Deaf teenager Ewan Brown makes music with Gameboy

Apr 26 2009 by Sam Wood, Sunday Sun

MAKING beautiful music is child’s play for Ewan Brown - he uses his Gameboy console.

And the sweet sounds the Gateshead teenager creates become all the more amazing to listeners when you discover Ewan is profoundly deaf.

Ewan, of Greenside in Gateshead, has been severely deaf since birth, having been born prematurely, but has always been determined not to let his disability get in the way of his dream to become a professional musician.

The 17-year-old, who studies music at Newcastle College, uses his Gameboy to produce his music – and he has even performed live gigs in Newcastle.

While he is profoundly deaf, Ewan can hear his own creations through his hearing aids.

He revealed how he had to overcome bullying from pupils and discouragement from some of his school teachers to get so far.

Ewan said: “I was about nine when I first realised I loved music. I liked it at school but didn’t really think about pursuing it.

“I was picked on at school and I felt very isolated, but that has made me more determined and has inspired me. I feel like I can do anything and nothing can hold me back now.

“One or two of my teachers at school tried to persuade me not to do music, they said I should do more academic things, but I was determined and I have no regrets now.

“Studying at college is fantastic, it’s so good to meet people with different musical tastes, and approaches to music.