When Rikki Guy was born prematurely 11 years ago, she weighed 1 lb., 5 oz. Still tiny (55 lb.), the girl has no vision, multiple disabilities — and musical talent. Music brings joy into her life.

How, who to help

        “God Bless America,” Rikki sings in a pure, true voice, as she strums an electronic musical instrument called the Qchord. The guitar-shaped instrument belongs to her teacher, Paula Jordan. Rikki's wish is to have her own Qchord to play at home in Norwood.

        “Rikki is musical enough that she can hear where to change chords in a song, and make it sound quite good,” Ms. Jordan says. “What blew me away is she can name the name of the chord.”

        Rikki has perfect pitch: She can flawlessly and quickly name any pitch she hears.

        She also has a lovely voice, the kind of voice that recently brought patrons to tears on karaoke night at Sorrento Pizza in Norwood, when she sang Patsy Cline's “Crazy.” She memorizes by listening to CDs and can sing and count in several foreign languages — even Japanese.

        Her parents, Rick and Tammy, big sister Sarah, 12, and half-sister Chrissy, 19, cheer her on proudly. Having her own Qchord will give her an important leisure skill, help her communicate better and develop her motor skills.

        “Music is the one thing that will motivate her,” her teacher says. “It's just how to find it and help her bring it out.”

Instrument would bring joy to musical 11-year-old girl
DEMALINE: ETC interns remember 9/11
Ballet stars to develop NKU dance program
Clarinetist shines in difficult works
KIESEWETTER: Americans not loading plates with TV 'comfort food'
'Millionaire' no longer ABC's pot of gold
Crenna searches for essence of Reagan
Sept. 11 attacks extend wedding shopping season
Gifts ease life for people with disabilities
Golfer might add yoga to his bag
Mason woman admits Santa Claus dependence
MARTIN: Bring eclectic cookbooks off the back burner
Beers without buzz
Hot drinks stirring for cold days
Creed has weathered plenty of criticism
Merchant not afraid to show more soul
Serious Oscar campaigning heats up