A Tale of a 13-year-old Blind Pianist

English Dance and Song December 2023

This news item is based on articles in English Dance and Song, the magazine of the English Folk Dance and Song Society. The world’s oldest magazine for folk music and dance, EDS was first published in 1936 and is essential reading for anyone with a passion for folk arts.

Chun Shum tells the inspirational story of his son Chapman’s journey into folk music

 
At Cecil Sharp House’s Kennedy Hall, it was Camilo Menjura’s final concert as leader of London Youth Folk Ensemble (LYFE). He signalled everyone to play softly, creating an opportunity for Chapman to fill in a piano tune.

In the first second Chapman hesitated, having never improvised in performance before. But he followed the lead of an assistant tutor from Ark Music (a partner organisation of LYFE) and began to play enchanting melodies that beautifully complemented the orchestral accompaniment. Yes, he did it! We all thoroughly enjoyed the show, and many in the large audience were inspired by this young pianist who wore sunglasses and held a white cane.

That one-minute spontaneous experience was one of Chapman’s most memorable moments as musician.

Chapman Shum, born blind due to a rare genetic disease, faced complex learning and speaking difficulties from birth. His love for music began to blossom aged five when he taught himself to play It’s a Small World on a toy piano after being captivated by the melody during a visit to Disneyland. By the age of 11, he had remarkably passed his Grade 8 examination with distinction.

Before joining LYFE Chapman was primarily a classical soloist, but his participation in the Ensemble expanded his musical horizons, allowing him to jam with others and explore a wide variety of instruments. Initially we were concerned about his ability to collaborate effectively. However, Chapman and the LYFE team successfully overcame these obstacles, and he integrated seamlessly.

When we asked him what he liked most about LYFE he said Folk by the Oak, the festival at which LYFE performed amazingly at this year.

This experimental experience has been a resounding success. It has not only boosted Chapman’s confidence in jamming with others but has also ignited his curiosity to explore further musical genres. His remarkable personal growth within just one year is truly exciting and deserving of celebration.

For Chapman, the most delightful aspect of folk music lies in its uplifting and rhythmic nature. You don’t often see him get so relaxed, tapping his feet and swaying to the music. During his classical music training, especially now as he takes on the challenge of diploma exams, he can become quite tense sometimes. The restrictiveness of the rules and intricate
details can be immensely challenging for a sighted pianist – let alone for Chapman, who learns entirely by ear.

Folk offers him the pure joy of making music. It enables him to unwind and to express himself.

Chapman’s journey is an inspiring testament to the power of music to transcend challenges and open new horizons.

More about London Youth Folk Ensemble

Photo: Chapman at this summer’s Folk By The Oak festival