Known as the "Little Professor," he was a piano prodigy, blessed with perfect pitch. He took piano lessons from a local teacher in Neosho and was an accomplished pianist by the time his family moved to Ottawa, Kansas. ... At about the age of eight, he asked his older sisters to teach him the piano lessons they were taking. ...
George Gershwin's musical talent was noticed at an early age when the family bought a piano for Ira, the eldest child. ... From that moment on, George began taking piano lessons. He received lessons from American music greats such as Rubin Goldmark, Henry Cowell, and Wallingford Riegger (Encarta 1). ... This piano and clarinet piece opened the doors to concert halls everywhere for American composers. ... Then, George Gershwin strolled up to the piano, and the clarinet proceeded with the infamous first opening wale of Rhapsody in Blue. ...
