Arthur Fernandes Cordeiro {courtesy}
In a testament to the transformative power of music, a young violinist’s exceptional talents have secured his place in a prestigious national youth ensemble.
Arthur Fernandes Cordeiro, a 14-year-old student at Westglades Middle School, has been accepted into the Christian Congregation in the United States Youth Orchestra.
The honor comes after showcasing his extraordinary musical ability, particularly with the violin.
News of Arthur’s accolades, recently shared with Parkland Talk by Alberto Zilberstein, the Orchestra Conductor at Westglades Middle School, comes at a particularly inspirational time, Autism Awareness Month, as Arthur is on the autism spectrum, which at times makes traditional learning methods challenging.
Now a seventh-grader, Arthur’s journey into music started in early childhood, as his mother, Priscila Cordeiro, recalls. “Arthur was non-verbal until he was about 3 or 4 years old, and his first form of communication came through singing,” she told Parkland Talk.
Cordeiro says that Arthur became engulfed with children’s songs, which opened a new world of communication for him, aided by music therapy, significantly improving his ability to connect with others.
Cordeiro, who shares that her family is a Parkland Golf & Country Club community resident, said that Arthur’s condition presents unique challenges, particularly sensory sensitivities that make typical learning environments difficult. However, his perfect pitch ability allows him to recreate music on his violin after just hearing it once, bypassing traditional reading methods he struggles with.
“His perfect pitch is not just a rare talent; it’s a bridge that connects him to the world,”
According to his mother, Arthur’s ability has been nurtured with the help of dedicated educators and tailored learning approaches, including using pre-provided music sheets and audio tracks to help him prepare in advance.
Cordeiro notes that thanks to music, Arthur has significantly improved his cognitive, social, and emotional well-being. “Since he started playing the violin, Arthur’s independence and social interactions have improved remarkably,”
For other parents of children on the autism spectrum, Priscila advises incorporating music into their lives in a fun and engaging way. “Start with their favorite songs and make music activities a joint endeavor,” she suggests, adding, “ It’s a beautiful way to connect and support your child’s learning,”
Looking ahead, Arthur dreams of a career in the arts, aspiring to be a musician, sculptor, actor, or cartoonist. His love for drawing cartoons and his hyper-focus, a common trait among those on the autism spectrum, underscore his creative aspirations.
“We aim to continue nurturing his artistic talents in whichever form they may evolve.”
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Author Profile
- Ryan Yousefi has lived in Coral Springs for over 30 years. He has worked as a writer for multiples outlets over the years, including the Miami New Times where he has covered sports and culture since 2013. He holds a Bachelor's Degree and a Master's Degree in Business Healthcare Management from Western Governors University.
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