Monty grew up in the DC suburb of Derwood, MD with his Mom, Dad and two older sisters who both moved out by
the time he was six. His mom was a management analyst for the federal government; while his dad, born in
Paraguay, came to the U.S as a twelve year old and held the title of Vice President of a Washington DC bank.
It was right about 1st grade that Monty’s ears first perked up to Jerry Lee Lewis. Out of his parent’s old, HUGE
stereo speakers, he heard “Great Balls of Fire” for the first time and felt the desire to play like the legend. Soon
he began to pick out the notes on the piano and figure out how blues worked. Eventually, he could play the solo
right along with Jerry Lee. He began to imitate all the songs that appealed to him, focusing first on his parent’s
collection—none of which was released after 1970.
Because many traditional teachers of piano are unwilling to deviate from normal teaching methods, lessons
seemed an unviable option for young Montanaro with his knack for mimicking songs he heard; however, in his
teen years, Monty found Frank Plummer who, in three years, taught him how the keys relate to one another. He
was able to understand the relationship between notes and the melodic structure of songs. During high school,
Monty immersed himself in football and wrestling; although, he remained active with music, fronting several
bands, including Kent, a band that won a county-wide battle of the bands and the opportunity to perform at Club
Nation in downtown DC.
While a student at Coastal Carolina University near Myrtle Beach, SC, he began searching out bands, programs,
classes, whatever would help him get more from music. Here he found a mentor and kindred spirit in professor
Dan O’Rielly. With his combined knowledge from Frank and Dan, Monty began to understand how to play with a
band.
On one of his many ventures to see local bands, Monty saw The Necessary Brothers and was immediately
impressed. He began to follow the band, keyboard in tote, hoping for a chance to sit in. Eventually, he won the
opportunity to audition and gain entry into the band.
He maintains that his success should be credited to his mom and dad who have supported him through all his
decisions, no matter how seemingly stupid they were.
the time he was six. His mom was a management analyst for the federal government; while his dad, born in
Paraguay, came to the U.S as a twelve year old and held the title of Vice President of a Washington DC bank.
It was right about 1st grade that Monty’s ears first perked up to Jerry Lee Lewis. Out of his parent’s old, HUGE
stereo speakers, he heard “Great Balls of Fire” for the first time and felt the desire to play like the legend. Soon
he began to pick out the notes on the piano and figure out how blues worked. Eventually, he could play the solo
right along with Jerry Lee. He began to imitate all the songs that appealed to him, focusing first on his parent’s
collection—none of which was released after 1970.
Because many traditional teachers of piano are unwilling to deviate from normal teaching methods, lessons
seemed an unviable option for young Montanaro with his knack for mimicking songs he heard; however, in his
teen years, Monty found Frank Plummer who, in three years, taught him how the keys relate to one another. He
was able to understand the relationship between notes and the melodic structure of songs. During high school,
Monty immersed himself in football and wrestling; although, he remained active with music, fronting several
bands, including Kent, a band that won a county-wide battle of the bands and the opportunity to perform at Club
Nation in downtown DC.
While a student at Coastal Carolina University near Myrtle Beach, SC, he began searching out bands, programs,
classes, whatever would help him get more from music. Here he found a mentor and kindred spirit in professor
Dan O’Rielly. With his combined knowledge from Frank and Dan, Monty began to understand how to play with a
band.
On one of his many ventures to see local bands, Monty saw The Necessary Brothers and was immediately
impressed. He began to follow the band, keyboard in tote, hoping for a chance to sit in. Eventually, he won the
opportunity to audition and gain entry into the band.
He maintains that his success should be credited to his mom and dad who have supported him through all his
decisions, no matter how seemingly stupid they were.
Mark Montanaro
Keyboard/Vocals
She's Not Going Under
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