“Where words fail, music speaks.” - Hans Christian Andersen. Music became a primary vehicle for Tony to communicate. His ability of playing piano came to light when his mother Janice bought an organ for him when he was just two years old. Today this musical savant genius can play 23 musical instrument proficiently. Tony is the recipient of numerous awards, including Boston Celtics “Hero Among Us”, the Faith and Family Foundation Outstanding Achievement Award, the coveted Reynolds Society Achievement Award, VSA arts Itzhak Perlman Award and many others. His inspirational life story was subject of the CBS movie “Journey of the Heart”.

How and when did you realized your passion for music? What is the importance of music in your life?J: I got Tony a Magnus chord organ because at 2 years of age, (because of his premaurity) he was not able to sit up. I wanted to give him a reason, so I bought the organ , took the legs off from it and put it on the floor so it was at his level. The first 6 weeks was horrible he tried every combination of notes that there was Then, I heard him play the first three notes of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" I recognized what it was and a yes it for him. He picked up the time instantly. He had six stuffed musical animals and pretty soon was saying all of their tunes. When he was six months old my husband and I watched "Lawrence of Arabia on TV about 6 weeks later, much to my surprise, I heard him playing it on his chord organ.
T: Playing for other people
J:  It was the vehicle which made it possible to have conversational speech. Music was his language and other people wanted to learn HIS language and were willing to put up with his rocking and perseveration to find out how to play like him. He was at Berklee College of Music not knowing how to read or write but knew music theory and was able to demonstrate that knowledge when the teachers asked questions is such a way that he could play the answers on a keyboard hooked up to a computer. He then turned in his answers on a computer disc.

How many musical instruments are you proficient at? Which is the one instrument you would like to learn next and why?T: 23. OBOE SO I can play with an orchestra.!

Would you like to share any memorable experience from your concerts?T: I got to play for World Youth Day in Toronto, I got to play between the Olympics and Paraolympics in Beijing and have played at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC.

Which pianist/musician do you most like to listen to, and why?T: Herbie Hancock - Herbie Hancock is a great musician and a great example. I like the time signature and key changes to songs.

You have received plenty of awards and recognition. Which award is closest to you heart and why?T: The Global Live of Life that I received in Taiwan because of all my accomplishments.

Who is your inspiration?T: My mom.

What quality is a must for someone to become your friend?T: They have to like music and to help other people.

What is your favorite place to visit? What do you love about that place?T: My Aunt Linda's house. I stay with her every year when we are on tour.
I also liked going to Taiwan to play with Lu Wan Quay he is another person. Who is blind, autistic and a savant.

What are your other hobbies?T: I just learned how to kayak and Mom and I go walking and Mom and I go cooking together.

Any special message for our community?T: It's okay to be different. Believe in yourself, don't give up on your dreams, always have high hopes, the two most important words are thank you's and the 3 P's are practice practice practice.