Piano prodigy hitting a high note

Stephen Gott has a career as a musician ahead of him, his teacher said.

A teenage pianist could be destined for some of the biggest concert halls in the country after a chance television appearance launched his career.

Stephen Gott, 17, took the opportunity to play one of dozens of pianos the BBC put in public places three years ago - and his talent was spotted.

The Halifax musician had only taken ten lessons when he played in the centre of Leeds, but it secured his future.

His piano teacher said a rare potential had been discovered in Stephen.

Talking about the time he played the BBC piano in Leeds' Victorian Quarter covered shopping centre, Stephen said: "It was a bit nerve wracking because my legs were jumping about on the pedal.

"Then a neighbour who saw me on TV put me in contact with a piano teacher and for about two years I've been having lessons with him."

'Good progress'

Teacher Dave Nelson said: "He's right up there, he really is, because it's the potential as well.

"I just feel that he has got the ability to go an awful long way with what he's doing.

"He works really hard at it, but he almost doesn't have to."

Stephen has already won a place a Leeds College of Music where he is making good progress.

He said: "You discover all different types of music and new pieces all the time, it's interesting to study the background in it as well as the practical side of it".

He said the chance appearance on Look North changed his life and he is expected to make it a very long way in his chosen career