Eric Lacy

Lansing State Journal

LANSING - Monntel West intended to have a low-key Friday night at Lansing Mall.

The 18-year-old Everett High School senior had no idea that he'd become a viral Internet star.

"I was going up there to meet a friend," West told the Lansing State Journal. "All of a sudden people started surrounding me."

West's skills were put to use at the east end of the mall while he was simply trying to kill time. This self-taught pianist since eighth grade bellied up to the piano on display near the Campus Den sports apparel shop and went to work.

At first, nobody really paid attention. Then a few visitors heard the beginning of West's rendition of "River Flows in You," a song by Yiruma, a South Korean pianist and composer, and were blown away.

"I had goosebumps," said Lansing resident Sara Hadley, who took video of West's unexpected performance on her iPhone. "It was just amazing, and I figured he just deserved some sort of recognition."

Recognition is an understatement, as Hadley's 1-minute, 48-second video of West on her Facebook page had, as of 1 p.m. Tuesday, attracted over 400,000 views. Not bad for West, who not only hasn't received any formal piano training, but doesn't even own one at home.

That could change soon. By 8 a.m. Monday, West had already received several offers for free lessons and a free piano. There's also an online fundraiser for West via GoFundMe that was set up by John Dewey, the Okemos Music Academy's owner and director. To make a donation, visit http://bit.ly/1ZZo5bN.

The academy gives instruction to about 260 students a week and has 18 instructors. Dewey said West would be a great addition because he clearly has natural talent and drive. Dewey offered West two months of free lessons at the academy after he stumbled upon his video online. Money raised online will support more lessons for West after the two-month period and possibly a new piano, Dewey said. By early Tuesday afternoon, 82 donors raised over $2,500 in less than 24 hours.

"I'm sure there are definitely kids out there who have the potential, but don't have the means," said Dewey, who has a degree in violin performance. "How do you find all of them? Well, I know how I found this guy."

West said he's really only learned how to play by practicing on a keyboard; YouTube videos help, too. He doesn't really know how to read music, but apparently has a keen sense for replicating musically what he hears.

What makes West's talents even more impressive is the fact that he doesn't know how to read music. He performed Yiruma's "River Flows in You" while he had the song "Loss of a Twin" — from the movie Eagle Eye — playing through his headphones.

"If I did get lessons, I think I could be better," West said modestly Sunday morning over the phone. "You can always get better."

West lives in Lansing with his father and 16-year-old brother. He hasn't been able to afford piano lessons, but plans to study music management for two years at Lansing Community College. He would then like to transfer to Michigan State University to pursue that major.

Hadley, a mother of two high school-aged children, grew up visiting the Lansing Mall and has wondered for a while why a piano would be there for anyone to play. Hadley heard kids bang on the keys before, and wondered if West was just another kid goofing around.

She's grateful for the surprise and hopes increased recognition of West's unquestionable talent will help him get a tangible award: his own piano. Hadley sent the video to "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" to see if it might catch the entertainer's eye.

“It was nice to hear somebody who knew what they were doing," Hadley said laughing. "And he wasn't really trying to show off by any means."

West sure sounded humble over the phone Sunday before headed to his job at a cafeteria inside a MSU dormitory. West reflected on the energy and motivation he receives from having an actual audience. West also emphasized he simply wants to help others realize that's OK to sometimes put on a show.

West's video became so popular Sunday that he became overwhelmed with Facebook friend requests and messages from across the country. West's new fans appear to not only be fond of the music he can play, but the stereotypes and barriers he's unintentionally breaking.

"Everybody has those hidden talents and hidden abilities," West said. "Hopefully this shows people to not be afraid to show them."

Eric Lacy is a reporter for the Lansing State Journal. Contact him at 517-377-1206 or elacy@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @EricLacy.