Russian teenager born without hands plays piano

Alexei Romanov plays the piano despite what would seem to be a debilitating disability for a musician: He has been handless since birth.

Romanov, 15, a native of Zelenodolsk, in the republic of Tatarstan about 500 miles east of Moscow, first took up music about two years ago. It all began when he listened to the works of Mozart,

Vivaldi and other composers. Then he felt the urge to play music by himself.

At school, his music teacher began working with him. She helped him play the melodies from the most popular films – Twilight, Titanic. Later his courageous undertaking was supported not only by his teachers but also by his friends.

"I was particularly helped by two of my female friends. The girls taught me the basics of music – they told me how to read notes. They still help me. They send me sheet music, which I study and if I like something, I let it settle inside me," Romanov said.