Ten-Year-Old Prodigy Plays Carnegie Hall

(CBS)  Everyone knows it takes years of practice and a very mature talent to reach Carnegie Hall. Everyone, that is, except a young pianist from California and the music lovers who can't hear enough, reports CBS News Correspondent Bill Whitaker.

Marc Yu is just a 10 year old who loves toy pigs. But this little kid has big dreams to match his outsized talent.

"Of course I still want to be a concert pianist and I wish I can play with important orchestras," Yu said.

We first introduced you to Marc one year ago: a piano prodigy from the suburbs of Los Angeles, who could barely reach the pedals and had to stretch his tiny hands to span the notes. But even at the tender age of nine he was going places.

To London's renowned Royal Albert Hall to be exact, where last year he performed with his idol, Chinese concert pianist, Lang Lang.

"It was really exciting. It's every musician's dream," Yu said.

It's a dream he's had since age three when he told his mother he wanted to be a concert pianist.

"My technique is much better than one year ago," the ten year old said. "And now both of my hands can reach an octave."

He's reaching rarified atmosphere too: Carnegie Hall; his name on the marquee with his idol, Lang Lang. He's dreamed of playing there most of his life.

"It's like looking at the moon and how am I going to get there? And the answer is always what my mother said, 'practice,'" Yu explained.

So for the last year it's been practice, practice, practice and this week one last practice on the stage at Carnegie Hall before the crowds flocked in. And on this night, practice made perfect.

So what happens when you reach your goal at so young an age? Well, who says you can't do it again?

"I would love to come back to Carnegie Hall alone some day," Yu said. "And I think I will."

[helensuedell]

While he is only 19 my grandson has appeared in 12 stageplays his
last was FOOTLOOSE he has graduated from high school and currently in
LA planning on attending THE ACTORS ACADEMY.. Work on the stage requires
a lot of work and no doubt his alility to handle his pressure. Unlike
this pianst who has had supprt in his endeavor.. others simply go on
desire to succeed.

[rwsmith29456]

quote "So what happens when you reach your goal at so young an age?" Some people that do this just make higher goals. In some endeavors there are enough challenges to last a long lifetime. The path is just as important as the goal.

[ubrew12]

I don't want to take away from this young mans extraordinary achievement, but I couldn't help posting this 'onion report' of a 'similar' case (comedy):
<<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCC7LuTQ_x0>>

[Sloughfoot]

So young, so innocent, may you acheive dreams you've never dreamt. Good luck young man.

[Berkeley-SkirtLifter]

dreams you've never dreamt? like those girly dreams that he'll start having in a couple of years?

[aleksei_takenouchi]

I am writing as Marc Yu's piano teacher. Having prepared him for this Carnegie Hall concert, it proves that human spirit transcends age limitations. Although 10 years old, Marc possesses a much higher understanding level and absorbs teachings with enthusiasm. As his piano teacher, it is also my duty to help him nurture his talent with joy. Happiness is a nutrient that helps us become creative. I only wish that he will play solo at Carnegie Hall very soon! Best of luck, Marc!
Aleksei Takenouchi

[rondivoo]

oh, yeah?

[sandy19731]

You are an inspiration as well - bless you!