Billy Joel was at Vanderbilt College answering questions for students when one Freshman asked if he could play music with him, Joel says, "O.K."

Vanderbilt University freshman Michael Pollack got the thrill of a lifetime in January when he managed to get onstage with Billy Joel during a Q&A and perform "New York State of Mind" with the singer. "My favorite song of yours is 'New York State of Mind,'" he said from the audience. "I was very fortunate to play with Richie Cannata [Joel's saxophone player] many times in New York City and I was wondering if I could play it with you." Joel didn't even hesitate, instantly saying "OK" and asking him what key he plays the song in. Joel then put on sunglasses and belted out the song while Pollack played piano. The student clearly knew the song well, and he played it flawlessly. "Remember that name," Joel told the crowd. "Guy's got chops!"

Michael Pollack grew up playing piano on Long Island, NY, and as he noted to TODAY anchors Matt Lauer, Savannah Guthrie, Natalie Morales and Al Roker on Wednesday, that meant he was naturally drawn to the area's best-known keyboard hero.

"Every Long Island piano player aspires to be Billy Joel," he said. "You don't have a choice. And I've been playing his music since I'm 10, 11, 12."