Young Piano Star Hits Big Stage
John Michael Klein, a 13-year-old from Lakewood, is set to perform at the iconic Carnegie Hall in New York. This is a monumental achievement for any musician, but especially for someone so young. Known as Mikey to his friends, he has been diligently practicing to seize this opportunity, which he earned by winning an online competition.
A Short but Remarkable Journey
Mikey's musical journey began just three years ago when he wasn't particularly interested in music. He started with the trombone, drawn to the slide, but soon switched to a small keyboard at home. His parents noticed his talent and upgraded his instrument to a larger keyboard. Before long, he was playing full pieces. Today, he owns a baby grand piano and has taken numerous lessons.
A Competitive Spirit
Mikey has won several prestigious competitions, including:
- First prize in a major competition in England
- The Charleston International Piano Competition
- A competition that earned him a spot at Carnegie Hall
He has performed in various venues, including a recent show honoring a famous musician.
A Bright Future
Mikey's teacher, Beth Hankins, describes him as highly talented, noting that he thinks in music and is always practicing and learning new pieces. His future in music appears exceptionally bright.
The Big Performance
Currently, Mikey is preparing for his Carnegie Hall debut, where he will perform a piece by Frédéric Chopin. While he admits to being nervous, he is also excited. Grateful for the attention, he hopes the audience enjoys his performance.
