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Monty Harper
After seven years of grueling study, resulting in two degrees in the field of abstract mathematics, Monty Harper never did take a real job. Instead he chucked it all to seek fame and fortune as a children's musician. His parents, who paid for his education, declined to comment.
A decade later, fame and fortune still elude this interminable songster. He is nonetheless happy, stating that the real rewards of his job are the grins and giggles, high-fives and hugs he gets from kids, and the handshakes from parents who say, "We listened to your CD all the way to California and back."
Indeed it seems obvious now, and even his parents agree, that Monty stumbled into a career meant just for him. He is a fixture of summer reading programs at libraries throughout Oklahoma, Kansas, and Northern Texas; he has released three critically acclaimed CDs of original kids' songs; he writes and records for clients such as the Oklahoma Department of Libraries; and at schools he is a regular pied piper, leading kids to create their own musical masterpieces.
Still, the question on everyone's lips seems to be, "Master's in math? Kids' songs? Huh?" Monty maintains that there is some deep mysterious connection in our brains between music and mathematics. "Math is communicating complex ideas creatively with very precise language,” he says. “Writing songs for kids, on the other hand, is communicating complex ideas precisely with very creative language." Whatever the connection, kids and parents the world over are glad he made the switch.
Monty is one of the most often booked acts on the Oklahoma Arts Council touring roster. His “Wacky Witty Way-Out Songs” inspire kids to sing, laugh, and move with the music. His lyrics are intelligent, with clever twists, plays on words, and colorful metaphors. Adults in the audience often claim they enjoy the show as much as the kids.
Monty’s three commercially released recordings are Jungle Junk! (1992), Imagine That (1996), and Take Me to Your Library (2003). Monty does his recording at home, playing nearly all the parts himself on a myriad of instruments, including guitar, keyboard, and concertina. He focuses exacting attention on each arrangement and is a big fan of found sounds and playful vocal effects. His fans enjoy finding some new detail to appreciate with each listen. Monty lists among his creative heroes The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Paul Simon, They Might Be Giants, and Dr. Seuss.
Monty’s latest CD, Take Me to Your Library, was recently honored with a Parents’ Choice Award. Other accolades include two Children’s Music Web Awards and a Unisong International Song Contest award. Monty’s recordings are available internationally through www.CDBaby.com and www.Amazon.com
Monty resides in Stillwater, Oklahoma, with his wife, Lisa, and their daughter, Evalyn.
To contact Monty Harper
Monty Harper Productions
2419 N Monroe, Stillwater, OK 74075-2124
(405) 624-3805
e-mail:
Please follow the links below to hear some of Monty's music.