A couple of days ago, and only close family and friends of Thomas McAuley's knew of his special gift with music - now people from across the world have watched him come alive on the keyboard.
The teenager, from North Belfast, has autism and ADHD, but has never let his diagnoses hold him back, teaching himself how to play. He recently performed onstage at Féile's dance night, with the video attracting over half a million views online from people across the world.
On Monday, the 17-year-old was presented with an outstanding talent award at Springvale, where Thomas attends. He closed the ceremony with a rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody on the keyboard, bringing tears to the eyes of those in attendance.
Read more: Teen's brilliant Féile moment captured on video
Speaking to Belfast Live, Thomas said he feels good when he sits at the keyboard to play, and looks forward to more opportunities to play in the future.
"When I play, it makes me feel lethal. Like powerful because it is me playing it and it sounds brilliant," Thomas added.
"I love to hear myself playing the keyboard, and it is the best thing I have ever done. Playing on stage at Féile was mind blowing and at the start I was nervous but it was so good. For the future, I want to keep playing music.
"My favourite to play is Robert Miles Children, Bohemian Rhapsody and Elton John. I have always wanted to become a musician, and it's something I would like to do as a job, because it's what I love to do."
At the awards ceremony on Monday, Upper Springfield Development Trust's CEO, Donal McKinney described Thomas as "nothing short of a musical genius".
"Thomas joined Springvale in September 2021 and enrolled in our joinery course," he said.
"Thomas has a diagnosis of ADHD and Autism but he does not let this hold him back. He was a quiet student but eventually he started to talk about himself and what he enjoys. Then one day in his Lifeskills class he announced that he can play the piano, thinking Thomas as a bit of a joker we didn’t think he was being serious, until he showed us a video of him playing his keyboard at home and what else could we say but wow.
"We were all completely captivated by the video and wanted him to show us more. Although shy, Thomas was happy to show us more videos of him playing. He explained that he can’t read music but he simply just listens to a song and he can play it. His piano skills are self taught and he has even started making up his own songs.
"Word soon spread around Springvale and everyone wanted to hear Thomas play. As part of the course in Springvale, the Princes Trust offer some money for kits for each student and between Sean, his joinery tutor, and Lynsey, his lifeskills tutor, it was agreed that instead of getting him tools for joinery we would get him a keyboard.
"For Thomas, playing the keyboard is his safe place and something he can do to get away from everything when he is feeling overwhelmed. After discussions with Sean, Lynsey, Andrea and the digital media tutor Gavin we had a thought – perhaps Thomas would do better in digital media where he could work on his music and perhaps be able to pursue a career in this sector rather than joinery which he didn’t seem to enjoy. This was agreed with his mum and we got Thomas moved to Digital media where his talent could be focused on."
Thomas' mum Michelle told Belfast Live: "We are all just immensely proud of Thomas. He is amazing. Music has helped him so much with his emotions and communication, and that comes through with his music. He has been playing he was 11. When he went to school, if he was having a bad day, they would have let him play his music and that would calm him down.
"Watching him on stage at Féile, I was just emotional. It was unbelievable. When we got word that he would be performing there, he was really nervous, but excited too. Springvale has given him a platform, and an opportunity to show people how talented he is.
"Thomas plays by ear, it is such a raw talent, and he taught himself it too. We are just so proud and can't wait to see what the future holds for him."
READ NEXT:
- Belfast dad with MS to run length of Ireland in nine days
- Co Antrim boy diagnosed with leukemia after limping
- Mum, 35, diagnosed with MS determined to be there for baby boy
- Mum on daughter's hepatitis diagnosis after bouts of vomiting and yellow eyes
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here. To sign up to our FREE newsletters, see here.
