Our next Rising Star is 13 year old Monty
Our next Rising Star is one of the most promising young musicians on the Gulf music scene and is a fantastic bassoonist- and he is only 13 years old! Monty is a student at the British School Al Khubairat and started playing the bassoon when he was just 6 years old. Since then, and with the help of his teacher Mr Broun, Monty’s passion for music and his ability to play the unique instrument has gone from strength to strength; Monty has played alongside some of the best musicians in the world as part of the UAE National Symphony Orchestra and the National Youth Orchestra of Ireland, and he has already perfected famous pieces of music by the likes of Mozart and Tchaikovsky (pretty impressive for a 13 year old, huh?).
We caught up with Monty to find out more about his incredible achievements, what he loves about playing the bassoon, and how he hopes to inspire other children to get into music…
"It is a privilege to play such a cool instrument"
Now, we have to be honest, we didn’t know too much about the bassoon before we met with Monty, but after watching him play for just a couple of minutes, we were firmly converted into hardcore fans! Here’s what this motivated musician had to tell us…
Q: How did you start playing the bassoon?
Monty: I started playing the bassoon when I was 7 years old because Mr Broun bought a mini bassoon to my music lesson. I thought I was going to play the recorder so it came as a bit of a surprise!
Q: You’re obviously a fantastic musician and have already accomplished a lot since you started playing the bassoon. Which achievements are you most proud of?
Monty: Last year I got to play in the UAE National Symphony Orchestra, in the opening ceremony of World Skills. It was an amazing experience to play with almost 70 other great musicians, and that’s what really inspired me to try to take my music to the next level. Shortly after that I submitted a video audition to the National Youth Orchestra of Ireland, and was lucky enough to secure my place as one of only four bassoonists in the whole of the country. With the National Youth Orchestra of Ireland I played alongside a guest soloist at the National Concert Hall in December- which was incredible! I loved the experience of playing in my home country, and with some of the best musicians. I got to play some famous pieces which made me very proud, like Capriccio Italiano, by Tchaikovsky.
I also won “Most Promising Musician 15 years or Younger” at the recent Young Musicians of the Gulf, which I attended with BSAK. I was just really pleased to have reached the semi finals, so when I won the award I couldn’t believe it!
Q: Very impressive! So what it is about playing the bassoon that you love?
Monty: I really enjoy the thrill of performing and being able to express myself through my music- and I love to entertain people! There are only a few bassoons in the UAE so I think it is a privilege to play such a cool instrument.
Q: And who would you say inspires you to play?
Monty: Mr Broun for introducing me to the bassoon, and he has played in a lot of orchestras which I would love to continue to do when I am older. I was also taught by a bassoon specialist when I played as part of the National Youth Orchestra of Ireland. He was very talented and gave me lots of tips to improve how I play.
Q: What would you say to children who are interested in getting into music?
Monty: My biggest tip is to not be intimated by the instruments. Especially when you are younger, the instruments seem to be huge, but often there are smaller versions that you can try. So never be scared to try something and make sure that you explore different instruments.
"Monty is one of the most talented students I have taught"
Mr Broun, Monty’s music teacher and specialist double reed tutor at The British School Al Khubairat explains “Monty was the very first student I taught when I arrived in Abu Dhabi. I found a mini bassoon in my first few weeks of teaching at BSAK and thought it would be perfect for Monty. I think it came as a bit of a shock for his parents though when a 7 year old Monty came home with a bassoon instead of the clarinet that they had expected! Ever since then, Monty has been so keen and wanted to play in everything… concerts, ensembles, and classes. He passed his Grade 1 with Distinction within his first year, and is now working towards his Grade 7 exam in a few months. He even started playing in the senior concert band two years before he was a senior.”
“Monty is one of the most talented students I have taught in 21 years and it has been an honour to teach him and see him grow from a beginner to advanced musician in the last 7 years. Monty is now at a level where he regularly teaches other students, taking classes and passing on his skills to the younger generation at BSAK. He is inspiring other children to play the bassoon, and it is great that BSAK gives them the opportunity to experiment with different instruments.”
What is Yalla Rising Stars?
Yalla’s Rising Stars aims to inspire more children to take up a new activity, sport, or hobby by showcasing talented children across Abu Dhabi and making more people aware of the wonderful opportunities that exist for children across the Capital.
If you’re a teacher or a coach in Abu Dhabi and want to showcase your club in our exciting new feature, then please get in touch by emailing yalla@yallauae.ae
