There are people who go their entire lives practicing but will still never be as skilled on the piano as Ethan Bortnick is and he is only nine-years-old. It all started when he was three and he began playing with an electronic keyboard. Within two years he was composing his own music and being able to playback any tune after hearing it only once. He is a musical genius who will be making news for many years to come.
Just watch the video and you’ll see how good he can play. Not only can he play at that level he is also already a philanthropist. He has helped raise record amounts of money for various charities and also does demonstrations for schools to help inspire kids. He has played for high powered politicians, huge crowds and on live television flawlessly. When a tragic earthquake struck Haiti, he was the youngest artistout of the 70 chosen to play on the ‘We Are the World’ tribute. At a very young age Ethan has shown talent well beyond his years and a heart to match, raising millions for charities and children’s hospitals which is something we can all hope to do some day.
Just read about some of his accomplishments below and realize that he still hasn’t reached double-digit age yet. Keep an ear and eye out for his name and let your kids see that at any age you can excel and be great.
Accomplishments
- Started composing music at age 5
- First appeared on The Tonight Show on May 10, 2007 when he was only 7. Has been on the show 3 more times since.
- Featured on Oprah’s “World’s Smartest Kids” on May 12, 2008
- Youngest ever to perform as the piano soloist with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra on January 10, 2009
- Opened for Nelly Furtado at the Hard Rock Hotel in Florida on May 30, 2007
- Helped raise more than $12 million (a record) for the Miami Children’s Hospital along with Beyoncé Knowles, Smokey Robinson, and Gloria Gaynor.
- On September 15, 2008, he became the youngest co-host for the Chabad Telethon and helped raise more than $8 million
- Performed at a dinner hosted by Nancy Pelosi to honor the swearing in of the 111th United States Congress on January 6, 2009. He was the only performer.
Other role models for your kids:
