Jason Haas is a self-taught classical pianist with an avid passion for music.
The 14-year-old from Springs has always loved music, and it has translated into him learning and playing from the age of four.
His hard work has paid off as the teenager is now the pianist for the East Rand Youth Orchestra.
His proud mother, Leanne, says she played him classical music while he was in utero.
“He started playing classical pieces by the age of nine with no formal training.
“The first song he learned to play by ear is Pachelbel’s Canon in D major, which was my favourite song. I always played it for him over my phone.”
Jason was in the East Rand School of the Arts last year but had to be taken out. He is neither isiZulu nor sePedi proficient, which led him to struggle academically as they are the home languages taught in the school.
Leanne says her son is full of dreams he would love to live out as he grows.
“He wants to be a professional musician. He is also learning to play the guitar and would love to learn to play the violin. He also wants to own his own business where he can make, repair and sell pianos and other musical instruments.”
She adds he wants to travel the country and eventually the world and perform with other orchestras and musicians.
“As a profession, he is leaning towards carpentry or architecture.”
Leanne doesn’t shy away from singing her son’s praises.
“As a single mom, I am extremely proud of him. I always loved and desired to play the piano, but never got the hang of it. I fully support his love for music and arts, and I will support him in whatever he decides to do.
“I am a firm believer that a child’s talents need to be discovered and developed.”
When Jason and his sister Azania are not helping his mother at her NPO, he plays computer games, draws or watches YouTube tutorials to learn his favourite classical pieces.
“His favourite composer is Fredric Chopin.”
Jason needs a piano to further his dreams. He does not have regular access to one and needs to practice perfecting his skills.
A BackaBuddy campaign has been opened to help him get his own piano.
For more information, visit https://www.backabuddy.co.za/jason-haas-5823648532512969897
