MUSICAL maestro Emma Kerr has come third in a national music contest.

The Old Palace School student was competing in the European Piano Teachers' Association's National Piano Competition.

The 13-year-old has been playing the piano for seven years, but was still stunned by her success.

"It was amazing but so scary," she said. "My piano teacher entered me but I never thought I'd do this well because the competition was very good."

Emma, who is practising for her Grade 7 piano exam, aims to "inspire" her audience whenever she plays.

"It's a wonderful achievement to play to other people but you have to make sure you practise hard so you can play perfectly," she added.

"I practise every day but I enjoy it so it doesn't feel like work. It also helps to have something to motivate you.

"If you know you're going to play to a roomful of people you feel compelled to practise more."

When listening to the work of other pianists, she favours "romantic" music.

She said: "My favourite composer is Leoš Janácek, I think his music is very dreamy and the audience gets pulled into it.

"I like seeing them really enjoy it and get wrapped up in the music.

"I'm not too keen on classical music, it's very technical and your fingers have to move very fast so it can be very difficult."

In the competition, which took place in May, Emma performed pieces by Janácek and Joseph Haydn.

The talented teenager hopes to one day teach others to play the piano. My music teacher's really good, he's always pushing and encouraging me and I think it would be great to help other people learn it too," she explained.

Old Palace's music leader Gareth Hemmings says coming third in the "prestigious" competition is a fantastic achievement.

He added: "She is an outstanding pianist and has done extremely well to be placed in the top three at such a young age. I am sure her talent will continue to progress and excel as she matures."