Experience
Educated at a local based American school followed by music conservatory in the USA after life at Nanyang Girls' High. Received a couple academic and piano competition awards during university days which granted scholarship. Lived and worked in the USA for a number of years, and came back to Singapore some years ago. Been in the performing arts area since a kid, such as choir, band, dance, drama. Taught in primary schools and music schools for... 8 years? Followed by 7 years of private teaching, plus occasional English lessons to students. Some parents do ask me to help out with oral English for the kids at the same time.
I teach mainly higher grades and diploma, including music theory up to grade 8. Some of my students became music teachers themselves, some became band musicians (either gigs or church), some got involved in performing arts in their schools or outside schools as well. I was a choir director and a hip hop and street jazz dance team leader/performer for a few years. I was also an assistant sound engineer for some years, and have gained sharp listening because we are constantly required to mix and balance the sound of each instrument and then overall as a band. I also have been a judge for singing competitions. I had many great opportunities to interact with British examiners through a close friend, and got to know their music personalities, habits, taste, etc. Students comment the same opinions I have with the examiners, also due to the fact that I was being taught by Americans almost my whole life. And yes, I do expect students to speak and write proper English! I cannot tolerate messiness and broken English!
I do not teach piano from a hardcore classical pianist aspect, especially when I also listen to a lot of dance hip hop music. I usually try to incorporate lessons learnt from choir/band practices or dance/drama classes into my piano teaching. I believe in a well-rounded education; theory, sight reading and aural skills are ALL important to me. I am a perfectionist and I am very meticulous - I do require students to be good in EVERYTHING. Many students remained with me for years and when they finished their grade 8 or diploma, I do see that they caught on to whatever skills they had learnt from me, be it music, language, social, etc.
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