Name: Nikhil
Age: 17*
Amber Service: Amber Music Awards
Instrument: Piano
“Playing music makes Nikhil focussed, happy and calm, in a way that nothing else does.”
Nikhil’s mum, Namita
Nikhil’s passion for music started when he was two years old; he loved playing on a toy piano. He now plays ukulele and drums as well as piano.
Nikhil has Leber’s congenital amaurosis, and with only light perception is registered blind. He is on the autism spectrum and has a moderate learning difficulty.
Amber has supported Nikhil for seven years and he is currently working towards his Performance Diploma on piano with Trinity College London.
Nikhil had a natural curiosity for music from a young age but found the piano challenging. The small surface area of the keys made him anxious about pressing the wrong note, and he was often very hard on himself. He was hesitant to play the piano, particularly in front of his parents and others.
Over time, Nikhil gravitated towards the drums. The larger surface area of the instrument gave him greater confidence. The Amber Trust funded Nikhil’s first drum kit, and with support he was able to explore and develop his natural talent further.
Nikhil continued to have piano lessons and his parents hoped that, with time and encouragement, his confidence would grow.
In 2021, a significant turning point came when Nikhil attended Amber’s Annual Concert as an audience member.
Before the concert began, Nikhil’s mum, Namita, asked whether he might like to perform one day. His immediate response was, “No, thank you”. However, by the end of the inspiring concert Nikhil was so excited and motivated by what he’d heard, that he said he would like to perform the following year.
True to his word, Nikhil made his debut at Amber’s Annual Concert in 2022 and has performed in every concert since – choosing piano in recent years.
Namita says: “There is no doubt that Nikhil would not have developed the confidence to perform without the continued support and encouragement of The Amber Trust. The Annual Concert has become a deeply meaningful occasion for him – one he proudly describes as his favourite day of the year. Nikhil is thankful and full of gratitude of the support he receives from Amber; playing music makes him focussed, happy and calm, in a way that nothing else does.”
*Age correct at time of publishing
To support other children like Nikhil on their musical journey, please donate to The Amber Trust. Your support enables us to provide music opportunities to vision impaired children across the UK, including those with additional needs.