Camas pianist sits down with a master

Camas — A Camas resident got firsthand instruction from a master pianist this month during a special work session held Jan. 13 by Portland Piano International. Natalie Burton, 23, was one of four students chosen to learn from visiting expert Vladimir Feltsman, who was in Portland for two sold-out recitals. Burton recently graduated from Pacific Lutheran University and is applying to conservatories in China for her master’s degree in piano, according to a press release. Feltsman critiqued her and other students in a blunt way to help improve their playing. “The process of playing piano, when done correctly, when the mental and physical are linked, is easy, natural and very enjoyable,” he said in coaching notes.