BOLTON's child music prodigies will have a chance to learn from the very best as a world class pianist comes to Bolton to inspire young musicians.

Madalina Rusu is joining Keys Piano School in Bradshaw as its Head of Academy and Lead Performer in September.

Madalina grew up in Constanta, Romania, before moving to London in 2004 to take up a scholarship at the Guildhall School of Music of Drama.

She completed her studies in 2011 having achieved the prestigious Guildhall Artist Fellowship in addition to a Masters’ degree in piano performance.

This summer she moves to the North West, leaving behind teaching jobs in several highly regarded London private schools, to become a partner in the Bolton piano school.

Keys Piano School says her appointment will allow it to "teach at the highest level" and given the whole community to share in her playing and experience.

For Madalina will lead the classical route for young pianists, and developing a rich programme of musical events for the community to enjoy high quality performance on their doorstep.

Madalina said: “I’m looking forward to bringing more performing to Keys and sharing my experience and music with the students and the community. I want to use my knowledge to help them develop their own natural talent and passions.”

Madalina has worked with the children at Keys on two previous occasions, leading masterclasses in romantic music and technique, and has performed favourites such as Chopin’s ‘Ballade no.1’ and Rachmaninov’s ‘Moments Musicaux‘ for the wider community in two memorable recitals.

She has already begun to develop her role in the school via video link during the lockdown period.

The piano school celebrates its second birthday in September. It has 250 students ranging from age three to the retired, and the additional teacher will create a staff of six.

The majority of the students have continued lesson via video call since lockdown.

Keys founder Jeni Warder said: “At Keys we welcome everyone to take the very first steps of their musical journeys, but it’s important to give even the youngest children access to high quality, live music, to widen their horizons and raise their aspirations. We are delighted to have Madalina provide an outstanding role-model to our students and deliver world-class performances at the heart of our community.”

It is hoped the planned coffee morning recital series for 20/21 will go ahead as planned, and details of this and other ways to get involved at Keys can be found on the website at www.keyspianoschool.com.