From their early days, Mary and Kenneth...

From their early days, Mary and Kenneth Roberts of Irvine had a great love for music and wanted their children to work in that area. Of their eight children, ranging in age from 4 to 26, three are concert pianists.

“We work with our children a great deal,” she said, noting that daily practice usually starts around 6 a.m. on two pianos at home to prepare for such events as a recent talent competition in the Brea Cultural Center where Brett, 13, David, 10, and John, 7, participated. John scored the highest, winning second place.

And coming up is Randy, 4, who started on the piano. And so is mother. “When I have more time,” she said, “I’m going to take piano lessons.”