A young boy from Utica is getting attention from around the world on social media for his piano skills. A video of Ben Kidwell, 8, from Utica was recently posted on “The Pianist” Magazine Facebook page as he performed Billy Joel’s “Piano Man.”

Kidwell has the same interests as most other boys his age. He likes his brothers, baseball and jumping on his trampoline, but he also loves playing.

“I’ve always liked the sound of it, and I like to put smiles on other people’s faces,” said Kidwell.

The soon-to-be fourth grader has been playing the piano for about three years. He takes lessons with instructors a few times a week, but practices every morning with his mother. His talent is exceptional.

“It melts my heart every day. He gets up, he practices every single morning, at least an hour before school. Sometimes, he has to after school. He loves both of his teachers," said Ben's mother Christina Kidwell.

Ben has learned quite a few songs in a short time.

A few years ago, he scored high on the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music Test. He’s played at numerous sites in his community and he even received a letter from Senator Schumer who commended him for his talent.

However, his biggest moment so far came when his dad submitted this video of Ben performing Billy’s Joel’s "Piano Man" to “The Pianist” Facebook page. The video received more than 1.3 million views and received thousands of compliments online.

“I was like, ‘Oh my God!’ It made me really happy like doing it. I got really excited when I saw Billy Joel’s drummer, because Billy Joel is probably my favorite singer ever,” said Kidwell.

Ben’s parents couldn’t be prouder.

“Ben is incredibly talented, but he’s really a product of hard work. It’s early to know where he’s going to go, but he’s working really hard and we’re really proud of him,” said Ben's father, JP Kidwell.

And with that support, Ben can still be a kid for now. Ben recently played the national anthem at a Utica Blue Sox baseball game.

He said he plans on continuing to learn new songs and perfect songs by his favorite musicians Joel and Elton John.