Levon is seventeen years old.

He graduated from Special School 14 in Yerevan this year and will soon finish complete his studies at the Alexander Spendiaryan Music School as well. Levon's talent and love for music has amazed many, but he himself has never been surprised that he can play without seeing the piano keys, because “that is not important. What is important is to feel the sound emanating from each key.”

Being deprived of sight has not caused Levon to isolate himself from society and keep to himself. On the contrary, he has his own original approach to the issue: “Everyone has a fault or shortcoming. Being sightless is also a shortcoming,” said Levon, “But that does not mean that it should affect the many advantages that one may have and impede their development. I am a very social person and have many friends, none of whom have problems with sight. I only miss the ability to see when I want to go out and walk on my own. After all, we all want to be alone sometimes, don't we?”

Levon lost his sight when he was six-and-a-half years old. He had had problems with his vision earlier, but they had not been very serious. Levon has tried to keep visual memories alive in his mind and to constantly recall colors. He said that he can remember all the colors except for violet.

Levon is applying for admission to the Piano Department of the State Conservatory this year. He is studying very hard, although his friends keep saying in a half-serious manner that his admission is probably a foregone conclusion.

“I had great love for music even as a child. My father used to play the guitar, that may have influenced me and helped those abilities awaken in me. I listened to all kinds of music – jazz, pop, classical. I loved the piano. We didn't have one at home then, so I would go to my uncle's house and play the piano there. We had a small studio in our school which I would go to, but after two years there I realized that it wasn't enough for me. I felt that I needed more professional training. I got into a music school and my love for the piano kept on growing,” said Levon.

Levon has performed in a number of concerts, both inArmeniaand abroad. In 2003, he had a grand solo concert in a special school inMoscowand he was offered a scholarship to transfer and continue there, where they had even promised him a university education in music later. But he rejected the offer. Levon gives great importance to getting his education in his homeland and has a lot of appreciation for his teachers here.

In March this year, Levon learned of the XVIII Flamme International Competition 2007 to be held inParis, and presented an application to take part. He received an invitation and went with his father, Armen, toParis.

“There were three age groups in the concert,” said Levon, “I played in the group for 16-30 year olds where there were some serious and established musicians. I was the youngest. I hadn't mentioned in my application that I had problems with my eyesight, because I don't like to receive special attention for that reason. On the contrary, I wanted to participate in regular concerts and festivals, not those which had been organized for the visually impaired,” said Levon, adding that he is constantly fighting to erase stereotypes about the blind and is encouraging those who have the same problem to resist stereotypes as well.

Levon's mother, Susanna, is happy that her son participated in a huge contest of this kind, but recalled with pain how they had to spend their year's savings to get him toParis.

“We had to cover all the expenses,” said Susanna, “Yes, we managed at the time – though with great difficulty – to send Levon toParis. But so many other contests and opportunities have been missed because of financial problems. I think that this should not just be on the parents' shoulders, but on the state as well. After all, there aren't too many children like Levon in the country.”

Levon has many plans regarding solo concerts. In his opinion, the most precious thing for a musician is a solo concert. But his thoughts are currently only on the entrance examinations. He has serious hopes of admission, but does not want to take it for granted and keeps studying hard.

Levon also has dreams regarding his music. He wants to develop his own style in the music world, although he has many favorite musicians.

“I like Stevie Wonder a lot,” he said, “But that has nothing to do with the fact that he's blind as well. I loved him and listened to his music when I was a child as well. If I had to pick someone, I would want to be like him. One of my dreams is to meet him.”

Levon stands out from his peers with his mental abilities and erudition. He is self-confident, hard working and determined. Naturally, his family provides him with great support – they have spared to efforts to give Levon all he needs to achieve good professional skills.

Levon's brother, 8-year old Ruben, is in the first grade at theChaikovskySpecializedMusicSchool. Ruben, unlike Levon, has chosen the cello. After hearing him play a few pieces, one would immediately conclude that he too is destined for a great future in music.

Levon is the most precious thing in the world to his family. When he speaks about his dreams, he says that he always want to be near his family. One of his dreams is to also have a family and children of his own.

“I wouldn't want to change what God has willed,” said Levon, “But if it were at all possible, I would like my sight to be restored. If not, it's no tragedy, my life is good like this as well. I am happy to be alive and will keep on living. Ray Charles had once been asked if he would want the ability to see and he replied, ‘I see things that you would never even see in your dreams…'”

Ani Gasparyan