EVENTS | LUMEN
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I think that being at SJI at the right time and having the right talents are some of the many blessings I am very thankful for .
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Mr Jeremy Monteiro is an accomplished jazz musician who has played for dignitaries such as US President Barack Obama and Chinese Premier Hu Jintao . A fellow of the Royal Society of Music and Royal Society for the encouragement of the Arts , Manufactures and Commerce in the UK , Jeremy is widely regarded as Singapore ’ s ‘ King of Swing ’. Mr Monteiro is the first pianist and jazz musician to receive Singapore ’ s pinnacle award in Arts achievement – the Cultural Medallion .
Despite his numerous accolades , Mr Monteiro initially disliked his piano lessons . While learning how to use the sustained pedal on the piano , he had , one day , started the car engine only to place his leg against the hot engine . He also ventured into music like many students today . Instead of going home directly , he would end up at his friend ’ s place until late in the afternoon . Together with his friends , they alternated between drums , organ and piano , so everyone had a chance to play each instrument .
Mr Monteiro acknowledges a few people were very influential in his life . He recalls , “ I think besides my teacher , Mr Tan , in Sabah , the next very important person I had was Brother Joseph Wan who was the bandmaster and teacher ... I believe for his Master ’ s he actually did music : French horn , acoustic guitar and Spanish guitar . And he was very encouraging ; he would sit down and give me pep talks . I think besides Mr Tan , Brother Joseph Wan really cemented my interest and gave me focus . If I didn ’ t go to SJI that would have never happened , so I lived a very serendipitous life ; I always meet the right people at the right time . I think that being at SJI at the right time and having the right talents are some of the many blessings I am very thankful for .”
By the age of 15 , Mr Monteiro had aspired ‘ to become a professional musician , particularly in the world of jazz .’ He was fortunate to be auditioned and selected to play in the house band for the former Club 392 where he first learnt lessons on leadership as the band leader . Only a teenager , he was not only the pianist for the Club 392 but also the band leader . It was tough as the other musicians were in their thirties and forties . He recalls , “ I know one time one of my musicians wanted to beat me up because I told him to stop coming late to work . It was not easy to do but still it was a wonderful experience .”
In 1988 , Mr Monteiro founded the Composers and Authors Society of Singapore which administers copyrights for composers in Singapore . He has also played an integral role in the building of our national identity through his contributions of national day songs : “ Stand up for Singapore ”, “ Count On Me Singapore ”, “ We Are Singapore ” and “ One People , One Nation , One Singapore ”.
Mr Monteiro is currently leading a session for artists and musicians in the on-going Our Singapore Conversation . In particular , he indicated that “ it will be very interesting to talk about what can be done for people who are artistically or musically inclined , but who may have other challenges , physical or mental , where policy can help in the long term .”
For budding musicians , Mr Monteiro had this piece of advice : “ For anyone who has just even the least bit of talent in the music or arts , all you have to do is keep working on your craft on a constant basis , every day .”
Summing himself up as a musician : “ I play the music I love , with the people I love , for the people who love me .”