Brent Amado
Brent Cataneo Amado’s musical journey began as a response to an unusual situation—one that turned into a transformative opportunity. What started as a way to make the most of time during a global lockdown quickly became a passion that revealed his hidden potential. With online school sessions limiting outdoor activities, Brent’s mother encouraged him to explore new skills. Though he had initially struggled with music lessons at an early age, her unwavering support and innovative approach led to a second attempt—this time with resounding success.
Brent’s early attempts at music were humble but determined. Though piano lessons at four years old didn’t quite take hold, his mother’s resilience saw her enrolling both herself and Brent in drum lessons to build focus and engagement. When the pandemic halted those sessions, she reintroduced him to piano, hiring a private instructor who quickly recognized Brent’s extraordinary capacity for memorizing notes and learning complex pieces in record time.
Practice became a daily ritual, guided by the careful discipline instilled by his mother. Brent balanced schoolwork and play with focused music training, soon performing classics like The Entertainer and Für Elise. His very first live competition saw him claim gold at the Gulf Musician Idol 2022, marking the start of his rise as a celebrated young pianist.
Behind every note Brent plays is a story of patience, sacrifice, and structured guidance. With his mother setting aside her responsibilities to sit beside him during practice, Brent grew not just in talent, but in confidence. Regular home recitals trained him for bigger stages, where he earned acclaim from judges and audiences alike. His consistency has brought him top honors in numerous international competitions, including the London Young Musician Awards, the American Protégé International Music Competition, and the World Classical Music Awards. Beyond piano, Brent is a multi-faceted achiever—he’s a consistent winner in spelling bees, math challenges, art exhibits, and chess tournaments. His school recognized his brilliance through the Exemplary Award for Achievement Outside the School, affirming the diverse talents he brings to every arena. At each step, Brent’s commitment to practice and self-improvement has stood as his defining trait.
A disciplined routine underpins Brent’s day-to-day life. Mornings are for academics, while afternoons are filled with lessons in music, art, sports, and other creative fields. Despite a packed schedule, his weekends allow space for recreation—cycling, birthday parties, and open play. His hobbies include sketching, creating architectural models using 3D CADD software, playing chess, and engaging in immersive digital worlds like Minecraft. These diverse interests serve as both outlets and inspirations, fueling Brent’s long-term dream: to become the world’s best architect and design the next tallest structure on Earth. His mentors, Ms. Azalea Naz and Ms. Carmi Panerio, have been pivotal in refining his music for competitive stages. Brent’s philosophy—centered around consistency, hard work, and discipline—has enabled him to continually evolve. With each achievement, he proves that excellence isn’t always a product of raw talent, but often of sustained effort, the right guidance, and an unshakable belief in oneself.
Receiving the Global Child Prodigy Award 2025 has been an incredibly affirming moment in Brent’s journey. The recognition inspires him not only to continue giving his best but also to set a motivating example for others. His joy reflects not just personal accomplishment but a larger purpose—to show young dreamers that with discipline and perseverance, success is always within reach.
“Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.” – Jim Rohn
