Fuel For Thought

Mini-Mozart Also A Mathematical Prodigy

SOUTHLAKE (CBS 11 News) ― At age three, Southlake's Magnus LaDue was barely talking, but he could read and loved to do math. His father, Mark LaDue, did some research and discovered for some kids, language delays are a sign of high intellectual ability. Today, it's clear he is one smart kid.

Magnus could be entering fourth grade this fall, but instead, he's been home schooled. "He's been studying math since 3 and music since 5," said Mark.

Magnus just took the Advanced Placement test in calculus. He took the B.C. version, which is the more difficult version of the College Board test. The test is usually given to high school juniors or seniors. If they get a high enough score, they receive college credit.

"I made the best score, which is a 5," Magnus said. "It was pretty hard, but I worked hard and I have a good teacher." His teacher is his dad.

Both of Magnus' parents have PhD's in mathematics. Five years ago, Mark quit his job as a systems engineer. "After 3, I could see he was a genius," Mark said. "I knew he needed special treatment."

But when it came to the piano, Magnus taught himself. According to his dad, he "taught himself to read, play chords… [He was] utterly fascinated by it," Mark said. "He went through 12 grades of music theory in 10 months!"

At age 5, Magnus held his first public performance on the harpsichord at Southlake's Town Square.

Magnus said he studies all year, but also finds time to have more traditional fun. "I ride bikes and go in the swimming pool," he said. "And I play with my cats."

When he grows up, he said he hopes to be a "famous scientist and a musician."

Magnus is taking second-year college math right now, but he's not going to a college campus. Instead, his parents say they'll keep him at home to keep learning and to enter him in piano competitions.

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