IF not for her guitar tutor's advice, 13-year-old singer-songwriter Mia Sifflet would still be pursuing a career in ballet.
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The New York-born Hunter School of Performing Arts student discovered her musical talent when she was in kindergarten, where she learnt to play the violin, read and write music and developed an ear for perfect pitch.
By the time Mia was 11, lyrics flowed freely from her and she started guitar and vocal lessons.
Mother Valerie said it was Mia's guitar tutor who encouraged her to pursue a musical career.
To date, Mia has written 18 songs, one of which recently landed her biggest opportunity yet.
This month, Lake Macquarie council named Mia the winner of the Lake Macquarie 2014 International Children's Games theme song competition.
Mia's track Never Give Up was one of 15 entries and was selected based on creativity, originality and communication of the Games' theme - inspire, embrace, unite.
The Games are the largest sporting youth event in the world and will be held at Lake Macquarie from December 6 to 11.
Mia will perform the song at the opening ceremony on December 7.