It was Weird Al Yankovic who first sparked Stephen Wuchina's interest in playing the accordion. Five years later, it's classical and French music that keeps him playing for an appreciative audience.

The 16-year-old of Connoquenessing has turned his hobby into entertainment for diners at Passavant Retirement Community in Zelienople. On most Thursdays for the past four years, his father has shuttled him to the home's dining hall so he can entertain folks as they eat dinner.

Teen volunteers are common at the home, said Donna Cawthorne, who heads the volunteer program at Passavant. But Stephen's reason for showing up each week — love of the instrument — sets him apart.

"They are usually doing it for a school project or the National Honor Society. Stephen is not doing it for that reason. He's not under any requirement," she said.

The residents at Passavant make requests like "Let Me Call You Sweetheart," "The Anniversary Waltz" and "When Irish Eyes are Smiling," and Wuchina is happy to oblige.

"Music transcends a lot of boundaries between some people," he said of the connection between him, the music and the residents.

He said his age — he just completed his sophomore year at Butler Intermediate High School — is a draw for some people who hire him to work at birthday parties and anniversary celebrations. He's also been a highlight at church musicals.

He's made friends with some of the residents, learning to play the military anthems they like. He's seen some of those residents die. And, he said, he's learned about how to perform to a crowd.

"He's a rock star at Passavant," said his mother Robin Wuchina.

After first receiving a student-sized accordion as a Christmas present so he could imitate the antics of Yankovic, Wuchina started teaching himself the basics of the instrument.

From dabbling with piano and in school bands, he could already read music. To learn the accordion, though, he needed to practice keeping a rhythm with his left and the melody at the same pace with his right.

He said he appreciates the kitsch value of the accordion, but it's the beauty of the music that keeps him playing.

Still, he doesn't tell many of his peers about his talent.

"I felt like I was being treated like a novelty," he said. "I wanted it to be serious."

After asking in a classified ad for a tutor, Wuchina connected with musician Michael Patrick for weekly lessons to advance his skills. Patrick, who died Oct. 31 at the age of 68, was an influence on his music and provided the scores for Wuchina's repertoire.

Wuchina upgraded to a 1960s professional-sized instrument, expanding the range of music he can play.

At his mother's encouragement, he committed to spending 45 minutes at Passavant each week playing for the residents.

"I just wanted him to share his gift," Robin Wuchina said.

At first, Wuchina wasn't comfortable with leaving the bedroom where he practices 30 minutes a day, but he's grown into his spot there and his spot in the ears of a growing number of people who appreciate the instrument's sound.

He's ventured out and played on the streets of Zelienople just to entertain people. Now, he's considering taking the accordion to Montreal, Canada, on the family's summer vacation to play on the streets there.

Lately, he's working on French composers and particularly Yann Tiersen, whose music was featured in the 2001 movie "Amelie." But, that doesn't mean he doesn't throw a little of Elvis Presley's "Love Me Tender" into his evening lineups to keep the crowd going.

"Some people think it's just an annoying instrument," Wuchina said. "But, its music really resonates."