Bangalow’s burgeoning Beethoven wows Harry Connick Jr – now he needs your help

MALIK Sofian had never heard of Harry Connick Jr before he appeared on the ABC TV series The Piano. But he was honoured when the Grammy Award–winning American musician, who is a judge on the show, praised his remarkable talent and potential.

“It was inspiring to hear from someone so successful that there’s a belief that I could be the same and that’s what I want – to be great,” the 17-year-old Bangalow pianist said.

Sofian began lessons with Bangalow piano teacher Linda Armstrong just five years ago. He has also studied with Brisbane piano teacher Mark Hooper and worked with local music therapist Rebecca Fogarty, who encouraged him to apply for The Piano.

 

The heartwarming reality music show sees everyday Australians with a passion for the instrument performing in busy locations across the country, such as Central Station in Sydney, sharing their personal stories and the transformative power of music.

Sofian had struggled in the conventional school system, where rigid rules and social dynamics made it difficult for him to feel accepted. He switched to homeschooling, which gave him more time to dedicate to music, before completing his HSC at the Cape Byron Rudolf Steiner School in Ewingsdale last year.

He had also never been interested in rock or pop and didn’t think he cared much for music at all — until he discovered classical music.

 

He completed a two-year scholarship at the Northern Rivers Conservatorium, earned his Licentiate Diploma of Music Performance with honours in 2024, and won first place in the 17–18-year-old category of the Queensland Piano Competition in 2025.

Sofian has now been offered a partial scholarship at the Conservatorium of Music in Melbourne, but the residential fees at Ormond College are beyond the means of his single mother, Ambyr Johnston, who works at the Mullumbimby Women’s Resource Service supporting women and children affected by domestic violence.

The pair hope to raise $20,000 for his first year through a GoFundMe page set up by Fogarty and a fundraising recital, where Sofian will perform works by his favourite composers, including Bach and Mozart.

 

 

The 50-minute recital will take place at Byron Theatre at 2pm on January 31. Tickets cost $40.

For more information and tickets, head to byroncentre.com.au