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Pianist Shines on From the Top
Pianist Shines on From the Top Clifton Williams performs on From the Top.
Clifton Williams, a 17-year-old pianist and resident of Southeast Washington, D.C., performs on "From the Top." With roots in Gospel music, Clifton only began studying classical music three years ago and does not even own a piano. Yet, his passion and dedication has led him to perform on national public radio and helped him earn a prestigious national music scholarship through From the Top and the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation. In March 2009, Clifton Williams, a 17-year-old pianist and resident of Southeast Washington, D.C. stepped on stage at New England Conservatory's Jordan Hall to perform on National Public Radio's From the Top. Attacking Prokofiev's devilish Suggestion Diabolique with passion and ferocity, you would never guess that Clifton had only studied classical music for three years and does not even own a piano of his own on which to practice.

Many serious young musicians are exposed to classical music through their families, but Clifton's roots are in Gospel. He discovered piano first through being captivated by a pianist at his church and then through the Shirley Ables Music Ministry. These days Clifton is a student at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts. In addition to being an outstanding pianist, he is an outstanding student, ranked number one in his class.

Clifton has always been a determined young man despite having to overcome hardships. "My dad is incarcerated and has been in and out of jail most of my life," he explains. "We still have a great father-son relationship." Clifton has had many wonderful female role models in his life, and he is especially close to his mom. "She has always supported me 100%," he says.

Clifton feels that music was key in pushing his life in a positive direction. "If I didn't have music, my life would probably be completely different," he explains. "I never would have come to the Duke Ellington School and be exposed to so many people serious about staying in school and having a career. I want to be better. I want to be at the top!"

To help Clifton achieve his goals, From the Top has awarded Clifton with a $10,000 Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award. In just four years, this scholarship program has invested more than $1 million in exceptional young musicians like Clifton, who despite financial barriers, strive to attain excellence in music and other areas of their lives. The award provides critical support to help these outstanding students fulfill their abundant potential.

Award winners are featured on From the Top's radio and television programs and can apply their scholarship funds towards purchasing instruments, college tuition, music lessons, competition fees and other expenses relating to their artistic development and education. The Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award will support Clifton's studies at a summer music program and enable him to purchase his own electric piano.

"When my teacher suggested I apply for the scholarship, I wasn't really sure if I could make it," Clifton said. "When I got the phone call that I was a recipient I was flabbergasted, inside I was exploding!"

On the From the Top broadcast, Clifton performs Prokofiev's Suggestion Diabolique and accompanies the Boston Children's Chorus in a gospel finale of Simon and Garfunkel's "Bridge over Troubled Water." Listen here.

Join Clifton as he shops for a keyboard and performs on the From the Top stage. Watch now.

For more than a decade, From the Top has celebrated the energy of America's kids and the power of classical music through NPR radio and PBS television broadcasts, a national tour of live events, and leadership and community programs for young musicians.
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