Justin Stephens will play at the Sydney Opera House. Picture: ORLANDO CHIODO
Just where Justin Stephens gets his incredible talent for the piano is a bit of a mystery.
After finding an old keyboard packed away in the garage, Justin was determined to foster his hidden musical gift and spent the next four years teaching himself how to play.
Justin enrolled at the Keiraville Music Academy five years ago where teacher Christinne Patton guided the 17-year-old from eager student to skilled performer.
Today the Unanderra teen will reach the pinnacle of his burgeoning career - on stage at the Sydney Opera House.
Justin is one of 20 musicians chosen to perform in ENCORE - a program of outstanding performances and compositions by students from last year's Higher School Certificate music exams.
The former Figtree High School student, who studied HSC music 2 by correspondence, said he had never dreamed of gracing such an iconic stage.
"I'm so excited," he said.
"It didn't even occur to me that I could even play there, it just never occurred to me that that could happen."
Parents Melissa and William and piano teacher Christinne Patton will travel to Sydney to watch.
A future career is still evolving for the gifted musician, who this year will begin a maths degree at the University of Wollongong while studying German by distance. But no doubt music will also feature, with Justin planning to sit piano teaching diplomas later this year.
