Although most musicians spend decades honing their craft, musical genius Derek Amato never had to practice a day in his life. One day, he just sat down at the piano and his fingers began to fly across the keys with ease. As an immediate musical genius, Derek is one of the few people on Earth diagnosed with Acquired Musical Savant Syndrome. Derek takes us into the inner workings of his amazing gift.

Producers: Anna Sussman and Pat Mesiti-Miller

--><a href="http://snapjudgment.org/song-list-snap-329-found">MUSIC INFO!</a><--

Sudden Savant / Snap Judgment, "Found"

Amanda has some wild stories to tell and always has a song in her heart. She is a Chicago-based, California-grown, Black and Filipina singing comedian attempting to navigate life as a multi-racial, queer, neurodivergent cutie.You can find her all over the internet as @blkbeltsoprano

Snap Judgment is a weekly storytelling radio show and podcast, hosted by Glynn Washington. Snap mixes real stories with killer beats to produce cinematic, dramatic, kick-ass radio. Snap’s raw, musical brand of storytelling dares listeners to see the world through the eyes of another. This is storytelling… with a BEAT!!  Snap first aired on NPR stations nationwide in July 2010. Snap Judgment is now aired on over 400 public radio stations.

Though Erik Peter Hansen thought his musical abilities would lead him to school and career, he was left out because of serious illness and brain damage. Heavy Vacation and Hand Crafted Sound in the current format are the result of his desires. The music has been written down while at the keyboard and transferred to computer so the works have never been played completely or recorded except in a limited home music studio. The compositions are now grouped into twelve volumes and almost half have been performed by MIDI instrument ensembles in simulated concert halls. He has made the compositions, virtual performance, recording and mastering  a careful, creative study while giving it all a handcrafted touch. The "label" or "studio" is always under construction and every track or album heard will bring these compositions closer to satisfactory completion with better and more warm, accurate MIDI instruments. Even the chance for skilled performers to be involved is increased as the music and the sites receive traffic.