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Security Guard Who Went Viral Playing Piano Receives Full Scholarship
🇪🇨 Ecuador /Culture & Society

Security Guard Who Went Viral Playing Piano Receives Full Scholarship

From El Comercio · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • Billy Asencio, a 26-year-old security guard from Guayaquil, has received a full scholarship to study piano.
  • Asencio gained viral fame after a video showed him playing piano during his break at the Universidad de Especialidades Espíritu Santo (UEES).
  • The scholarship allows him to pursue his lifelong dream of becoming a pianist and composer.

Guayaquil, Ecuador – Billy Asencio, a 26-year-old security guard whose soulful piano playing captured hearts online, is one step closer to realizing his lifelong dream. After a video of him playing Ed Sheeran's "Photograph" during his break at the Universidad de Especialidades Espíritu Santo (UEES) went viral, Asencio has been awarded a full scholarship to study piano at the Sonata music academy.

I feel grateful to be able to continue training, practicing more, and thus be able to master the piano.

— Billy AsencioExpressing his gratitude upon receiving the full scholarship.

Asencio, who hails from the Suburbio of Guayaquil, has harbored a passion for the piano since childhood, inspired by a toy piano gifted by his uncle. While working as a security guard, he found solace and expression in music, often playing during his downtime. The viral video showcased not only his talent but also his dedication, as he had already been receiving free private piano lessons from the university for two weeks.

The Sonata music academy recognized Asencio's raw talent and compelling story, stating on social media that they believe in supporting dreams. "We believe that behind every talent there is a person, a story, and a dream that deserves to be accompanied... we want to see him become the pianist and composer that he is," the academy shared.

We believe that behind every talent there is a person, a story, and a dream that deserves to be accompanied… we want to see him become the pianist and composer that he is.

— Sonata Music AcademyExplaining their decision to offer Asencio the scholarship via social media.

Overwhelmed by the outpouring of support, Asencio expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to further hone his skills. He dreams of one day performing for his idol, Ed Sheeran, and sharing his music with his family, especially his mother, who always believed in his special gift. This scholarship marks a significant turning point, offering him a path to transform his passion into a professional career.

My mom has always been praying for me… right now she is happy, she told me: someday they will know you, you have something special. Believe your mom.

— Billy AsencioReflecting on his mother's support and belief in his musical talent.
About this summary

Originally published by El Comercio in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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