While in San Francisco he met singing master Bellini who saw great potential in the young Rafael and gave him a scholarship to train under him.
Under Bellini he was able to perfect his vocal techniques but also received training in composing works, stage performing and singing operas, operettas and zarzuelas.
Later, he met Francis Bloem, president of the Beverly Hills performing arts company, who saw his potential and sent him to a singing contest in New Orleans, where Montes won third place.
He was pleasantly surprised as he was invited to perform at the 20th anniversary commemoration of the bombing of Pearl Harbor at the Disneyland Hotel in Los Angeles on December 7, 1961.
In addition to his role as a dramatic tenor, musician, guitarist, composer, voice coach and music teacher he was also the founder of the Opera of El Salvador, which even in its early years boasted 80 members and a group of soloists.