CTV News Ottawa

Updated: Sun Mar. 02 2008 6:53:09 PM

ctvottawa.ca

The National Arts Centre was host to a special event in which 136 talented kids from Eastern Ontario had a rare opportunity to have a piano lesson from a master.

World-renown British composer Christopher Norton was in town to give constructive criticism and even play along with members of the Music for Young Children program, an international network of music teachers and students.

"I think there's a lot of pleasure to be gained from starting at a very young age; feeling like you can actually hold an audience by the way you're playing," said Norton, who has written for stage musicals, ballet, orchestras and even jingles.

Students ranged from four years old all the way to Grade 8. Norton hand-picked 24 of the students to play with him at Sunday evening's gala.

William Burton, 9, who practices to Norton's music, was one of the lucky few.

"In the morning, I go on iTunes and press 'Christopher Norton' and I get ready on the piano," he said.

Although many of the students were nervous to play in from of a master, they were also in awe and appreciated the opportunity.

"One hundred and thirty-six students are playing today - so much talent. These students just have wonderful opportunities, great teachers, and when they get to come to events like this, it just enhances everything," said Frances Balodis, Music for Young Children program founder.

With a report from CTV's John Hua