Kei Otake, Juilliard Cellist With Treacher Collins Syndrome, Plays Instrument In NYC Subways To Enlighten

Kei Otake, a 19-year-old cello student at Juilliard, plays his instrument in the New York City subway for extra cash on weekends.

JUILLIARD STUDENT KAYE OTAKE PLAYS IN NYC SUBWAYS

But Otake’s motivation is not the money. He lives with Treacher Collins syndrome and wants to show everyone that his disorder does not define him. Treacher Collins causes facial deformities and may also cause difficulty breathing, hearing loss, and other issues. Those with the syndrome usually possess normal intelligence.

“I definitely think that society of today tends to judge on appearance,” Otake said in a CNN interview. “The reason that I perform in the subways is trying to say this is not who I am, this is who I am. I’m a cellist at Juilliard. Some of them think that I’m mentally disabled.” For Otake, he was born without cheekbones, giving his face a permanently sunken look. It also caused impaired speech.

At just 19, the musician has undergone more than 30 surgeries to correct the abnormalities. “I found it hard to express myself, so I express myself through music,” he explained. “I want people to care, I want them to listen, I want them to feel something inside. What I hope for the people to see is that I also have something to say.”