Teen is musical prodigy

Isaias Vargas plays the violin, one of various musical instruments in his repertoire. Photos submitted

By Tom Victoria

Isaias Ulysces Vargas hits the right note no matter which instrument he plays.

The musical prodigy is known for being an accomplished violinist, he also plays the cello, guitar, guitar bass, piano, saxophone, standup bass and viola.

Isaias, 17, of Tennessee who is autistic, explained why his passion can be found everywhere.

“Music is my universe,” he said. “It’s in everything, like the sound of tires on highways, wind chimes, frogs and grasshoppers at night. The sound of a fan, a dryer or a dishwasher. It’s everywhere.”

Isaias said nothing appeals more to him than performing music.

“Playing an instrument is relaxing and special to me,” he said. “My instruments are like my friends. My violin is like my baby and the saxophone is my friend.”

Not only does Isaias possess perfect pitch, but he experiences synesthesia — a blending of senses, which in his case is seeing colors when hearing music.

“Synesthesia helps me appreciate music more,” he said. “Each song has a different color and I have favorite colors. It helps me deeply appreciate a melody.”

Isaias also plays the cello.

The teen wonder specializes in covers from all decades such as “Rock Around the Clock,” “A Sunday Kind of Love,” “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “Smooth Criminal.”

Isaias has played for hospital patients, restaurant patrons, wedding guests, graduation parties and events, including Plaza Mariachi in Nashville.

The talented teen receives rave reviews wherever he plays. Isaias savors the crowd’s response.

“If they enjoy my music, it fires me up to see their reactions,” he said. “I feel happy and excited, enjoying the attention.”

Isaias’ father Jacob Vargas said his son values the audiences.

“Isaias cares more about earning people’s hearts than money,” Jacob said. “He loves seeing genuine happiness in their reactions. We had a successful performance in a busy restaurant in St. Augustine, Florida. People were amazed, and some even said he’s going to be famous.”

Isaias spends time keeping his skills sharp.

“On average, I play about 15 to 20 hours weekly,” he said.

However, music takes a backseat on occasion.

“It depends on my other passion, fishing,” Isaias said.

He is the son of a Panamanian father and Canadian mother, living with dad in Nashville and visiting mom in her native land.

Isaias began playing the violin when he was a tyke.

“I started playing when I was 4,” he said. “My dad’s sister notices my love for violins and sponsored my first-ever classes.”

Isaias glides the bow while dad Jacob Vargas strums the guitar.

Jacob said that’s when he realized the scope of his son’s talent.

“He attended a couple of violin classes and quickly learned a few notes,” he said. “I was touring my guitar when he suddenly identified the note E and wanted me to stop there. It impressed me and I realized he had a special gift. Around age 6, someone told me he had perfect pitch, which is rare, and if he could see colors, it meant he could create great music. I tested him with colored pencils and a keyboard, and it confirmed his unique talent.”

Father and son have played together, but Jacob said his son is in another class.

“I’m not at his level anymore,” Jacob said.

He said his son puts on three-hour performances.

“He doesn’t get tired,” Jacob said. “He’s so focused.”

Jacob said music runs in the family.

“My dad and one uncle were great guitar players and singers, but they learned by ear” he said. “On Isaias’ mother’s side, his grandfather, Bill Guest, is a well-known Canadian fiddle player with a degree in music. His late grandmother, Judy Castell, had an impressive ability to play the piano by ear. Isaias inherited a rich musical heritage from both sides of the family.”

While Jacob enthusiastically supports his son’s passion for music, learning life skills is the first priority. Jacob is ensuring his son will be able to take care of himself someday. Isaias does his own laundry and is learning how to cook and drive a car.

“He’s very helpful,” Jacob said.

For Isaias’ part, he wants listeners to have an emotional response.

“I want them to feel as happy as I do and experience what I see when I play my music.”

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 Isaias’ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Isaiasviolin

 Isaias’ TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@isaiasulysces

 Isaias’ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isaias_vargas01/

 Isaias’ Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075561657233&mibextid=b06tZ0