Greetings and welcome to my humble website!
I am based in Singapore and have been teaching piano since age 20. I have since made it my lifelong passion and teaching full time has enriched my life with many students who have become my lifelong friends, and not forgetting those who are inspired by me to take up this profession as a piano teacher! Whether you are a young adult hoping to learn a new hobby or a mom or dad looking for a patient and friendly teacher for your child, this is the right place for you. With my many years of experience, I can certainly help you on your musical journey!
Music Experience
Discovering my love for the piano came young as my roots of a Catholic family grew where church services introduced beautiful hymns and worship songs. Being in the children’s choir exposed me to many genres of music. My own journey began at age 4 when I peered into a classroom of music students and I was awestruck by the immense fun and music that they were making.
With my strong background in music, having attended Yamaha group courses and individual graded classes since young, I performed on the electone with my school ensemble and was selected to sing publicly for the Inaugural School Opening Ceremony for my primary school. I was dedicated as the school pianist in C.H.I.J. Katong Convent Secondary and my love for music took me to greater heights to become a member of the Rondalla music group in National University of Singapore (NUS).
It didn’t stop there, as I continued my fervent interest in other instruments, and tried my hand at the violin, mandolin, guitar, ukulele and drums, among many others and conducted piano accompaniment for instrumental examinations and ballet practices. Being the keyboardist for a local indie rock band helped kindle my passion in contemporary genres and I also performed solo at weddings.
In my course of learning, I had the rare opportunity of studying under Mr Lee Tack Fah, the eminent author for the Theory Drills book series and was taught by the renowned Ms Low Shao Suan for my diploma studies.
If you thought my life seemed ideal; well, it was hardly. The path of my music education was not all smooth sailing. In the attempt to support my own advanced piano studies, I gave private tuition and did occasional odd jobs, while seeing myself through my own academic degree course at NUS as I did not come from an affluent family.
Thankfully, it paid off and I currently hold a LTCL (Licentiate from Trinity College London) Diploma, having achieved the passes in ABRSM grade 8 theory and practical in piano as well.
During my stint at Singapore Lyric Opera in later years, I had the opportunity to realize music in ways other than performance, as it taught me life principles such as communication and teamwork. The connection fueled my motivation to do better every day so I continue to attend seminars and music-related courses on an annual basis.
Pushing boundaries take courage. I decided to set up 2 music-and-art studios in Tampines and Hougang earlier on during my teaching career. Sadly, the experience of being a business woman (in terms of being a small-time CEO and CFO, with its ties to a whole gamut of administrative and management duties) lasted for a few years but my growth in tenacity, resilience and experience in managing social situations is significant. This proved a real turning point during the covid pandemic years (in 2020-2022), wherein I proposed online classes (via zoom and other social media tools) to keep students ontrack despite the disruptive period.
Despite setbacks, I’m continually blessed with rising opportunities. The privilege of being on a panel of esteemed Adjudicators (judges) thrice consecutively for the 8th, 9th and 10th Guitar Ensemble Festivals, allowed me the golden opportunity to share expertise with other likeminded musicians in my field such as Dr. Robert Casteels and Dr. Joseph Peters. Held in Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, Lee Foundation Theatre, as well as at The Republic Polytechnic, the Festivals gathered nationwide students who showcased their talents, in preparation for the annual Singapore Youth Festivals (SYF)
Teaching Students
I believe in collaborating with students so that their overall experience becomes an open two-way conversation. It is critical in knowing what stage students are at, academically and emotionally, so that lesson plans can suit each individual’s capabilities and workloads.
As a lesson progresses, I usually assess if further adaptations are needed. Each student is unique in their way of learning or processing information. Understanding this and harnessing their strengths have enabled them to sit for a piano exam confidently or participate in school talentime and/or recognized competitions in their learning journey.
Time to time, I will make it a point to organize recitals and events in order to boost students’ confidence levels and to make them aware of larger-scaled music settings.
Good communication is crucial in progression. I encourage feedback, and do so regularly to the guardians and parents so that you can actively participate in the development of your child’s progress.
