They say it takes a village to raise a child. Well sometimes it also takes a village to send that child to music school. Join local pianist Malik at his piano recital, raising funds to send him to Melbourne to live his dream.
Malik is a 17-year-old Bangalow pianist gaining attention and praise for his remarkable talent. It was just five-and-a-half years ago that his fingers touched the keys, where he found not just natural ability but profound passion and purpose.
Most recently Malik featured on the popular ABC TV series The Piano, where he garnered praise from judges Harry Connick Jnr and Andrea Lam.
He has been described by his mentors as ‘a one-in-a-million talent’ and ‘a true prodigy whose musical ability far exceeds his years.’ Starting piano in Bangalow with Linda Armstrong, Malik later came under the tutelage of Mark Hooper in Brisbane.
In 2024, Malik passed his Licentiate Diploma of Music Performance with honours and in 2025, Malik was awarded first place in the 17 to 18-year category of the Queensland Piano Competition.
Holding a scholarship at the Northern Rivers Conservatorium for two years running, Malik has also studied jazz with instructor Nic Campbell.
In 2026, Malik is looking forward to beginning tertiary studies at the Conservatorium of Music in Melbourne. He has been offered a partial scholarship that will shape his future as a professional musician. But the residential fees of Ormond College are unaffordable for Malik’s single mum Ambyr Johnston who works in the Mullumbimby Women’s Resource Service supporting women and children subjected to domestic violence.
Ambyr has been supporting vulnerable women and children for years, and now it’s time to support her by attending Malik’s 50-minute recital at the Byron Theatre where he will be playing pieces from his favourite composers: Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Liszt, and Rachmaninov.
At 17, Malik is too young to start university far from home, so the opportunity to live on campus at Ormond College provides a safe and independent opportunity for a country boy. By supporting Malik, you are not just helping a young man study music – you are investing in a rare talent and a future artist.
Please support this aspiring classical pianist.
Saturday, January 31 at 2pm at the Byron Theatre, Community Centre
Tickets $40 plus bf from byroncentre.com.au
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