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Once homeless, University of West Florida music student James Matthews to perform at Carnegie Hall

University of West Florida piano student James Matthews, formerly homeless, has won the opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York as part of the American Protégé International piano & strings competition.

James Matthews, 24, discovered a love for the piano at a very young age — his father started teaching him about blues and jazz when he was just 3 — and credits music with getting him through some difficult times, including homelessness.

"I always had my piano, and it’s always been my escape," he told the Associated Press. "I decided if I never gave up it would get me through life, and it has. I don't know where I'd be if it wasn’t for music."

Shortly after his high school graduation, Matthews found himself without a place to live. His parents "were out of the picture," WEAR-TV reported.

"I ended up sleeping wherever I could sleep for about a year and a half," said Matthews.

Matthews found refuge in the 24-hour piano studio at Florida Southern College in Lakeland. His teacher found him sleeping there one night and intervened.

"He found me sleeping in his studio and pretty much got me out of that situation, found me a different school to go to where I had a dorm and a roof over my head," said Matthews.

The professor helped Matthews enrol at Chipola College, where the student could afford dorm life. After earning his associate degree there, he transferred to the University of West Florida to complete his undergraduate degree.

There, at the suggestion of one of his instructors, he entered the American Protégé International piano & strings competition.

"When we entered the competition, it was just taking a risk to see what would happen. (Instructor Heidi Salanki) was really happy for me, but she made sure I started practicing even more," Matthews said.

Matthews, who practices for up to 10 hours a day, was named an Honourable Mention winner. His prize: the opportunity to play at the iconic Carnegie Hall in New York City on April 20.

"It's a dream come true. I never would have thought in a million years I see myself going on that stage, and it just means the world to me," Matthews told WEAR-TV.

A beautiful performance at Carnegie Hall could help launch his music career to the next level, WEAR-TV reported, as top musicians from all over the world will be watching.

"This will give James the opportunity to play music venues around the country. Everyone respects a Carnegie Hall performance," said Bill Dollarhide, owner of Dollarhide's Music Center in Pensacola, who has known Matthews for two years.

"I really don't know what's going to happen with it or anything, but I'm just going to go and try my best and stay focused," said Matthews.

Matthews hopes to eventually pursue his masters and doctorate degree in the piano.