All the must-watch talent in the world, but this teenage piano prodigy doesn’t have his own piano. Limited to playing at rehearsals, Jason Haas is hoping that enough people will believe in him to help him get a second-hand set of keys:
Springs, South Africa (06 February 2024)—Jason Haas, a 15-year-old piano prodigy from Springs in Johannesburg, embodies the transformative power of music. From as early as 4 years old, he became enchanted by the melodies of his grandmother’s old piano, which would spark a passion and unlock a talent for piano that has blown Joburg’s fringe back!
Able to master his first piece, Canon in D major, by ear, his intuition for music couldn’t be ignored.
Without any formal lessons, Jason’s ability to play by ear and a formidable initial teacher (the internet) would help him tackle composition after composition.
Playing Chopin and Liszt like a seasoned pianist became part of his repertoire, fuelled by a natural knack for the keys that even the most formal training cannot emulate.
Jason was eventually in a position to attend the East Rand School of the Arts, where he finally got to enjoy music theory and learnt how to read music under the guidance of his music teacher, Mr. J. Manamela.
However, things changed when the school required a home language change. After an initial setback, the piano prodigy went on to find a new music base with the East Rand Youth Orchestra, where he is now an integral part of the ensemble. Bear in mind, he had only learnt to read music one year before!
But the change didn’t come without a few headaches, the biggest being that Jason could no longer access a piano frequently, on account of rehearsals being only on Saturdays.
Initially unbeknownst to his mother, Jason initiated a crowdfunding campaign intending to acquire a secondhand baby grand piano. As any music enthusiast knows, instruments like pianos, even at second-hand prices, have no spare-change costs.
But for Jason, the chance to tune his talent further is one he can’t afford not to go after. With big dreams to achieve international renown as a pianist playing for the world’s stages, Jason also hopes that he will one day get to further his studies at a distinguished music college in Germany.
“Music is a very beautiful thing, and if you love it, pursue it. You have endless opportunities.”—Jason Haas.
As a single mom, Leanne Haas, couldn’t be more proud of her son’s ambition and talent:
“I am extremely proud of Jason’s accomplishments, and his Go-getter attitude in life. Despite all the challenges we have faced, he always adjusted well, did well in school, and made new friends wherever we went. I admire his resilience.
Growing up without a father hasn’t been easy, but he never let it affect him, and he has grown up to be quite an “Alpha Male” as he calls himself.” – says Leanne
You can support the piano prodigy and his journey to his own piano here.
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