Among the competitors at this year’s Missouri Southern International Piano Competition is 17-year-old Yale Work. Work will be playing in the junior division.

Work, from Colorado, has been playing the piano for 11 years. His parents got him started taking lessons at a young age after he showed interest by watching his father play.

“He would stand behind me and watch me play, so I started teaching him a few measures everyday,” said Work’s father. “He caught on quick.”

Work has one brother and one sister. They are both in college and can play the piano as well.

“My sister still plays, but my brother doesn’t really keep up with it anymore,” he said.

This is Work’s first time to come to this competition. He played in his first competition when he was 12 years old. He has played in many others, mainly in Colorado, and has taken first place in 10 of those competitions.

“My teacher recommended I come here, and said it would be a great opportunity,” Work said.

Work says he really enjoys playing the piano, it isn’t a forced or required activity for him. His parents don’t make him play, but he chooses to.

The junior finals and the announcement of junior winners will be held April 24, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.