More Than a Gift: How Classical Piano Became the Soundtrack to the Violent Life I Escaped

Autobiography of piano virtuoso Nerva Altino - born in Haiti, into a musical family. Nerva began studying the piano under the tutelage of his father Jean Lecome Altino at age 10, after migrating to the United States. Growing up in Queens, NY presented numerous challenges for Nerva, as he had to transition into a new culture, learn a new language, combat bullying, while trying to learn and master a musical art form that was uncommon in his community. Nerva eventually turned to the streets in a desperate attempt for survival. Today, Nerva holds a piano performance master’s degree from the Manhattan School of Music. His musical gifts have taken him all over the world. He, along with his younger brother Robenson, have performed before Heads-of-State, and on some of the world’s greatest concert stages. In addition to a busy career as a concert performer, church music director and pedagogue, Nerva is also a gifted composer and arranger.