Colorado teen Jude Kofie taught himself piano at 10; now his debut album is out after $15,000 gift

Jude Kofie at Octave Records' studio (Image Credit: PS Audio) Colorado teenager Jude Kofie has reached another milestone in a remarkable musical journey that began when he taught himself to play the piano by ear at age 10. Kofie has now released his debut album, ‘Introducing Jude Kofie,’ on Octave Records. PS Audio's Copper magazine, which profiled the young pianist's first recording in June 2026, describes the album as a showcase of his ability as a pianist and songwriter, featuring his interpretations spanning jazz, gospel, Latin, soul and pop.A talent discovered at homeKofie's musical story began with an old keyboard in the basement of his family's home. He had no formal piano lessons and had not been taught how to play, but he began figuring out music on his own by listening and playing by ear.His parents soon realised that what appeared to be a childhood interest was something much more unusual. Kofie developed a natural ability to understand melodies and reproduce them on the keyboard, eventually building his skills without the conventional path of years of piano instruction.According to PS Audio, Kofie faced several health challenges while growing up. He was born prematurely...