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Learn Piano on your own in 5 steps!

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Learn Piano on your own in 5 steps!

While most people prefer attending piano lessons in Singapore, it is entirely possible to learn the piano without attending lessons! In this article, we want to use our 10 years of experience running our music school to help you skip piano lessons! Yes, you heard that right! While this may not be suitable for everyone, it might just benefit you. Let’s dive in.

Step 1: You can learn piano without a teacher but not without a piano!

Step 1 of teaching yourself the piano is, obviously, to have the right tool to learn it. If you are thinking of using the Garageband on your iPad, please drop that idea. Piano playing requires that tactile sensation of hitting a key and the touch screen devices simply can’t offer it. However, we understand that committing to an acoustic piano is a heavy decision. But we are here to help! Read our article “A guide to buying your first piano” to have a clearer idea!

Piano lessons in Singapore

Kaiser is using a digital keyboard for his piano performance!

 

Step 2: Revise your music theory!

If you grew up in Singapore, you would have completed at least 10 years of music theory during your music classes during school! During the last 10 years, Vinnie Classroom has been one of the many vendors in Singapore offering music lessons. Commonly referred to as AMIS (Arts and Music Instructor Scheme), it is a registry of instructors with MOE for providing what we specialize in. However, being physically there during music lessons is enormously different from paying attention and learning what was taught. Thankfully you can still revise and get yourself back on track with music theory books and lessons! Piano playing requires a good grasp of music theory and there are plenty of resources these days. Rockschool and ABSRM offer music theory examinations and they are very popular amongst our students. Of course, if reading these books on your own isn’t working, you can consider signing up for our music theory lessons! Our teachers go through regular training to keep their minds fresh too! Because everyone needs help on this topic.

ANZCA Piano Asia Representative Ms. Audrey Chin

Ms Chin teaching interesting music theory during a teachers’ training session!

Step 3: Work on good piano-playing postures and techniques

The most commonly overlooked factor for most self-taught musicians has to be proper postures and techniques. Because of the lack of a piano teacher, most people are unable to tell if they are doing it right. However, this article intends to help you learn the piano correctly on your own, so we are sharing some useful pointers to take note of when practicing. Moreover, modern technology and the abundance of free resources have made self-learning more accessible and achievable than ever.

  • Use your phone to video your practice session and use it to review your piano techniques and postures.
  • Place a mirror by the side of your piano for instant correction of habits.
  • Refer to helpful Infogrames. For example, refer to our Good Piano Posture infogram below!
  • Search the internet for more information! Google is your best friend 😀
Good Piano Playing Posture

Infogram on Good Piano Posture

Step 4: The essentials of piano playing

Piano playing is impossible if one does not possess good dexterity on their fingers. Many will struggle during this stage and give up easily, with a list of complaints that are almost identical.

“I cannot play the piano because…”

  • my fingers are not moving as I want them to.
  • the notes are too far apart and my hands are too small.
  • I have no strength to press the keys down after a while.
  • there is no way I can get my left and right hands to move independently.
  • the keys feel the same so I kept hitting the wrong notes.

If you find yourself using the same complaints as the list above, keep in mind that you are not alone. Even the most professional pianist once faced the same issues on the piano.

So how do we get past these common issues faced by beginners on the piano then? Well for a start, beginners practice scales on the piano! Scales are more than just a set of notes, they are essential to music creation and also to getting your fingers strong, agile, and accurate on the 88 keys. So you are done with scales, then you may consider trying some practice method books! These books will cover other elements of music such as arpeggios, chords, and cadences.

piano lessons relief stress

Piano playing should be a form of stress relief.

 

Step 5: Pick a song let’s go!

You should be feeling very comfortable on the piano by this stage of your music journey. All your fingers should be ready and your brain should be processing those notes as fast as you read a book. It is time to pick your first song and dive right in. BUT here is where people start giving up. During regular music lessons, the teacher will be able to spot and correct your mistakes as you practice. They can also share better ways to accelerate your learning pace on the song you are working on. Based on your lifestyle, a good teacher can share useful tips on how to practice your instrument.  Being alone means the lack of helpful eyes to keep you on track. Regardless, here are some of our tips on learning a song.

  1. Listen to the song as many times as you need. You know you are ready when you can sing out every part of the song.
  2. Tackle one small section of the song at a time. Don’t try to play through the song like a tractor plowing through the field.
  3. Work on difficult sections slowly before increasing speed.
  4. Use a metronome.
  5. Video your practice for review purposes.

That’s it! You’ve got it! Congratulations on picking the piano. We hope our article is helpful to you and gives you the much-needed confidence.

What if I am still unsuccessful?

Learning the piano by yourself is indeed a very challenging task. If you feel like you can’t play the piano as well as you like, then you might want to consider enrolling for formal piano lessons. Talk to us about your piano lessons. Or, take a Trial Lesson with us! I am sure with our decade-long experience, we will be of valuable help to you.

Contact us through these easy channels! 🙂

Piano lessons in Singapore

When is the best age for Piano Lessons in Singapore?

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When is the best age for Piano Lessons in Singapore?

Piano lessons in Singapore

Piano lessons have long been a top priority for parents in Singapore. Together with our legendary Kiasu mentality, no parents would want their child to lose out on the benefits of picking up the piano. However, a quick search on the internet will leave you wondering when is the best age to send your children for piano lessons in Singapore. Some websites will tell you it is 3 years old, others might say 10 years old. The number is arbitrary and never consistent. In this article, we aim to use our experience running a music school for the last 10 years to demystify and help all parents in Singapore.

Why do parents love sending their children to Piano lessons in Singapore?

Before we share what is the mysterious golden age to send your child, perhaps we can direct your attention to our previous article! “Music Lessons makes us Superhumans“. You might understand the deeper reason why parents love sending their children to piano lessons in Singapore. Sometimes, it is beyond what they can gain in a classroom environment. Check out our students’ performance! We all love our children and we want the best for them. Hence if there are ways to help them develop better than what we had growing up, I’m sure most will give them all we can. Perhaps this is the main reason why we want to send them for piano lessons as early as possible.

Piano lesson singapore

So, is the perfect age 3 years old or 10 years old?

As said in the first paragraph, there is no actual golden number right here. For some kids it is 3, it could also be 7, and for others, it might be 10. To be very clear, we are not talking about a cooking recipe but a human child. Everyone is different hence there is no one-size-fits-all formula. However, use the following pointers to check if your child is ready! If you can check every one of the checkboxes, then congratulations, it might be a good time to look for a music school in Singapore.

  • Your child is able to take instructions.
  • He/she can sit for at least 30 minutes at the same spot.
  • Frequently spotted doing activities like drawing or reading in deep focus.
  • Capable and confident of being aware of their parents without anxiety.
  • Strong motor skills include tasks like using chopsticks, picking up small objects like grains of rice from the floor, or putting on shoes.
  • Shows a genuine interest in music. It could be through singing, dancing, or trying any instruments you have at home.

What if I am not sure if my child is ready?

Sending your child for piano lessons is not all that you need to consider. They need to be able to practice at home and Piano is a hefty investment. If you feel unsure despite checking all the checkboxes above, then you might want to let them try on a small keyboard first. Read our article “A Guide to buying your first Piano for lessons in Singapore”.  You may be surprised to learn that you can start teaching your child piano at home before enrolling them in formal piano lessons.

But if you still have some questions, you can talk to us about your piano lessons. Or, take a Trial Lesson with us!

Contact us through these easy channels! 🙂

Piano Lessons in Singapore have changed drastically!

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Piano Lessons in Singapore have changed drastically!: Beyond Classical Music and Examinations

Ryan enjoying his lesson on Blues Piano!

Piano Lessons have changed drastically in today’s world, especially in Singapore. Learning the piano has evolved far beyond the traditional focus on classical pieces and graded examinations like ABRSM. While those aspects are still valuable, modern piano lessons are now more diverse. Students to explores different genres such as jazz, pop, and even electronic music. Instead of focusing solely on technical precision, modern piano lessons emphasize making learning more engaging for today’s students.

Exploration of Multiple Genres

Unlike in the past, where classical music dominated piano lessons, students now have the freedom to explore genres. Pop, rock, jazz, and even video game soundtracks are incorporated into lesson plans. This makes the piano accessible and exciting for a broader audience. This flexibility allows students to connect with the music they enjoy.

Ryan, demonstrating a tune in the style of Boogie.

ANZCA – Alternative Piano Lessons in Singapore

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ANZCA stands for Australian and New Zealand Cultural Arts .The ANZCA piano syllabus offers a modern to piano education, featuring a wider variety of musical genres in its repertoire. Unlike traditional syllabuses that focus heavily on classical music, ANZCA includes contemporary styles such as boogie, jazz, blues, and pop. This modern approach allows students to explore and engage with different types of music that are relevant and exciting, making lessons more enjoyable while still building essential piano skills. The variety ensures a well-rounded musical education that caters to various interests and strengths.

Kaitlyn demonstrating a tune in the style of Tango.

Holistic Learning Experience

Modern piano lessons often take a holistic approach, focusing not just on playing but also on other musical elements like ear training, rhythm, and music theory. Teachers encourage students to develop a well-rounded skill set that goes beyond simply playing notes on a page. This approach enables students to become more versatile musicians, capable of reading sheet music, playing by ear, and even composing their own music.

Kye Hsin demonstrating a tune from Encore! A syllabus we use for younger children.

A Balanced Approach to Examinations

While graded examinations like ABRSM or Trinity remain important for students seeking formal certification, they are no longer the sole focus of piano education. Many music schools now offer optional exam tracks, allowing students to choose whether they want to pursue formal exams or focus on personal enjoyment and creativity. This flexibility ensures that students can learn at their own pace, without the pressure of exams overshadowing their love for music.

Watch the outtakes to see just how much fun the children are having!

Conclusion

Modern piano lessons go beyond just classical music and exams. Our focus is on helping students develop a true love for the piano and enjoy their learning experience. Cultivating a passion for music is our primary goal, and exam preparation is entirely optional, allowing students the freedom to explore music at their own pace and in their own way.

Don’t take our word for it, take a Trial Lesson with us!

Contact us if you wish to find out more! 🙂

piano lessons singapore

10 Influencers on IG that redefine piano lessons in Singapore

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10 Influencers on Instagram that redefine piano lessons in Singapore

Piano lessons by music schools in Singapore have long been portrayed as sterile and monotonous, often focused solely on rigid classical training and exam preparation, leaving little room for creativity and exploration. But thankfully, that is a thing of the past. Learning the piano has transformed from a rigid, classical curriculum into a dynamic, creative pursuit. While classical training and ABRSM exams still hold value, the modern piano journey has expanded into genres, styles, and innovative approaches that make it more accessible and fun. With keyboards being lightweight and portable, students can take music anywhere, adding versatility to their practice. Social media platforms, especially Instagram, have provided a fresh avenue for piano enthusiasts to express their unique musical styles. Here, we explore 10 Instagram accounts that inspire creativity and showcase the endless possibilities of piano playing.

 

Glasysmusic

glasysmusic is not what you would expect from the regular piano lessons in Singapore. He creatively combines music notation software and a MIDI keyboard to produce both auditory and visual art. He often draws intricate images, like faces or shapes, using musical notes in the software, transforming what appears to be a graphic drawing into a playable tune. Once the image is complete, Glasys performs it live, showing how visual patterns can translate into engaging music.

Protovolt

protovolt brilliantly recreates iconic retro synth and keyboard sounds by blending modern technology with vintage gear. Using a mix of classic analog synthesizers and contemporary digital tools, he captures the nostalgic tones of past decades while adding his own futuristic twist. His setups often feature rare and unique instruments, allowing him to experiment with both authentic vintage sounds and new sonic possibilities. This fusion of old and new gear makes his content a treasure trove for synth enthusiasts and fans of retro music alike.

eunike.tanzil

eunike.tanzil has a remarkable ability to compose music on the go, whether she’s in the studio or even on a plane. Her creativity knows no bounds, as she can craft beautiful compositions from any environment. Her popular “Hum Me a Melody” series showcases her talent to transform simple, hummed melodies into fully orchestrated pieces. This series highlights not only her musical skill but also her versatility, turning everyday moments into symphonic masterpieces, inspiring her audience to see music creation as an accessible and spontaneous art form.

_buttonmasher

_buttonmasher takes keyboard performance to a nostalgic level by recreating the iconic sounds of classic arcade games. With a combination of digital keyboards and synths, he meticulously reproduces the beeps, bloops, and soundscapes that defined the golden age of gaming. His mastery of sound design allows him to capture everything from 8-bit melodies to the pulse-pounding themes of retro favorites, all while giving them a fresh twist through live performance. By blending modern gear with timeless arcade sounds, @_buttonmasher brings the joy of retro gaming to life through music.

jemheigis

jemheigis expertly recreates the soulful, groove-filled keyboard parts often heard in Bruno Mars’ hits, capturing the essence and vibe of the songs with ease. Her playing style is rich with the funky rhythms and smooth chord progressions that are signature to Mars’ music. Beyond this, she explores various scales and modes to add depth and uniqueness to her performances, giving her interpretations a fresh, dynamic twist. By blending familiar pop-soul elements with her own musical exploration, @jemheigis keeps her keyboard playing vibrant and engaging.

nahresol

nahresol brings a fresh and playful approach to jazz piano, making even the most complex chords and improvisations look fun and easy. Through her engaging tutorials and creative performances, she breaks down jazz techniques in a way that’s approachable for both beginners and seasoned musicians. Her relaxed style, combined with a knack for simplifying intricate concepts, helps demystify jazz, turning it into an enjoyable and accessible experience for her followers.

shanjiangmusic

shanjiangmusic captivates audiences with her emotional, expressive piano playing, often blending classical techniques with modern melodies. Her performances showcase a deep connection to the music, infusing each piece with passion and sensitivity. Whether she’s performing covers or original compositions, Shan Jiang’s ability to convey emotion through the keys sets her apart, making her music resonate on a personal level with listeners.

domi_keys

domi_keys takes jazz piano to extraordinary levels with her electrifying performances and innovative improvisations. Her playing is characterized by rapid-fire runs, intricate chord voicings, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats. Domi’s ability to seamlessly blend traditional jazz elements with contemporary influences makes her sound truly unique. With each piece, she showcases not only her technical prowess but also her boundless creativity. She is surely inspiring a new generation of musicians to explore the limitless possibilities of jazz.

theoilyshoppe

Finally, we want to share about this 101 year old grandpa who has melted many of our hearts.

theoilyshoppe shares the heartwarming journey of her 101-year-old grandfather. He plays intricate tunes on the piano with remarkable ease and grace. Despite his age, his fingers glide over the keys effortlessly, reflecting decades of musical mastery. Each performance is a testament to his lifelong passion for music, reminding us that talent knows no age limit. Through her videos, she captures not only the beauty of his playing but also the joy! The deep connection that music brings to their family. A legacy that inspires all generations.

Conclusion on redefined Piano lessons in Singapore

Piano lessons in Singapore have evolved significantly from their traditionally rigid structure, embracing a more flexible and creative approach. With a focus on diverse musical styles and the integration of technology, students can now explore their musicality in ways that resonate with their individual interests. This transformation has made learning the piano more enjoyable and accessible. It allows students to express themselves freely and engage with music in a dynamic, fulfilling manner.

Don’t take our word for it, take a Trial Lesson with us!

Contact us if you wish to find out more! 🙂

video call music lessons

Video Conferencing for Music Lessons | Does it actually work?

By Acoustic Guitar, Classical Piano, Drum, Electric Guitar, Music Articles, News, Piano, Pop Piano, Ukulele No Comments

Video Conferencing for Music Lessons Experience!

While we are no strangers with conducting our music lessons via video conferencing for our students. some as far as Shanghai. The new measures from the Ministry of Health have effectively forced all our students to have their lessons over video calls! But does this mean the end of the music education industry? Probably not!

video conferencing music lessonsMusic Lessons | The COVID 19 style

Ideally, music lessons should be done in a conducive room with proper instruments and equipment. The acoustics of the room should also be treated properly with professional-grade acoustic treatment walls to remove unwanted reverb and echo. The lighting of the room must be at the right lux level. These are now considered luxuries.

With the current COVID-19 situation, we converted all our music lessons to video conferencing! Though easier said than done, we really wanted the best for our students! Rooms have to be rearranged, workstation setup to match the requirement of video calling and endless troubleshooting. At the end of the day, the smile on our student’s face is what that matters.

With that, we bravely embraced our first day of full-on online lessons today!

video call music lessons

Video-calling problems we faced and how we solve them

We would be lying if we were to say that it went smooth sailing. With all the issues, we had to put all our brains together! Sometimes to the extent of researching through the entire ocean of articles online. So if you are a music teacher, perhaps we might be able to offer some tips!

Audio Troubleshooting

  1. Make sure students always uncheck the “automatically adjust microphone volume” function.
  2. If you are using the laptop’s mic, keep a distance from your device.

Even with the automatic volume adjuster unchecked, a spike in volume will still cause the app to compress the audio hard. As we would have guessed, apps like this are created with speaking in mind. When a loud volume is detected, the app will push it down to prevent the other users from blowing their speakers. We had no issues with Ukulele and Piano but all the trouble with Drumset.

To combat the issue of feeding the drum’s signal in without having a problem, we mic-ed the entire drumset! Signals are sent into a USB audio interface that is then connected to the computer. The microphone source will be the USB device. This allows us to tweak the input volume accordingly. Things will definitely be easier if you have a digital drumset with a USB connection.

Our guitar rooms are also rigged with a USB mixer. As such, we line our electric guitar directly into the mixer with IR technology. We line our acoustic guitar and ukulele into a DI box and speak through a condenser microphone.

Video Troubleshooting

  1. Daylight from windows will help with illuminating the video
  2. Using a decent stand to help with adjusting the camera angle

piano room lightingMost of us hardly use the camera on our laptop, some don’t even know it exists! Some of us live in a dimly lit room and that is bad for video conferencing. So the first requirement is for the student to be able to have decent lighting in their room. While this isn’t an issue with most instruments, this is a common problem with Piano students.

The user back face the room’s light source with the piano to the wall. This results in the shadow of the student to cast on their hands.

Thankfully, solving this is easy! All you need is to place a small table lamp on your piano! This is especially cool on rainy nights when the table lamp is all you turn on to practice your piano with.

 

The camera angle for chatting with your friends or for a business meeting is very different from teaching and learning musical instruments. The laptop-camera was not designed for music lessons in mind. As a teacher, we want to view the students’ playing from a high to low angle. Think of how teachers usually sit next to the student in the room. So the same height and angle are important. As for demonstrating, various instruments require different angles. Piano prefers a top-down angle, guitar prefers a slanted front angle and drum prefers an over the shoulder angle. So the most basic requirement for video music lessons is perhaps a good stand to hold your device. Watch the video posted by Vinnie demonstrating to his students to get a better understanding!

 

Conclusion

Our first day of video conferencing music lessons went fairly smoothly! Classes went on as scheduled without much hiccups. Students were happy and satisfied with the lessons. It gave us the confidence to proceed with more of such lessons! With more fine-tuning, we will be able to provide lessons with even better quality and efficiency!

Normally we ask you to sign for our free trial lesson, we now ask all those who are interested to join us for the music lesson experience of 2020!

piano lesson video call

ANZCA Piano Asia Representative Ms. Audrey Chin

ANZCA Seminar 2019 – Piano Syllabus

By Events, News, Piano No Comments

ANZCA Seminar 2019 – Piano Syllabus

ANZCA Piano Examination Syllabus

Group photo of participants with ANZCA Piano Asia Representative Ms. Audrey Chin.

An ANZCA Piano syllabus refresher!

Following our introductory ANZCA session in 2017, Vinnie Classroom organized a refresher session for the local ANZCA community yesterday. The ANZCA Seminar 2019 for Piano Syllabus was a success! Hands were shaken and new connections were made, as both existing and new ANZCA teachers came together in our humble little music school in Upper Thomson.

ANZCA Seminar

Piano teachers sharing their ideas and experiences.

ANZCA Piano Asia Representative, Ms Audrey Chin

ANZCA Piano Asia Representative Ms. Audrey ChinMs. Audrey Chin, the Asia representative for ANZCA, gave an overview of the syllabus for Modern and Classical stream students. She also treated us with a sampler of ANZCA’s new Jazz Syllabus, targeted at students Grade 4 and above. Audrey also shared some new insights regarding the Performance Syllabus and answered many of our questions about various aspects of the syllabus requirements. It was such a content-packed session!

ANZCA Jazz Syllabus

Jazz Piano Syllabus (ANZCA)

ANZCA community in Singapore

Although ANZCA examinations may not be familiar to some, but the community for ANZCA in Singapore is supportive and welcomes every dedicated teacher! Therefore, if you’re a teacher and would like to be kept updated on the latest ANZCA events in Singapore, simply email musicminders2012@gmail.com.

ANZCA Examination Syllabus

Looking for Music Lessons in Singapore? (Part 3)

By Acoustic Guitar, Classical Piano, Drum, Electric Guitar, Music Articles, Music Instruments, Newsletter, Pop Piano, Ukulele No Comments

Looking for Music Lessons in Singapore?

Looking for music lessons in Singapore? Read on and find out more in this 3rd and final installment in our series.

Should you choose a ‘music school near me’ ?

It is tempting to opt for convenience when it comes to taking music lessons. However,  this may not be the wisest choice to make. A good music school must have an environment that is conducive to learning. Choose a music school with dedicated studios that are well-maintained and equipped with quality instruments. Some schools may also hold recitals which go a step further by allowing students to integrate performing and all its benefits as part of their learning experience.

VCR 3 Final shot          electric guitar lesson singapore

Should you sign into a music school for children only?

Your child actually benefits if he learns at a music school that is open to both adults/teenagers and children. They grow by getting to experience and interact with peers and older students who are at different levels. What’s more, there is the benefit of being exposed to a variety of musical instruments. With only 30 minutes to one hour of lesson time per week, a music school environment produces better results as the focus at that time is on learning music.

Look out for credible partnerships

Aside from certification, a school that works with multiple other organisations makes it more trustworthy as it has achieved a level of success at an organisational level. When a music academy partners with other schools, it shows that it has proven itself as an academy that is able to provide an all-rounded music education.

May the fourth be with you! #guitar #guitarensemble #singapore #vinnieclassroom #upperthomson #acoustic #acousticguitar #starwars #imperialmarch #starwarsmaintheme #nlps #eatsleepguitar #sgguitar #sgmusic #sgmusiclesson #maytheforcebewithyou #maythefourthbewithyou #maytheforkbewithyou #maythefoxbewithyou #maythefrostingbewithyou #maythefrothbewithyou #maythefrogbewithyou #maythefoodbewithyou #maythefunkbewithyou

Posted by Vinnie Classroom on Wednesday, 4 May 2016

What should you look out for before signing up?

Do the owners of the school know about music? Have they taught or performed professionally? Do they have the credentials required to appropriately address the needs of students? It is important that the school you choose has the right values to nurture and develop that passion for music.

Not all students fit the same mould. A fixed curriculum or program may restrict learning and exploration of a student’s potential. Check if the school has one-on-one sessions that can be tailored to the student’s musical background and interests. The school should also use recognised teaching materials and exam syllabi or have developed their own syllabus that is student-centered and adaptable to individual needs.

 

Anzca Piano Syllabus Q&A Session 2019

ANZCA Syllabus (Piano) Q&A (17 October 2019)

By Classical Piano, Events, News, Pop Piano No Comments

ANZCA Syllabus (Piano)

Question and Answer Session (17 October 2019)

ANZCA syllabus piano examination Singapore

Anzca Piano QnA Session 2017.

 

2017 was an exciting year for us, as we formally adopted the ANZCA syllabus as our main offering for piano students. This brought us more in line with our teaching aim, which is to provide an all-inclusive music education that grooms students to be versatile musicians who are able to put their skills to practical use in various settings.

In July that year, ANZCA’s international representative, Ms Audrey Chin, visited our music school to give our teachers an introductory talk to enable us to maximize the contents and requirements of the ANZCA syllabus.

 

ANZCA Syllabus Piano Audrey Chin

Audrey demonstrating the songs from the syllabus effortlessly

Teachers, students and parents has been praising the syllabus for its varied repertoire and flexible choices! Especially for those moving away from a more traditional approach to learning the piano.

Vinnie Classroom is no stranger to ANZCA Piano Syllabus

ANZCA PIano Examiner Maureen Grieve

ANZCA Piano Examiner Maureen Grieve when she was here to conduct the piano examination in 2018.


ANZCA Piano Examiner MISA YAMAMOTO

ANZCA Examiner Misa Yamamoto was here in Vinnie Classroom to conduct the piano examination 2019.

Vinnie Classroom had the honor to conduct 2 rounds of ANZCA Piano Examination back in 2018 and 2019. We had received positive feedback about our location and facilities. Because we understand how it can be stressful to perform at a new venue, therefore we provide our candidates with a warm-up room. As a result, private piano examiners were very delighted! They now have a couple more minutes to prepare their students before entering the examination room. Certainly a bonus for everyone participating.

ANZCA Piano in Singapore

This year, we are very happy to receive Audrey once more. Vinnie Classroom will be hosting a Q&A session as a step-up, for fellow teachers of the ANZCA community in Singapore. The event will take place on 17 October 2019, from 9.30am to 12.00pm, and it is free.

Seats are limited to 20, so do visit our Facebook event page to RSVP quickly.

may the 4th be with you

May the 4th be with you in 2019

By Celebration Time!, Events, Music Articles, News, Newsletter No Comments


Star Wars fans out there will need no reminder that May 4th is Star Wars Day!
Remember too, Yoda’s famous quote:
Do. Or do not. There is no Try (From The Empire Strikes Back).
Commit yourself to something completely, win or lose.
May the Force be with You!


Vinnie’s guitar heroes at the Singapore Youth Festival Arts Presentation Guitar Ensemble.

When Practice makes almost Perfect

A big pat on the back for our student,
Nigel Oh who was awarded a distinction
for his Grade 1 Acoustic Guitar exam,conducted by the London College of Music.
Nigel started learning the instrument a
little more than a year ago. Nigel’s teacher
Mr Tan Swee Siang said, “It’s a
pleasure to teach Nigel. He’s a keen learner and
always

interested. I’m seeing talent in him
and I’m proud of his achievement!”

Nigel said, “I feel this sense of accomplishment
and satisfaction for my first exam! I am
determined and looking forward to
master more from my mentor!”
Well done, Nigel!



The fact that Avengers: Endgame was 3 hours long and no one so much as complained says something about this epic superhero movie. We pay tribute to the Avengers theme song which carries so much power and heart. Vinnie Classroom salutes this iconic finale with an acoustic fingerstyle arrangement, so enjoy!


YouTube Drumming Sensation in Singapore
German drummer Anika Nilles built up a name for herself with 17 million views of her videos. Anika’s playing style is distinguished by her strong groove, her finesse in technique, and her unique sound! Born into a family of drummers, she started drumming herself at age six. Anika is conducting a Masterclass on 18 May at 6.30pm, B1 Star Plaza at the Star Vista. The event is open to the public. We will be there to watch this drum maestro live in action, so join us if you can!


Upcoming events

14 -16 May Vinnie School Holidays

15 May – 12 June Registration open for ANZCA Exams Series 2
(Speak with your piano teacher if you think you’re ready)

1 May – 25 Sept Registration open for Rockschool Exams Tour C.
(If you want to register let your guitar/drums teacher know)

29 June VCR 4 (watch this space for more details)

10 – 12 June Rockschool Tour B Exams

16 – 18 June Asian Supreme Drum Competition Qualifying Round



Music Facts You Didn’t Know
Listening to music while working out can improve performance.
It’s true! Music provides an ideal accompaniment when you exercise. Not only does music divert the mind from sensations of fatigue, loud, upbeat music can also
“psych you up”. Musical tempo helps synchronize movements which leads you to perform more efficiently and trains endurance! So next time you work out, choose a
playlist that will make you feel good. And also lets you burn more calories at the same time! 
how to create a prodigy

How to cultivate a child prodigy!

By Acoustic Guitar, Classical Piano, Drum, Electric Guitar, Music Articles, Music Instruments, Pop Piano, Ukulele One Comment

Is your child a Mozart in the making? How does one identify a child prodigy? At some point in parenthood, we all wish that our kid will one day become a child prodigy. But what is a prodigy? Is it possible to cultivate a child prodigy or does it take certain prerequisites? In this article, we discuss how to discover the prodigy in your child and how you can help your child become one.

Step 1: Start early!

LIKE FROM 9 MONTHS OLD!

Recent research show that the golden window for music education starts as early as 9 months old and can significantly enhance a child’s neural response to both speech and music. While music lessons for babies are readily available, bringing an infant for music lessons may seem like a far-fetched idea to some. So here are some ways you can provide your child with music education from the comforts of your own home:

Play soothing and easy-to-listen to music to your child regularly. While listening to the music,

  • Tap to the beat on their hand (or buttocks if you wish).
  • Gently move their arms and sway to the rhythm.
  • Do the good ol’ peek-a-boo but in sync with the beat.
  • Dance rhythmically in their view as a form of entertainment for them.
  • Hold their hands and assist them in playing simple rhythms on any percussion.
  • Let them watch you play a music instrument.
  • Sing the pitch C when you teach the alphabet C.

The ideas are endless! Simply run a search on Google and see them flood in!


Step 2: Create a musical environment at home!

Studies have shown that children who learn music from young age also show signs of excellence in other aspects of their development. Playing music is like doing a workout for your brain. As we play music, our brain forms signal paths in our nerve system to perform the complex task of playing a piece of music.

Let us illustrate this remarkable process with a step-by-step example:

*Ryan plays the C major scale with 4 correct notes and 4 wrong notes* 
Ryan's brain records 8 notes played  
*Teacher points the wrong notes out to Ryan* 
Ryan's brain updates and replaces the wrong note 
*Ryan attempts playing the C major scale again but with 2 wrong notes. Teacher corrects Ryan.* 
Ryan's brain updates and replaces the wrong note  
*Ryan attempts playing the C major scale once more, and this time he played every note correctly* 
*Teacher notes that Ryan has now corrected his neural connections and encourages Ryan to continue practicing to strengthen neural plasticity*
This is an ideal situation where the student learns quickly under a teacher's guidance, usually possible with children who have been exposed to music from as early as 9 months old (as described at Stage 1 of our article). What has happened seems straightforward – the student is able to play correctly soon after the teacher points out the mistakes. However, the underlying process is more complicated than that; it involves the child's cognitive ability to read the music score, converting that information into fine motor skills, receiving feedback from the various sensories (eg. sight, sound and touch) before forming a neural path and then into the memory storage. There are multi-level neural processes that happen simultaneously even though the student only has to play one note at a time, and they take place at various speeds, depending on the child’s brain development (remember the golden window for music education?). Some children are able to acquire new skills after just one lesson while others may some take months. However, it is almost certain that as long as the brain gets its required amount of training, the neural paths will always be able to form to achieve the desired outcome.

 

In early childhood education, play is crucial. Unstructured play, especially, enhances the child’s brain development and nurtures their creativity when they form their own play rules and come up with solutions to problems.

In early childhood stages, children spend most of their time at home when not in school. By creating a musical environment at home, parents set the stage for creative learning with games like guessing the note, drawing a picture based on what a song makes them feel, pretending to be a rockstar at home, call-and-echo games and creating a dance to a song. The ideas are endless, but it must be noted that it is important parents set aside some time to engage their children.

If parents are equipped with basic music knowledge and are able to engage their children in musical activities right at home, it could be a very rewarding bonding experience that is efficient at the same time. Imagine saving thousands of dollars a year on music education!

This is testing the limits of Dylan’s ears. Dylan has been exposed, from 5 months prenatal,
to the same high information music education system now available in the baby brain training app found at nuryl.com