We all know Mozart’s great. The stories are legendary to musicians and non-musicians alike. We also all know that Mozart was a child prodigy. In fact, he is probably the most famous child prodigy… of all time! But may he be forced to post-humously relinquish his title? Is it possible that there’s an “up and comer” who has more to offer than Mozart?
Enter Ethan Bortnick… Kid Pianist and Philanthropist
Ethan, who is now 12 years old, began playing piano at the age of 3 and composing music at the age of 5. Sound familiar?
Ethan also holds the Guinness World Record for Youngest Solo Musician to Headline His Own Tour and has sold out some of the most prestigious performance venues in the world. Sound familiar? Sound familiar… again?
But there’s more to Ethan than accolades and ability… and this is where he may have just one-upped Mozart…
Ethan Has Raised $30 000 000 For Charity
I’m not going to say Mozart didn’t leave a legacy, but you have to give props to a 12 year old pianist who is using his musical talents to literally change the world.
His philanthropic journey began after watching his brother undergo three heart surgeries and after visiting the hospital and seeing other children who were battling illness. It was enough to set him off on an incredible journey that would see him support Miami Children’s Hospital, the Boys & Girls Club, Starkey Hearing Foundation, ONEXONE, and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, among many others.
Can We Follow in Ethan’s Footsteps?
As piano teachers working with young children, we have so many opportunities to follow in Ethan’s footsteps. We don’t have to equal his charitable success… but rather his charitable heart.
Do you and your students use music to give back to your community or help others in need? We’d love to hear about your efforts in the comments below!
Melissa Q. says
Wow! Emily Bear is around the same age and often compared to Mozart (same initials as this boy too). Although I don’t know that she has done that much for charity!
Claire Cavoto says
I run a club for young musicians age 5-18. We usually meet monthly to play for one another and to socialize. Our last meeting of the year is a service project that usually takes us to a nursing home where the kids are very well received. This is the most popular meeting and is well attended by students who seem to really enjoy sharing their gift of music. The program runs the gamut from primer pieces to Chopin and every kid’s performance is appreciated by the audience.
Andrea says
Very cool Claire! Thanks for sharing.
Ruth says
My students recently raised almost £250 for childrens cancer charity Clic Sargent by taking part in a 2 week practice-a-thon 🙂 so proud of them
Jacqueline says
I’d love to hear more about how you organized your practice-a-thon. It sounds like a really great idea!
Andrea says
That’s fantastic Ruth! What an accomplishment 🙂
Karen G says
Last month I started what I hope will be a regular event during much of the year. I made arrangements for a group of students to play for some Alzheimer’s residents and then residents in the assisted living side of the same facility. During the summer especially, I believe, there are few groups that visit. The residents loved seeing the kids, the kids now have a regular performance to prepare for and the parents were thrilled to see their kids get out and play. I’ve already scheduled a date in July and this time afterwards my students will spend some time getting to know each other at the park across the way. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if every piano teacher/studio adopted a nursing home and played regularly for the residents!?!
Andrea says
Yes!! +1 +1 – as someone who spent a great deal of time in one of those places with my Grandma recently I saw first-hand how much any change to their daily routines affected the residents in a very positive way – and if it was ever music the joy in the room was palpable. It’s a great place to take piano students even just to do their daily practice. Kudos to you for being such a kind person to organize this Karen! 🙂