Coffee with a Teacher: The Story Behind the ‘Musical Genius’

For pupils with dreams of pursuing music, having the opportunity to receive daily guidance from a world-class musical master on campus is incredibly valuable. The pupils at Wellington College Hangzhou have this opportunity every day.

The word Passion with the meaning of love or enthusiasm, has the Latin root parassis, which means suffering. As the outstanding Mexican painter Frida Kahlo once said: "Passion is the bridge that takes you from pain to change."

Mon's deep affection for the piano and music is self-evident. When it comes to describing him, terms like ‘talent’ and ‘passion’ feel somewhat inadequate when considering the relentless, long-term and gruelling practice he has undertaken. From a young age, he understood that there are no shortcuts to becoming an exceptional pianist, and that passion alone is insufficient. 

Mon even perceives the practice of piano and music as having been ingrained in him as an essential facet of his existence. It's not merely an exertion but rather a natural condition of his life: 

“I practised almost 12 hours per day when I was young. Now someday I still have to carry on, this is life as a musician, you have to practice forever and you need to work hard every day.” 

His motivation stemmed from an inner quest for music during his student days, and now, his aspiration is to connect with others through music, to employ music as a medium for imparting knowledge and to effect change through the power of music. 

When discussing the pursuit of music, many people emphasise the role of talent, which is indeed crucial since numerous musicians are identified as prodigies at a young age. However, the journey to becoming a musician encompasses more than just innate ability; it also requires rigorous training and the favour of opportunity. Out of the millions of piano learners, only a handful of true musicians manage to stand out. 

What constitutes opportunity? It is often said that when the winds of fortune blow, only those who are prepared to sail with them can ultimately reach the harbour of their dreams. 

Reflecting on his musical journey, it appears that Mon has seized these opportunities with both hands. He studied in Ireland, where he encountered his first mentor, the esteemed pianist Fenella Moynihan. Later, he met his mentor Annalisa Monticelli from Italy, who introduced him to the realm of performance. 

Following in the footprints of his mentors, Mon began to lead several choirs and embarked on tours with them across nearly 35 countries, performing nearly a hundred concerts in just two years. 

“After completing all the performances, I participated in a competition in Norway and was honoured to finish fifth in the open category. After that, I received many invitations from orchestras to become their assistant conductor. I felt incredibly fortunate and enjoyed playing music with them.” 

However, the journey was not without its challenges. Among the many indelible performances, Mon vividly remembers a conducting experience at the Albert Hall, where he courageously and decisively took on both the roles of conductor and soloist after a key soloist unexpectedly withdrew just half an hour before the concert was due to begin. 

That incident even made the news, with some speculating that it was a wild publicity stunt plotted by the agent. Fortunately, the soloist arrived just in time, and Mon was immensely relieved and grateful. This unexpected turn of events not only lifted the pressure from Mon but also earned him the recognition and commendation of many world-class musicians. 

It can be said that all of Mon's current experiences are rooted in those treasured years. He gained a profound understanding of music through those enriching experiences, which fuelled his determination to continue practising and evolve into a better artist. Mon is committed to devoting himself wholeheartedly to music performance, for himself and for others. 

“Suddenly, I felt that I had reached a plateau in my career, and with my father falling ill, I thought it was time to return home. So, I ceased performing and went back to be with my family. That's when I became a teacher. Once I stepped into my first international school, I realised that the achievement and the accomplishment that you get from the students is irreplaceable and is completely different as a performer.” 

In an international school, the role and commitment of a music teacher extends far beyond merely teaching children a few songs, as some might presume. 

Even the act of learning to sing transcends the act itself. A music lesson with Mon encompasses his entire educational philosophy in practice: developing perception and appreciation of beauty, acquiring skills, forming habits, integrating interdisciplinary knowledge and fostering leadership and collaborative abilities. 

Mr. Mon has transformed a music class into an experience that is part music lesson, part English lesson and part history lesson. Yet, it could have been just about learning a simple song. 

"What I aspire for my pupils is to appreciate all types of music. Regardless of your personal music preferences, you should learn to appreciate other genres, even if they are not to your taste. Don't be aggressive or narrow-minded about music because everyone has their own inclinations." 

Such a vision stems from Mon's diverse cultural background and experiences. Born in Malaysia, he is fluent in three languages and has performed in nearly 40 countries, which has enabled him to interact with and comprehend a variety of ethnicities and cultures. When confronted with a wealth of cultural information, he consistently endeavours to keep an open mind and prevent his thinking from becoming too rigid. 

"When I started performing in Hungary, I needed to understand the cultural background. How did they start this performance, and what pieces would they use? When I was in London, I needed to understand how this piece relates to the people. It always requires learning and practice." 

As a result, he also aspires for his pupils at Wellington College Hangzhou to embrace diversity and inclusivity, approaching each step with understanding and respect. 

As the year draws to a close, Mon can't help but look back on the unforgettable Orchestra: A Symphony of Silver Screen Dreams. 

“Last year we had our very first orchestral performance, and it was very successful because the children were playing nonstop for an hour and a half without a break. I think that is a big achievement for myself and also the children, given their young age and likely limited experience in sustained performances.  

His concerns were alleviated by the pupils, who, after months of dedicated preparation, successfully executed the entire concert. This was another shining moment for Wellington College Hangzhou, creating a cherished memory for both Mon and his pupils. 

The sense of achievement when witnessing pupils grow and flourish is indescribable. 

“Hearing them confidently say ‘Oh, Mr Mon, I won a competition’ or ‘Mr Mon, I was on a stage, that is the moment that you realise that I actually picked the right choice to step back from a performer and become an educator. I am very lucky to have become the head of music in Wellington College Hangzhou. “

Knowing that Mr Mon has long been a highly popular teacher among pupils at Wellington College Hangzhou, we hoped that Mon could share some insights on how to become a popular teacher. 

However, he prefers the term 'trustworthy' over 'popular.' He finds the deep trust pupils place in him to be a valuable and joyful experience. 

"Pupils feel comfortable confiding in me about their personal lives or sharing their concerns, and they trust that I will keep their confidences," he says. These interactions have fostered a unique connection with his pupils, where they converse like adults. Mon firmly believes that no child wishes to be treated merely as a child; rather, their capabilities and individual needs should be respected. 

Equally crucial, as a responsible educator, is the establishment of clear boundaries. "Offering freedom while also setting necessary rules creates a secure and comfortable space where children can explore and express themselves freely. Within this structure, they are more inclined to communicate with you, which in turn strengthens the trust established." 

Mon encourages his pupils to follow their interests, believing that instead of focusing solely on known and tangible goals, it's more important to inspire them to discover higher aspirations or even to create and pursue objectives that have yet to emerge in our ever-evolving world. 

Like Claude Debussy once said, "To venture to the land of imagination, a place not found on maps." 

Q：Who is your favourite musician or singer, and why?

A：I don't have a favourite musician or singer; I think everyone is wonderful. Whether someone is performing music, composing it, or contributing to it in any way, they are all extraordinary.

Q：Could you recommend a song you like and tell us the story behind it?

A: The ‘Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso Op. 28’ composed by the French composer Saint-Saèns. It is a masterpiece that highlights the technical prowess of the violin. It is also the piece that I performed for my stage debut. I invested a lot of time, practising 12 hours a day, and ultimately completed the performance successfully. 

Q：Besides music, do you have any other hobbies or interests?

A：Unfortunately, no, because music is everything to me. I listen to music, play music, practise music, and in my spare time, I try to write more musical scores.

Q：What kind of city do you think Hangzhou is?

A：This city blends profound traditional culture with entrepreneurship. It has the historical atmosphere exuded by natural landscapes such as West Lake and numerous ancient temples, as well as the vitality and diversity brought by the booming technology enterprises and flourishing cultural and artistic exchanges. These elements are interwoven, making Hangzhou a unique and infinitely possible place.

Q：What motivated you to pursue a career in the field of music?

A：It might sound a bit funny, but the truth is that my mother didn’t think I was brilliant, so she signed me up for a music course. From there, things just unfolded, and I was fortunate enough to meet my mentor, who then guided me to study abroad. This journey shaped me into the performer and educator I am today.

Q：What are your plans for the future?

A：Looking ahead as a teacher at Wellington College Hangzhou, I hope to continue promoting music education and provide more advanced performance opportunities for pupils at different levels. Whether they are new to music or have some experience, I want them to have the chance to shine on stage and fully exhibit their talents. Through these endeavours, my goal is to nurture more future music stars.