AN INTERNATIONAL pianist gave a masterclass in music to students at a Letchworth GC school who also had the chance to perform with him.

Young musicians from Fearnhill School enjoyed the talents of Masayuki Tayam, who has won numerous piano competitions in Japan and Europe, as he visited the Icknield Way-based school.

Pupil Jeremy Beard said: “It was a truly inspirational day, Masa was so supportive of our efforts but also demanding of a good performance.”

Sixth former Daniel Margetson added: “It was a real pleasure to see someone of his talent performing with us and to us.”

Continuing the international theme, Fearnhill have also been selected to join a new European initiative involving three schools on the continent.

Pupils and staff will have the chance to interact with schools in Denmark, The Netherlands and Spain using new technologies as they jointly study four different topics.