A young autistic man's symphonic odyssey

Twenty-year-old Jacob Rock is a non-verbal young man with autism who quietly composed an entire six-movement symphony in his head. After struggling to communicate for much of his life, he learned how to share his ideas via an iPad app with musician Rob Laufer. The two created the symphony "Unforgettable Sunrise," which was premiered last year by a 55-piece orchestra from the University of Southern California's Thornton School of Music. Correspondent Lee Cowan talked with Rock and Laufer, and with Jacob's father, Paul, about a remarkable musical odyssey.

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[nadia-ilh]

The love of a father is evident in his son. Such a deep bond

[wk]

I don’t think people fully appreciate just how hard it is to stamp 55 minutes of very particular music and specific orchestration in your head. Absolutely incredible.

[PossiblyYourDog]

Thank you, Rob for helping Jacob find his voice in music! I went to Elementary School with your daughter, Ellie, and I still remember you coming to the school every year during the holidays to play with us during our holiday performances. Glad to see you're still out there helping people through music and art!

[chrisfinch]

People like him deserve so much more love and respect, than what they are given, already. My heart always feels so moved by how stories like this, come to life in ways that touches a lot of people, including me.

Peace be with you, Jacob, buddy. 💙

[FitzMastaflex]

This brought tears of joy.
Sooo glad Jacob has the support he needs to express himself in such a beautiful way.

[stephanierobertson]

Beautiful Jacob, you have found your voice and it is music to everyone’s ears ❤

[suezannemarie]

My heart was bursting watching this and I had lump in my throat. So beautiful Jacob!!! ❤

[tobechukwuolumba]

Positively wonderful. This story melts my heart. It's no wonder we watch incredibly positive stories on "Sunday Morning" more than any other morning news program ever. Thanks.

[mililaniman]

I love learning about the adroit acumen and abilities of autistic people. This is a lovely story. Thank God for people like Jacob!

[margotflynn]

I am moved to tears by this beautiful story. Bravo Jacob, youve inspired me with your brilliant mind and brave soul.

[DanaBullock-cfxf]

Beautiful story. My son is on the spectrum. Not this talented but this brought me such joy. My son has humor, yes! Humor. I enjoy it when it sneaks out.

[annmariegillaspie]

As a parent myself of a 21 year old son with autism i feel for all of them, keep doing what you love Jacob. God bless you.

[genramsey]

Totally opened my eyes, ears and heart. Hope that it did for all who viewed this amazing and beautiful story. ❤

[charlenecardwell]

What a precious, gifted, amazing soul! It must be extremely frustrating for him to have all of this talent and creativity locked up inside of him and not be able to get it out in an expedient manner. His patience is mind boggling.

[Mattnova_]

That is wonderful. Knowing now that he's [perhaps] in the midst of organizing a symphony just for her?! Terrific!

[PurpleHayess]

Reminds me of how Paul McCartney (who can’t read music) would try to describe the music in his head to George Martin, for George to score for orchestras.

[laurareyes]

Rob, you are an amazing human being! Thank you for reaching out to Jacob and creating this masterpiece!

[emeraldcoastgardensfl]

Wow!!! So much perseverance. So much dedication. So much work

But the accomplishments achieved. Amazing. Thank you for sharing such a story. This lifts every one ❤️🌹

[clairelutu]

What an amazing story - good news at the highest level 👏 👍 👌

[steveconn]

There's a Brian Wilson quality to Jacob's inner turmoil becoming great orchestral art (I'm trying to teach my cat to play Beethoven Sonatas. It's much more difficult).