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I Spent a Day With a 3-Year-Old Prodigy

Ray Chen

745,348 views

Is she REALLY a prodigy?
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This is Angelica — pianist, singer, ballet dancer, violinist… and she’s only 3 years old.
When I first saw her videos online, I was kinda skeptical. As someone who has seen many young prodigies throughout my career, I know what early talent looks like… but this felt different.

So I decided to visit the Nero household and spend a day with Angelica and her family to see what’s actually going on behind the scenes — and to understand what really shapes a prodigy.
Is it talent? Parenting? Environment? Something else?

Not convinced? Go follow ‪@AngelicaNero‬ to see more of her content and see for yourself!

Shoutout thanks to Kennedy Violins for the mini-violin. They also supported me in my other video: Try to Beat me at Violin [🎻100 Violin Give...

20 Comments

@bradgetz 10 months ago

Q: How can I tell if my child is a musical prodigy? A: Ray Chen shows up at your house with a violin.

@AngelicaNero 10 months ago

"Dear Ray, thank you for the best day ever! Playing violins with you was like magic—next time, let's make a duet that makes the whole world dance. Your tiny fan forever, Angelica ♡

@pebs-w8f 9 months ago

Shes just having fun, I hope that never changes for her.

@anuschkawerner4198 10 months ago

Our first responsibility is for her to be happy - WOW!

@irinavorontsova6344 10 months ago

The most important she likes to do it. Nobody knows what will happen to her in future. I know a lot very talented kids, really really talented, but they prefer to play with their toys and friends. It is only the credit to her parents to develop her skills. All children are talented but not all parents

@Visitkarte 10 months ago

So lovely of you to bring her the next size of a violin! A beautiful, thoughtful gift!

@irisce2799 10 months ago

as a violinist, i noticed her left hand technique at just 3 years old is SO EFFORTLESS. absolutely insane. This girl is pure unrestrained raw talent. She will be amazing at anything she sets her mind to.

@SCK586 9 months ago

It's entirely possible for a bright well adjusted almost 4yr old to play both piano and violin at that beginner level if they attend weekly lessons and do a small amount of supported daily practice.. The most impressive part of this beautiful video is the instinctively excellent reactions of Ray Chen... So kind and appropriate..

@markaprill6501 10 months ago

I love when Ray works with kids!

@drmoppssister2599 10 months ago

"It sounds louder' That's a musician. ❤

@TheStringNerd 10 months ago

When kids discover the taste of playing, there's no need to remind them to practise

@annec1102 9 months ago

What is the most impressive to me is not the music but how articulate and mature she is. She is three…Having a full fast paced conversation with adults like a much older kid would. That killed me 😏

@eugeniapryor45 9 months ago

She brought her gifts from past lives. She is very special.

@mssmiles0503 9 months ago

We really need Ray Chen to have a child or two so we can watch him parent perfectly! You are so good with kids.

@hemibaileyy2009 10 months ago

Three years? Woah that's younger than Mozart...

@billyholly 10 months ago

Here's my dose of maximum cuteness for today...and what talent! As a retired teacher, I have seen enough pushy parents to recognize that these are NOT that and encourage her in a wonderful manner! I started singing at 5 (and even had fans at school when I was age 10) and never really did anything with it until I was 32. My parents loved music, but my dad thought it was not worth me to take choir in high school. I regret this to this day. However, once I got started, the million-selling artists I performed with thought I had been just as successful as them in my home country. I could also keep teaching during this time. My school director in Kazakhstan found out about my "secret" hobby. That next year, he had me teach my regular high school English in the mornings...and then music for 3-year-olds up to 6th grade. Our last school concert was completely original music the kids helped me with, 11 or so songs. Even the threes had two songs we developed. Don't sell young guys short, like this talented girl! ...and no one needs to push.

@EmilyAcosta-s3j8l 7 months ago

''i put it on" the best part ever lol

@LisaLavender222 9 months ago (edited)

My only concern is the kind of attention this gifted three year old is receiving. This can get in the way of a healthy development of her sense of self. She has a genuine joy & comfort with learning & expressing herself. This is important. I wish her & her family well..