By: Jordan Jackson      

While some pianists prefers a more heavy handed approach to the piano, 17-year-old Malachi favors a lighter touch, and his use of space between the notes was said to have a great influence on his listeners.

The nimble-fingered pianist showed promise as a young child, and even now as a teenager. Recently performing at Arundel High School’s jazz concert, he’s earned the name “Human Metronome” from the precision and accuracy of his playing during the showcase. Despite the well-known and well publicized benefits of music lessons especially piano lessons for children’s academic development, Malachi was never officially trained. So how can a pianist play with such veracity just on their own?

What does it take to excel, not only in playing an instrument but performing live in an audience? How far would you go to become the best? In the reality of most, years and years of training and commitment. For Malachi, just one listen, is enough. “After graduation I plan on going to a music school,” he says.

“I strive to create a joyous sound that magnifies one hundred times over and provides an extraordinary show for the local youth community who comprise the majority of the audience.”

“Honestly performing live is just like playing a piece, gracefully i get it done.”

“He is a self-taught composer who should be awarded more than he’s credited for,” said Temi Akansana, friend and senior of Anne Arundel High School, who has known Malachi for a long time.

“I’ve fallen in love with his music more than anything else really,” she says.

“Music is one way for young people to connect with themselves, but also to build a bridge and connect with others.” Music training improves memory, boosts language and math skills, and has demonstrated an overall improvement in test scores. Believe it or not, simply exposing children to music, and igniting a passion for music, helps students aim for a better future. Natural abilities, excelling in things, have its benefits. However, you can go far without it with focus, desire, and drive.