CJ wowed audiences on The Piano. Now he's sharing a stage with the MSO

Seventeen-year-old Tasmanian pianist CJ Jones has experienced a whirlwind journey since his appearance on the popular ABC television show 'The Piano'. The experience has taught him significant life lessons, particularly the value of forging new friendships and the importance of unwavering determination.

“

My biggest dream is …To perform at Wembley Stadium.

Jones first captured the public's attention when he traveled from his hometown of Launceston to Brisbane's Queen Street Mall to perform for judges Andrea Lam and Guy Sebastian. His musical talent is deeply rooted in his family, with his grandmother introducing him to classical music and his father, Scott Jones, nurturing his interest in blues and jazz. During the show's finale at Sydney's City Recital Hall, Jones captivated audiences with his renditions of Queen's "Don't Stop Me Now" and Bach's "Toccata and Fugue in D minor."

Looking ahead to his debut performance with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra as part of the ABC Classic 100 concert, Jones shared insights into how the show transformed his life and offered advice to aspiring young pianists. His earliest piano memories date back to age two, banging keys while his father played blues. He recalls his father playing Johnny Johnson's "Tanqueray" and his grandmother playing Debussy's "Clair de lune." His father remains his primary teacher.

“

I have a system I do seven days a week. In the morning, I always do my scales first. I do it in any type of way that I can imagine.

Jones practices diligently seven days a week, employing a structured routine that includes scales for articulation and speed, hand exercises to strengthen specific fingers and wrists, and practice pieces focusing on phrasing, dynamics, and musical storytelling. His ultimate dream is to perform at Wembley Stadium, inspired by the many idols who have graced that iconic stage. His favorite pieces, including Bach's "Toccata and Fugue in D minor," Michael Jackson's "Bad" (arranged by Peter Bence), Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "Don't Stop Me Now," and Hans Zimmer's "He's a Pirate," are all popular works that he enjoys performing in unique arrangements designed to surprise audiences.

“

They're very popular. I love playing pieces that people would expect. They know how it goes, but I'm playing arrangements where these pieces are being twisted in a way that the audience wouldn't expect.