Nice story. The young man is no expert, but he knows more about the piano than the average person. He could easily be trained to go further. His obvious joy of playing will guide him. Maybe there is a local church choir or entertainer he can provide background for.
One of my favorite simple songs for the beginner piano student is the Preludium C-Major by our old friend,
Johan Sebastian Bach. It’s quite beautiful in it’s simplicity and thoroughness. Using the same phrase and both hands, traveling at a leisurely pace, all over the 88 key terrain, from sunny to stormy aura.
Listen to it if so inclined. You won’t want to stop listening till the very last note. It’s like a piece of expensive candy for the ear.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frxT2qB1POQ
Preludium C-Major by our old friend,
Johan Sebastian Bach
I always liked Joh’s music...
Bach's keyboard, either harpsichord or clavichord, was four octaves plus one note--C to C.
That's 49 keys.
The second book of the Well-Tempered Clavier goes down a further minor third to A below the former lowest C, making 52 keys.
The C major Preludde from book one of the Well-Tempered Clavier uses the same figure twice in each bar (not 'phrase').
That was very nice, Thanks for suggesting.