11-year-old Ghanaian-American boy with autism gifted $15,000 piano by stranger who heard him play

Eleven-year-old Jude Kofie had never received any piano lessons. No one had also taught the autistic boy how to play it. But after his father, Isaiah, came across him playing an old keyboard in their basement a year and a half ago, he decided to get him a larger keyboard to ascertain the depth of his prowess, CBS News reported.

Jude’s skill behind the keyboard was also reported by a local news platform. And after Bill Magnusson – a piano tuner – saw the story and heard him play, he decided to help him get better musically. 

“It’s a miracle,” Jude told CBS News about his music skills. When the news outlet asked Jude if he indeed thinks it’s a miracle, the 11-year-old said, “That’s what I prefer.”

Besides becoming aware of Jude’s musical talents, Magnusson also got to know the minor’s parents are Ghanaian immigrants with four children. He also learned Jude’s parents send remittances to their family in their native Ghana. “What resources are left over to help this special little soul?” Magnusson said. 

Magnusson then went ahead to purchase a piano with funds from his father’s inheritance. Magnusson bought the piano – which is said to be valued at $45,000 – for $15,000. And besides handing over the expensive gift to Jude, Magnusson has pledged to tune it once a month for the remainder of his life.

“All for free,” Jude’s father said. “Who does that?” Magnusson is also funding Jude’s professional lessons. “We’re family now,” said Magnusson. 

Jude’s family also expressed gratitude to Magnusson. “Somebody to just love your son like that by making sure that his future is secured, we are super thankful,” Isaiah said.