Ethan, Six And Autistic, Shows Off His Amazing Talents Playing Billy Joel's Classic Piano Man

Ethan, Six And Autistic, Shows Off His Amazing Talents Playing Billy Joel's Classic Piano Man

This has cheered us up on a miserable, wet day. Ethan Walmark is six and autistic - but his piano skills and sheer enthusiasm are a joy.

While most children his age would be picking out chopsticks, standing behind the piano, he announces he will play Piano Man by Billy Joel - before launching in with infectious enthusiasm and sheer brilliance. He barely looks down, as his fingers dance and he bobs in delight.

As each chorus starts, he excitedly urges to the guitarist accompanying him: "Sing it, Sing it together. Sing us a song,", joining in and issuing more instructions.

Ethan's video was uploaded on YouTube three days and had already had over half a million hits and over 600 comments.

Ethan, from Westport, has 20 videos on YouTube of him performing hits such as Take on Me by A-Ha and James Taylor's Mockingbird

Ethan suffers from a form of autism that makes social interaction difficult. But he has a rare musical gift that also serves as therapy.

He astounded his parents, Mike and Alison, by being able to play the Beatles' I Will on the piano by ear when he was just four.

And they have encouraged his talents ever since

"We just want our son to be happy, whatever that means to him.' Mike Walmark has said. 'It's not about us anymore. It's about him."

Enjoy!

Find out about the support available for talented children like Ethan by visiting the National Association of Gifted Children (NAGC) online at Nagcbritain.org.uk.

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