

[lss101]

very talented. his music really does touch one's soul!

[Thealmostguy]

Thanks for the share. Not really sure what it means to touch one's soul but this right here is pure ability.

[OriginalBrodel]

It's an inside joke among piano players... Heart and Soul... get it??

[irishheart1999]

God really gifted this young man and I am sure he has a great future ahead of him. I pray that his mother gets her kidney and will be sitting in tha audience to many of recitals for years to come.

[vrkline]

How incredibley beautiful. I have to cry when I listen. There is something very special with his style and the piano in the Mayo clinic. It would be nice to get some of this soft music....Get rid of the audio commentary...it ruins the music!

[d0pod]

could you use a guitar accompiant that is yorurage? you are wonderful in your own right but my son knows that the greatest musicians love the sound of music "altogether" over music all alone

[williamwthompson]

God blessed you and now you are blessing those that hear you play. God wants us to "serve" and you are doing just that. Thanking you. Carol

[NewNickTahoe]

God bless those who have the ability to bring happiness to others the way ALex does!

[marmalade0000]

What a beautiful gift you have and how wonderful of you to share it. There are many kinds of "treatments" for illness and this is one of the best!

[bakekc]

Wow---beautiful and inspiring!!!

[aaronkehl]

may God continue to increase your talent to touch the hearts of people in life. Thanks for playing. Its so good people can be helped by that.

[vdubos]

You are not only an incredible talent, but you are a gift to humanity. Bless you and your mother.

[milograamans]

Amazing original music! I especially liked the last minute or so.

[EmilyJuneAkaBbyGrl]

WOW!!!!!!!1 AMAZING

[snowowl81]

WONDERFUL,BEAUTIFUL

[clocklvr]

fantastic Alex, keep up the good work

[Globaldude1]

Way to be Alex! You totally rock!

[drwalpurgis]

Excellent work, Alex!

[happydog2101]

beautiful! thank you so much for sharing.

[cgrmgo39]

This is what the value of You Tube is to

all of us..Thank you for your music that

I can listen to in Montana! Jan H

[AnaMay072]

I don't know if you will ever read this Alex, but i'm going to call you and make you come down here this summer! :D I miss you sooo much!

-Ariana.

[katrinabozmom]

Alex, you channel the Angels in Heaven through your fingertips! You have an amazing talent! Keep it up!

[HelenSSpencer77]

Katrina...what a thoughtful, meaningful comment on this talented fellow. I hope he will read your words...reading them touched me deeply, for I know they were sincere.

[davidbrucemusicvideo]

beautiful! love his humility...

5 stars

[rejoicing1]

What a WONDERFUL story! God Bless You!!

[oilhammer04]

Wonderful!

[betinasway2]

I was there for the past 2 weeks and loved to listen to this young man play.

[aaronmortrud]

I had no idea...his talent should be showcased somehow. - Aaron (your nephew)

[ajbellairs]

What an incredibly talented young man. Good luck with your career. Don't lose your vision Alex.

[CodyClyde]

God Bless you both, and we pray for your Kidney. He is extremely talented, and a pleasure to listen to. Take care.

[AbbyandEmmaFilms]

Wow that's awesome- thanks - Mayo is the best

[karena321]

I am so impressed!

You are so talented!!