Alpharetta Student To Perform at Carnegie Hall

ALPHARETTA, GA -- A seventh-grade student at Fulton Science Academy Private School in Alpharetta has been chosen to play piano at Carnegie Hall on Memorial Day weekend.

Catherine Amato will take part in the 37th Anniversary Spring Piano Festival on Sunday, May 28. She was chosen from more than 300 musicians who audition to play in one of the world's most prestigious facilities.

The Spring Piano Festival is an opportunity for the finest piano teachers in the country to showcase the talent and hard work of their best students. Catherine earned her coveted slot after auditioning via live stream and learned she had been selected to play last week.

“I was shocked and excited when they called to say I had been chosen,” the middle school student from Alpharetta. “The timing is a bit crazy; I am very busy with my studies as I finish the school year, but the honor that comes with this opportunity is so special. I am very excited to go to New York City in a few weeks with my parents; not only to perform, but also to enjoy many New York landmarks.”

Catherine started her journey to learn to play the piano at the end of second grade. She was introduced to the art of playing for an audience progressively and participated in her first formal recital in fourth grade. It was the beginning of the long journey of developing her skills.

Since then, Catherine has performed for a wide range of audiences, including fundraisers that benefit charities such as the American Red Cross. As part of her musical training, she also performs annually in front of a panel of judges at Drew University in New Jersey to receive constructive critique.

Despite a move from New Jersey to Atlanta last year, Catherine continued to play and in January, resumed training with her Jersey-based instructor via FaceTime. Her audition came just one day after winning the Georgia State Social Studies Fair where she was recognized for her work that addressed the dangers of texting while driving. Through her research and findings, Catherine’s project may urge legislators to enact tougher penalties on those who abuse the law and put innocent lives at risk.

Hard work and perseverance are two traits that come naturally to Amato.

“I work hard at school and I work hard with my musical training, but I also enjoy things like talking walks in nature, drawing, and being with my family," she added. "I also enjoy blending technology and music. I may pursue the idea of being a digital music composer/editor as a future career. I enjoy different styles of music; to be able to blend them together using new technology is a profession that I think will become even more popular in the future and it’s a career path that interests me greatly."

Image via Fulton Science Academy Private School