3-Year-Old Nicholas Sings “You Are My Sunshine” with Leo Protsenko: A Heartwarming Piano and Violin Moment
There are music videos that warm your heart, and then there are moments that make you smile from ear to ear. In one unforgettable scene, 3-year-old Nicholas asks pianist Leo Protsenko if he knows the classic song “You Are My Sunshine.” What follows is an adorable, spontaneous performance that feels like watching pure joy come to life. With simple piano notes and the sweet sound of a child’s voice, this brief encounter speaks to anyone who’s ever loved a familiar song.
The Heartwarming Moment: A Child’s Musical Curiosity
The video opens quietly as young Nicholas, just three years old, approaches Leo Protsenko with a big question. It’s the type of scene music lovers can’t get enough of, one filled with innocence and honesty. Nicholas, still learning his words, shyly asks, “Do you not the pH?” What he means, of course, is “Do you know ‘You Are My Sunshine’?”
There’s magic in these early moments. Nicholas’s small voice pipes up, “You make me happy…” The simplicity of his request, matched by Leo’s gentle encouragement, sets the stage for something delightful. It’s a reminder that children’s natural curiosity often leads to the best musical surprises. No staging, no fancy set up, just a piano, some eager voices, and a bit of courage.
This kind of interaction is what music teachers and parents hope for. The unplanned magic, the genuine laughter, and the joy of sharing a well-loved tune make for lasting memories.
The Performance: “You Are My Sunshine” Like You’ve Never Heard It Before
With Leo on piano, Nicholas gently begins his version of the song. At first, the lyrics come out slow and jumbled, sweet and real. Soon, the classic melody emerges, familiar to anyone who’s heard “You Are My Sunshine.” As Nicholas gains confidence and starts singing louder, the heartfelt energy grows.
Here are some of the endearing lines Nicholas expresses, sometimes finishing the phrases, other times letting Leo or the music fill the space:
- “You make me happy with sky gr…”
- “You never know dear, how much I love you…”
- “Please don’t take my sunshine away…”
Each line captures a child’s perspective, unpolished, honest, and touching. Leo listens and responds, sometimes singing along gently or letting Nicholas lead. The true highlight comes when Nicholas, with an innocent boldness, sings confidently, “Please don’t take my sunshine away.” The way he pauses, sometimes improvising on words or humming along, turns the tune into something new.
The background music stays simple, which helps keep the focus on Nicholas’s voice. Leo’s playing is gentle, creating a safe space for Nicholas to shine. The beauty comes from their trust in each other, as the music rises and falls along with Nicholas’s energy.
Collaboration with Emily Minko – The Violin’s Sweet Touch
Not long into the performance, another talented musician joins to add a layer of sweetness. Emily Minko steps in with her violin, blending her sound with Leo’s piano and Nicholas’s singing. Emily’s presence adds a soft, melodic line that enriches the entire song.
Emily Minko elevates the music by weaving violin phrases around the main melody. It’s not flashy, she keeps it tender, following Nicholas’s pace and volume. This simple structure, piano, violin, and a child’s voice, is enough to fill the room with comfort. Emily never overpowers; she supports the mood, creating a backdrop that inspires Nicholas while giving him space to sing out.
For a moment like this, less truly is more. Emily’s violin, Leo’s piano, and Nicholas’s heart combine for an atmosphere that feels both cozy and special. The performance draws everyone in, making viewers feel as welcome as if they were right there in the room.
The Instruments Behind the Moment
- Piano: Played by Leo Protsenko, keeping the pace steady and the mood light.
- Violin: Played by Emily Minko, adding warmth and a gentle melody beneath the vocals.
Together, these instruments blend into a soft pillow for Nicholas’s singing, letting his young voice become the center of attention without competing for the spotlight.
Why This Video Resonates: The Impact of Innocence and Talent
There’s something captivating about a child taking center stage in a music video, especially when they do it unplanned. Nicholas “steals the show” not because he’s performing perfectly, but because he isn’t trying to. His innocence and genuine joy come through every note.
Viewers find this kind of moment adorable because it’s real. Nicholas is not trying to entertain or impress, he’s asking a simple question, then bravely singing along. Leo Protsenko, as an experienced musician, does something subtle yet important: he steps back, supports, and lets Nicholas own the moment. This shows how adult musicians can create the right environment for children to take chances and have fun.
People watching online love clips like this because they remind everyone of the simple joys of music. It’s a reminder that music is for everyone, and sometimes the smallest voices have the biggest impact. These performances get shared, liked, and remembered because they foster a real musical connection between performer and audience.
If you haven’t seen Nicholas in action, go watch the video. The honest smiles, the tiny but confident singing, and the warmth in the room are impossible to ignore.
Parents and educators can create magical musical experiences, just like Leo did with Nicholas. Here are a few ideas to get started:
- Welcome children’s music questions and songs, even when they come out of the blue.
- Use familiar tunes like “You Are My Sunshine” for sing-alongs and comfort.
- Combine instruments with singing, letting kids explore sound and rhythm in a relaxed setting.
- Celebrate every effort, focusing on the fun, not whether the lyrics or notes are perfect.
- Be patient and ready to laugh; some of the best moments happen when things don’t go as planned.
Letting kids take the lead, as Nicholas did, often results in memories and learning that last much longer than any formal lesson.
Conclusion
The “You Are My Sunshine” performance with Nicholas, Leo Protsenko, and Emily Minko is a reminder that music shines brightest when it’s shared. Watching a three-year-old bravely sing out, supported by caring musicians, makes it clear why this song has touched so many lives. The blend of simple instruments, familiar lyrics, and a child’s unfiltered joy creates something special that no polished production could ever replace.
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or just someone who loves music, moments like these speak to the heart. Take a moment to watch the video, share it with friends, or sing along at home. Sometimes, the purest performances come from the youngest artists. Let the sunshine in, one note at a time.
