Pianist with Autism Mesmerizes Audiences with Remarkable Skills
Thomas Ice playing at Chapel Haven. Lucy Gellman Photos.
Cultivating his craft since the tender age of 8, Thomas Ice entrances the crowd with his new piece entitled “Eagles Sound”. The earthy and original song was inspired by a breathtaking scene in nature. Ice drew inspiration from the world, and his icy reasoning is almost as cool as his name.
“I saw an eagle’s nest,” he explained to News 8. “I felt spiritually inclined to create that song, actually.”
Ice is a high functioning individual on the autism spectrum, who used to live at Chapel Haven Schleifer Center. He also was a participant in the Asperger Syndrome Adult Transition Program (ASAT) in 2014. These constructive living environments allowed Ice to properly prepare for his promising future. There was a lot to overcome, but Ice insists that music has come to be his salvation.
‘“It heals me. It heals my soul, I think.” Ice said to News 8.
The music that Ice loves to create promotes growth, and the assisted living organizations he’s been apart of have significantly impacted his life for the better. “It really helped me grow-up and overcome a lot of the challenges I had back then,” Ice expressed to News 8.
Ice is now 26 years old and living on his own. His newfound independence is amazing, but a helping hand was still needed to soften the transition from adolescence to adulthood.
“I call myself his social communication coach because Thomas is an extremely motivated young man,” says Sarah Davison, a speech-language pathologist for the ASAT program. “The young man put himself out there, volunteering his services to play in restaurants and retirement homes to better his craft. By taking those chances and risks, he learned so much.” She shares with News 8.
Ice has released two albums so far. Eagles Sound now is available for streaming on YouTube and Spotify or in hard copy at Chapel Haven, 1040 Whalley Ave. When Ice is not in pursuit of his musical exploits, he works as a kitchen assistant at a local pizzeria.
“I really like it there,” he told News 8.
Even though Ice has now joined the workforce, he continues to grace his former home, Chapel Haven, with lunch performances. His musical journey is far from over, and he will continue to fine tune his craft. Every time he performs his heart soars like an eagle, flying higher and higher toward a gratifying future.
“I want to be a professional jazz and blues musician one day,” he gushes to News 8. “I’m going to keep working on it until I reach my dream.”
We support Ice’s musical endeavors, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for him. Be sure to catch Thomas Ice’s next gig at Cafe Nine in New Haven on March 28!