Bill Gates’s Foundation is coming to Singapore!

Bill Gates is set to open a new regional office for the Gates Foundation in Singapore. During his recent visit, he met with Prime Minister Mr Lawrence Wong and engaged in what was described as a “wide-ranging” conversation. They touched on topics from clean energy to vaccine development. However, there was no mention of support for the arts or music education. An area we’d love to see get more attention.

We are a music school in Singapore, and we teach the genre Bill Gates enjoys!

Bill Gates has previously shared his interest in music, and the Gates Foundation has supported music lessons and schools, just not in Singapore. Our motto, “Empowering the next generation through music,” is very similar to the vision of the Gates Foundation, which is to help and develop people to their fullest potential. With us, you can be confident that your child will not only learn music but also enjoy every lesson and look forward to the next one!

We are a music school offering music lessons at Upper Thomson Road, Singapore. Signing up for lessons with us means learning from a team with over 10 years of experience running a successful music school in Singapore. Over the years, we have refined our teaching methods to ensure they are engaging, effective, and tailored to suit students of all ages and skill levels. Our commitment to excellence goes beyond lessons—we organize annual recitals! An opportunity to showcase their progress, build confidence, and experience the joy of performing.

Long before the Gates Foundation, Bill Gates banned himself from music for 5 years!

Interestingly, Gates hasn’t always had time for music. In his 20s, while building Microsoft with Paul Allen after taking a leave of absence from Harvard, he cut out all music and television for five years. He believed such entertainment would distract him from coding and software development. In hindsight, Gates admitted that this was an extreme move—and thankfully, music has always remained close to his heart.

Gates Foundation supports the arts and music!

Through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, he has contributed to a wide range of causes. One notable example in the arts is the grant for Youth Advancement Through Music and Art (YATMA). “We want to tap the human spirit, allowing children to open up and feel safe,” said YATMA’s Founder and Director, Rossi. Other music-related initiatives that have benefited from Gates Foundation support include programs like “My School ROCKS” and “Maple Street School.”

Bill Gates’ Desert Island Songlist

Gates has also publicly shared a list of songs he can’t live without. His top picks include:

• David Bowie & Queen – Under Pressure: “In my 20s and 30s, I worked a lot,” Gates recalled. “But on some Fridays and Saturdays, we’d go out and dance. This reminds me of those disco days.”

• Willie Nelson – Blue Skies: “Melinda and I love Willie Nelson,” he shared.

• Ed Sheeran – Sing: A song that reminds him of his children.

• Jimi Hendrix – Are You Experienced: A nod to his rocking youth with Paul Allen.

• U2 – One: Themes of unity, perseverance, and optimism.

• The Beatles – Two of Us: Reminds him of Steve Jobs, who was “really into music.”

• “How Can Love Survive” from The Sound of Music: A hidden gem he discovered with Melinda after hearing Warren Buffett and his wife sing it.

• “My Shot” from Hamilton: A favorite because it celebrates bold ambition, something Gates deeply relates to.

The Spotify playlist that will make you as motivated as Bill Gates!

In May 2023, Gates even shared his summer Spotify playlist—a feel-good mix featuring Jimi Hendrix and newer tracks recommended by his kids. We actually listened to it while writing this article, and yes—it helped us finish it.

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