Teenager spreads positivity with weekly online piano shows
By Melissa Kasule
An autistic teenage boy has set out to record a weekly piano show in an aim to spread positivity during the lockdown.
Morgan Seward, 17, from Lewisham, has made it his duty to entertain others with a recorded piano performance every week for the Lewisham B-involved and the Lewisham Positive Ageing Council websites.
The teenager, pictured above, is a student at The John Roan School in Blackheath, studying A-level music and politics.
He is also an active member of The Young Mayors Team, working to support youth democracy in Lewisham.
Diagnosed with autism aged three, Morgan’s talent for piano was discovered shortly afterwards. He had the gift of a ‘perfect pitch’ – the ability to identify and/or produce a musical tone correctly without the benefit of an external reference.
Gradually he learnt to play different genres and performed at various events. He recently performed at the Lewisham Positive Ageing Council’s Christmas party.
In the early weeks of lockdown, the teenager experienced difficulties and anxiety with the sudden changes in his daily school routine.
Before lockdown, Morgan was due to attend a Jack Petchey celebration event, nominated for an award by his former school, for his contribution to the music department.
He said: “It was like somebody had pressed a pause button on my life.”
With the support of his mother, Morgan soon came around to his new normal and later revealed to her he wanted to help others that were also struggling during the lockdown.
In between his home learning, the pianist set about recording 30-minute videos of himself playing the piano.
With the help of the Young Mayors Team, his videos were shared with Lewisham’s B-involved and the Lewisham Positive Ageing Council.
He added: “Playing the piano was helping me get through the lockdown.”
Morgan has recorded four virtual piano concerts as of yet and is now taking requests from people’s suggestions of songs.
Find Morgan’s recent performance here.
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