12-year-old hearing-impaired musician in tune with Vancouver culture

Vancouver is knownfor the diversity of its cuisine, the vibrance of its culture scene and the scenic beauty of its naturals wonders.

Summing all those qualities up in a one song would be tricky, but that'swhat Alexander Boar, 12, and his father Romeo Boar, 53,set out to do withThe Vancouver Song.

Inspired by their love for Vancouver, Alexander and Romeo co-wrote the song together an accomplishment all the more impressive since Alexander was born deaf.

He received a cochlear implant when was three and began to learn speech and language. Later in Alexander's life,Romeo bought a synthesizerwith the hope that Alexander would become curious about music.

"We contemplated piano but I didn't want to force him, it would have been the last thing I wanted to do," said Romeo duringCBC'sNorth by Northwest.

Romeo came from a musical family his father and sister are both violin players and he wanted his son to experience the joy that can come from composing.

"The idea was to inspire Alex, to find ways to introduce him to music."

The idea worked, and Alexander now has two years of piano lessons under his belt.

Frustrating experience

"It was frustrating," said Alexander, speaking about his first days at the piano.

"But it's a great experience and I do really enjoy piano."

Since the father and son duo love outdoor activities in and around Vancouver, they chose to celebrate the city in their song. Also, theythe song will raise awareness to the difficulties faced by children with hearing or speech disabilities.

Through trial and error,The Vancouver Songbecame more coherent and musically sound. Working closely with the Burnaby, B.C. music production company Digital Sound Magic, the Boars turned their song into what it is today.

The song's vocals are performed byJada Mckenzie Moore.

With files from North by Northwest