Many people try their arm at a musical instrument when growing up. Some drop out after a few lessons and a lot of nagging from parents to practice. Others stay the distance and battle though the squeaky attempts at a reel to become great players. It’s rare, however, to come across somebody with such obvious natural musical talent as Waterford lad, Cian Smith.

10-year old Cian has only been playing the uilleann pipes for just two short years and has already achieved a standard of playing and technique that many musicians can only dream off.

Just this month, he traveled to Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Sligo, the world’s largest Irish traditional music competition and festival, and took home the gold medal in not only the U-12 uilleann pipes competition but in the U-12 tin whistle competition as well.

Cian’s teacher, David Power, recently posted this video of the ridiculously talented young man playing his own rendition of the tune “The Boy on the Gap” to Facebook. If there was ever a case of an instrument seeming like just another part of a person’s body, this would be it. Cian is a natural and he obviously enjoys every second of it.

“Cian Smith is ten, and he's been playing the pipes for only two years, he is incredibly talented and very hard working, with wonderfully dedicated parents,” David said. “He just won the U12 uilleann pipes and tin whistle competitions today in Sligo and I'm very proud to be his teacher!”

If you fancy trying your hand at an Irish traditional musical instrument, just like young Cian, you can find all the help you need to get started in IrishCentral’s “Learn to play Irish music” series. We can’t promise you’ll be able to complete with this young man but it will at least get you started.

Cian Smith is ten, and he's been playing the pipes for only two years, he is incredibly talented and very hard working, with wonderfully dedicated parents. He just won the U12 uilleann pipes and tin whistle competitions today in Sligo and I'm very proud to be his teacher!

Posted by David Power on Dé Sathairn, 15 Lúnasa 2015