Nov 27 2024

Things to look out for when buying a guitar in Singapore

By Vinnie Mah Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Music Articles No Comments

Things to look out for when buying a guitar in Singapore

Singapore is a bustling city with a rich community of music schools and guitar shops! But every country has its unique culture and practices especially when it comes to guitar shops. So if you are new to guitar shopping here on the sunny island of Singapore, this article might help make your trip easier!

Guitar Lessons in Singapore

Before we share spicy information about our guitar shops, allow me to share what we do! We are a music school in Singapore offering guitar lessons at Upper Thomson Road. Signing up for guitar 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! It provides our guitar students with the opportunity to showcase their progress, build confidence, and experience the joy of performing.

Perhaps a recommendation of the top 5 guitars in Singapore?

Having a list of suitable guitars before heading down to the guitar shop is always a good idea. This makes you prepared and informed before getting convinced about something that you might regret later on. In our previous article, we shared our Top 5 Acoustic Guitar for this Christmas in Singapore. Perhaps that article might help you get a better understanding of what is available here on Sunny Island Singapura.

We have more of such articles underway! If you wish to be informed, consider following us on Facebook.

Buying a Guitar in Singapore is not the same anywhere else

Okay, let’s get to the juicy bits about buying a guitar in Singapore. Guitar shops are kind of like what they have described in Hotel California, “you can check out anytime you like but you can never leave“. Well, that is either you have made your purchase or you have mustered enough strength! I mean, they are candy shops!

Guitar shops here are categorized into Big and Small. They have very different vibes and ways of doing. So do remember to apply our pro tips accordingly!

Big Guitar Shops and their uniqueness

NOBODY IS SERVING ME

Big guitar shops are often understaffed and do not have the capacity to deal with every single customer walking in. If you are walking in hoping for someone to help, such shops might not be your best bet.

- Snag a salesman up the minute you are able to make eye contact with one. Learning their name typically lets them know you are serious about buying something.
- State your intention such as the type of guitar or the guitarist you are trying to model after.

THE SHOP IS SO NOISY

Because of the lack of staff, it is usually tough for them to do noise control. After all, it is a shop selling items that make sound! Some guitar shops do have a special room, a nice and quiet place that allows you to audition the guitar. But not all of the bigger music shops out there have such luxury.

- Visit these guitar shops during quieter times such as weekday mornings.
- Ask if they have a room for you to try the instrument.

THE STAFF DON’T KNOW ANYTHING

Now this is quite typical with most retailers. Especially with the holiday season fast approaching, many of these staff you encounter might be on their holiday job. Because they are students working during their holiday, they don’t usually have the most adequate training and experience.

- Do your research by reading articles such as this one.
- YouTube is a great source for learning all the information you need in a short time.

Smaller Guitar Shops and their quirkiness

THEY KEPT FOLLOWING ME AROUND

This quirkiness is commonly found in shoe shops too! Our best bet is because the staff are just too eager to serve you. Also, guitars are fragile and not that cheap.

- Greet the guys in the shop first before you shop.
- Tell them what you are looking for and ask for their advice.

THEY DON’T LET ME TRY THE GUITAR

Yes, this is true to a certain extent. Some guitar shops actually forbid their customer from trying their guitars. The staff would perform a tune on the guitar for you before hanging it back on the rack while leaving you confused. Their intention meant no harm, especially to the guitars.

- Let the staff perform on as many guitars as you wish for you.
- After comparing a few, try to narrow down your options.
- Ask to try the guitar if you are certain about buying it.

WHY ARE THEY SO ANGRY

Trust me they are not angry but just displaying some kind of defense mechanism that they have developed over time. You see, while there are many genuine buyers, there are also plenty who have time to kill. Smaller guitar shops do not have the time and resources to waste on customers who are just window shopping.

- Remember that this is just a unique culture developed over time.
- No matter what they say, do not engage in unnecessary arguments.
- Beneath it all, they are nice people. Especially when money is on the table.

Disclaimer: Before presenting this article as some sort of proof during your shopping trip, please be reminded that what we are sharing here is based on our personal experience. They are only true to a certain extent.

Conclusion about buying guitars in Singapore

Buying a guitar in Singapore can be a lot of fun. As Singapore is the busiest port in the world, we have pretty much every brand and model you can think of! We have access to a list of limited edition models, top-of-the-line boutique brands, and rare collectors. However Singapore is not just for the rich, the vast collection of lower-end and more affordable guitars helps most kids here to learn the guitar. So while we do not have our very own Ochanomizu guitar street, guitar shopping is still very accessible here in Singapore.

Talk to us if you are interested in signing up for guitar lessons. Or, take a Trial Lesson with us! I am sure with our decade-long experience, we will be of valuable help to you.

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Nov 26 2024

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Top 5 Acoustic Guitar for this Christmas in Singapore!

By Vinnie Mah Acoustic Guitar, Music Articles One Comment

Top 5 Acoustic Guitar for Christmas in Singapore!

Top 5 Acoustic Guitar for Christmas

Choosing an acoustic guitar is never easy, so here are our Top 5 choices you can consider for this Christmas here in Singapore! As a music school providing music lessons for students in Singapore for the last 10 years, we have seen it all. Some of our students spent too much on unsuitable guitars, and some regretted their purchases. Our goal in this article is to help you make the best choices with the available brands and models in Singapore for the upcoming Christmas!

Acoustic Guitar Lessons in Singapore

If you are a beginner and are looking for acoustic guitar lessons, then perhaps we can help! That is because signing up for acoustic guitar 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! It provides our guitar students with the opportunity to showcase their progress, build confidence, and experience the joy of performing.

But what guitar size is right for my kid?

I’m glad you are asking about the right size of acoustic guitar for your kid. Indeed it is a tough question because children can grow really quickly! The shoes that fit well a month ago might be a little too small now. But hey this is not a wearable so it does not have to be that precise. TL;DR we reckon an acoustic guitar that is comfortable to hold. The child should not feel like he is reaching far out or if the frets are too tiny for their fingers. But click on the link if you wish to read more about the right guitar size for children!

Is this Top 5 Acoustic Guitar recommendation a paid advertisement?

No, none of these recommendations are in any way paid or influenced. We wrote this article based on our own research and experience with these guitars. In fact, we love some of them so much that we recommend many of our students to grab the same model! BUT if any of these companies are reading this blog post, we really don’t mind a round of kopi peng for our team! 😀

Disclaimer

Please keep in mind that these guitars are not ranked on this blog post. We are not liable for the guitar you purchased. We share things that we like and that make us happy. 🙂

Here are the Top 5 Acoustic Guitar for Christmas in Singapore!

At a glance…

Voki A05E Artisan Series (OM) Acoustic Guitar – SGD 599
- VOKI Guitar (Taiwan), Solid Stika Spruce Top, Mahogany Back/Sides, Mahogany Neck, Fusion Ebony Fingerboard, ST1 Pickups by Brad Clark
YAMAHA STORIA I Concert Electric Acoustic Guitar – SGD 595
- Concert Body, Solid Spruce Top with Mahogany Back and Sides, Top Color: Off-White; Interior Color: Light Blue, Rosette: Mahogany and Ivory Inlay, Semigloss Finish, Yamaha Passive Undersaddle Pickup
Ibanez AEG7MH-OPN Acoustic Guitar – SGD 299
- AE Body shape, Body Material: Sapele, Fretboard Material: Purpleheart, Pickup: Ibanez Undersaddle and Ibanez AEQ-2T preamp w/Onboard tuner
Alvarez AG60CEAR Grand Auditorium Acoustic Guitar with Pickup – SGD 499
- Top Wood: Solid A+ Sitka Spruce, Back and Sides Wood: African Mahogany, Armrest: Rosewood Bevel, Neck: African Mahogany, Fingerboard: Indian Laurel, Pick Up/EQ: LR Baggs StagePro Bronze
Enya EM-X1 Pro EQ Electro Acoustic Guitar – SGD 385
- Body Size: 36” Acoustic Guitar, Neck: Genuine Kongo Mahogany (A), Top: Solid Spruce Air-dried for 10 years, Back&Sides: Upgraded Rosewood HPL, Fretboard & Bridge: Black Richlite

Voki A05E Artisan Series (OM) Acoustic Guitar – SGD 599

What we like

It has the same/similar body shape as a Martin 000! (see photo above)
The pickup is designed by Bradley Clark, who was the former CEO of Maton Guitar. He designed Maton’s pickup system as heard on countless Tommy Emmanuel performances and recordings.
Sounds really awesome during our recitals!

YAMAHA STORIA I Concert Electric Acoustic Guitar – SGD 595

What we like

The finishing on this off-white version looks incredible! Everything from the blue insides to the gold hardware, just beautiful.
It sounds really good both acoustically and plugged in.
A passive pickup system means one less thing (battery) to worry about.

Ibanez AEG7MH-OPN Acoustic Guitar – SGD 299

What we like

Playing this makes us feel like we can play the acoustic guitar like Marcin Patrzalek.
It is so budget-friendly!
Cut-away design allows easier upper fret access.

Alvarez AG60CEAR Grand Auditorium Acoustic Guitar with Pickup – SGD 499

What we like

We like the unique armrest design that is typically found on very expensive acoustic guitars.
The elegant-looking cut-away design allows higher fret access.
Having a trusted pickup brand like LR Baggs puts one worry away during live performances.

Enya EM-X1 Pro EQ Electro Acoustic Guitar – SGD 385

What we like

It feels comforting to know that the incredible Feng E is on Enya’s artist rooster.
The onboard Chorus, Delay, and Reverb use the guitar body to amplify the effects rather than depending on an amplifier! Fun!
Considering its onboard effects and tuner, this is a tough one to not consider.

What are the key things to look out for on an acoustic guitar?

It is tough for anyone new to the acoustic guitar to know exactly what they should buy. So while this list of Top 5 Acoustic guitars might help you make a good decision this Christmas, it may be invalid in 2025. That is because the guitar industry is innovative and ever-changing. Here are some of the key points we prefer on an acoustic. It should also be the thing you look out for when considering your acoustic guitar.

Solid Top, preferably Spruce.
A body shape similar to 000 for a more balanced tone.
Preferably with a pickup system onboard.
You like the looks and feel.

Conclusion

We probably left out some other awesome acoustic guitars available. Our list is compiled only within our own means and research. So while this list might be able to help you shortlist your dream acoustic guitar, feel free to venture into the real world and try those guitars! One man’s meat is another man’s poison! Have fun shopping!

You can also talk to us about your acoustic guitar lessons. Or, take a Trial Lesson with us! I am sure with our decade-long experience, we will be of valuable help to you.

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Sep 27 2024

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True initial cost of music lessons in Singapore – Guitar, Piano and Drums!

By Vinnie Mah Music Articles No Comments

True initial cost of music lessons in Singapore – Guitar, Piano and Drums!

Parents are often drawn to music lessons by the appeal of low fees, but many are unaware of the actual initial costs involved in Singapore, which can lead to unexpected surprises. From purchasing instruments and equipment to the potential downsides of choosing a less experienced music school, the financial commitment goes beyond just lesson fees. In this article, we aim to uncover the true costs of sending a child to music lessons and helping parents make informed decisions.

For those in a hurry, here are the estimated lowest possible cost for each instrument…

Piano: $300 for Keyboard, $1000 for upright Piano

Ukulele: $50

Acoustic Guitar: $200

Electric Guitar: $200 for Electric Guitar, $120 for Electric Guitar Amplifier

Bass Guitar: $250 for Bass Guitar, $110 for Bass Amplifier

Classical Guitar: $180

Drum Kit: $500 for Acoustic Drum Kit, $600 for Electronic Drum Kit

Piano and Keyboard

A digital piano or keyboard typically costs between SGD 300 to SGD 2,000. Acoustic pianos start around SGD 3,000 and go up to a five- or six-figure price tag depending on the brand and model.

What to look out for: Piano

When shopping for your first piano for your music lessons in Singapore, consider the following: whether to choose an acoustic or digital piano, depending on your space and budget. Look for weighted keys that mimic the feel of an acoustic piano, which is essential for building proper technique. Consider the size, as smaller keyboards may lack the full 88 keys needed for classical training. Don’t forget additional costs like a sturdy bench, stand, and pedals. Lastly, read reviews or try the piano in-store to ensure quality sound and build.

What to look out for: Keyboard

When shopping for your first keyboard, consider the number of keys, ideally aiming for a full 88-key model or at least 61 keys for beginners. Ensure the keys are touch-sensitive or weighted to mimic the feel of an acoustic piano. Look for built-in learning features, such as metronomes or lesson modes, and check for connectivity options like MIDI or USB ports for future digital integration. Portability, sound quality, and additional accessories like stands, pedals, or benches are also key factors to keep in mind.

Ukulele

Beginner ukuleles are affordable, starting at around SGD 40 to SGD 150. A higher-end model can go as high as $4000-$5000.

ukulele lessons for kids in Singapore

When shopping for your first ukulele, consider the size—soprano, concert, or tenor—depending on comfort and sound preference. Ensure the build quality is solid, with smooth fret edges and durable wood. Check the intonation by playing notes along the fretboard to ensure the instrument stays in tune. Look for reputable brands and consider accessories like a tuner, gig bag, and strap to complete the package.

Acoustic Guitar

An entry-level acoustic guitar ranges from SGD 150 to SGD 500. A professional model can range from $4000 to $8000.

guitar lesson singapore

When shopping for your first acoustic guitar, consider body shape and size (dreadnought, concert, etc.) for comfort and sound preference. Check out this youtube link for a better understanding on the shape and size of an acoustic guitar. Tonewood (like spruce or mahogany) refers to the type of wood that the guitar is made with, often affecting the overall tone of the guitar. However this isn’t much of an issue as most entry level uses laminated wood instead of solid wood due to cost. Check for action (string height) to ensure it’s beginner-friendly, as high action can be harder to play. Test the intonation by playing up the neck to ensure it stays in tune at higher frets. Look for reputable brands and check for a solid build with no visible flaws. Lastly, consider including accessories like a gig bag, tuner, and picks.

Electric Guitar

Electric guitars are typically more expensive, ranging from SGD 300 to SGD 800 for beginners. For professional models, it ranges from $4000 to $12000 or more. Additionally, you’ll need an amplifier, which costs around SGD 100 to SGD 300. You may also consider a headphone amplifier and listen to your guitar through your earphones, albeit having around the same price tag.

When shopping for your first electric guitar, consider the body style (solid, semi-hollow, or hollow) for comfort and tone. Check the pickups (single-coil vs. humbuckers) to match your desired sound—cleaner or heavier tones. The neck profile should feel comfortable in your hand, and the scale length affects string tension and playability. The type of bridge (Fixed, 6-point tremolo, or 2-point term, etc) that matches the style of music you desire to play. Ensure the intonation and action are set up properly for ease of playing. Additionally, factor in accessories like an amplifier, cables, and a tuner to complete your setup.

Bass Guitar

Beginner bass guitars cost between SGD 300 to SGD 700, with a small amplifier adding another SGD 100 to SGD 300.

When shopping for your first bass guitar, consider the scale length (long or short), as it impacts playability and string tension. Check the number of strings (typically 4, 5, or 6) based on the music you plan to play. For beginners, you won’t go wrong with a 4-string bass guitar. The pickup configuration (P, J, or humbuckers) influences your tone, so choose one that fits your style. Ensure the bass has a comfortable neck width and weight, especially for beginners. Lastly, inspect the build quality and consider investing in essential accessories like an amp, cable, and gig bag.

Drum Kit

A basic electronic drum kit is priced around SGD 400 to SGD 1,000, while acoustic kits start at about SGD 600 and can go much higher.

When shopping for your first drum kit, consider whether you want an acoustic or electronic kit, as both offer different sound experiences. Acoustic drum kit feels and sounds right to most drummers and are much preferred, however electronic kit offers the ability to play late into the night without disturbing your neighbors or family members. Look at the build quality of drums, ensuring the shells are sturdy and the hardware is durable. Make sure the size suits your practice space, and check for included components like cymbals, a hi-hat, and a bass drum pedal. Additionally, consider drumsticks, a drum throne, and soundproofing accessories to complete your setup, especially if you’re playing in a shared or small space.

The true initial cost of music lessons

The cost of music lessons in Singapore can vary widely, with some as low as $15 per hour can easily be found online. However, this raises concerns about the teacher’s qualifications and experience. At Vinnie Classroom, our teachers regularly attend workshops, masterclasses, and clinics with renowned practitioners. We put our focus on pedagogical methods and carefully craft holistic learning experiences. In a music school setting, our teachers can share knowledge and resources, creating a more enriching environment. Additionally, schools like ours can provide a safe and conducive learning space, recitals, and examinations, ensuring a comprehensive musical education. Something that would be challenging for private music educators otherwise.

In conclusion, music education is not the cheapest enrichment program you can sign your child up for. However, the benefit of sending a child to music lessons is immeasurable. I’ll leave you with a quote from a music educator workshop we attended just yesterday.

“The arts are not a way to make a living. They are a very human way of making life more bearable. Practicing art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow.” – Kurt Vonnegut

kurt vonnegut

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

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Sep 18 2024

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Why Music Lessons Are the Ideal Enrichment Program for Children (5 Key Benefits)

By Vinnie Mah Music Articles No Comments

Why Music Lessons Are the Ideal Enrichment Program for Children (5 Key Benefits)

music is better than everything As music teachers, we find it important to share why music lessons are the ideal enrichment program for children. In today’s world, parents are eager to enroll their children in extracurricular activities that enhance their personal development, foster creativity, and equip them with essential life skills. Among the vast array of options—ranging from martial arts and coding to chess and baking—music lessons stand out as a uniquely enriching experience that offers unparalleled benefits. Here are five reasons why music lessons provide a superior foundation for a child’s growth compared to other popular enrichment programs.

1. Enhanced Cognitive Development

While coding, chess, and other logical activities do stimulate a child’s brain, music lessons provide a comprehensive boost to cognitive development that surpasses these alternatives. Learning an instrument involves reading sheet music, coordinating finger movements, keeping time, and listening intently—simultaneously.

This multi-sensory involvement enhances brain functions such as memory, attention, and problem-solving. Research has shown that music lessons help improve mathematical and linguistic abilities, making music a powerful catalyst for overall academic success.

Why it’s superior: Unlike chess or coding, which focus primarily on logical and strategic thinking, music lessons engage both hemispheres of the brain, promoting well-rounded intellectual growth.

2. Emotional Expression and Creativity

While baking or martial arts can teach discipline and creativity within specific contexts, music uniquely allows for deep emotional expression. Whether playing the piano, strumming a guitar, or singing, children learn to channel their emotions through music, developing emotional intelligence and resilience. Music serves as a therapeutic outlet, helping children process feelings and navigate life’s ups and downs.

Why it’s superior: Music nurtures both creative expression and emotional release, providing an emotional outlet that coding or chess cannot match. It taps into personal expression in a way that is deeply enriching and fulfilling.

3. Improved Social Skills and Teamwork

Group music lessons, band practice, or orchestra participation teach children how to work harmoniously with others. In these settings, children must listen to each other, synchronize their playing, and adjust their timing to create a cohesive performance. These skills foster cooperation, patience, and empathy, laying the groundwork for strong interpersonal relationships.

Why it’s superior: While martial arts and team sports develop collaboration and respect, music teaches a unique form of teamwork—one that combines listening, adaptation, and collective creativity. Music students gain the ability to work closely with others while still maintaining individual expression.

4. Discipline and Perseverance

Like martial arts, music lessons instill a sense of discipline and perseverance. Mastering an instrument requires hours of practice, dedication, and persistence. Children learn the value of consistent effort and hard work, gaining the confidence to overcome challenges and celebrate small victories along the way. The sense of accomplishment they feel after learning a new song or perfecting a performance is deeply gratifying.

Why it’s superior: While martial arts emphasize discipline in terms of physical training, music lessons demand both mental and emotional discipline. The continuous refinement of musical skills promotes a unique form of perseverance that crosses over into many aspects of life, including academics and personal growth.

5. Cultural Awareness and Appreciation

Music lessons provide an introduction to the rich world of cultural history. Children exposed to different genres, composers, and instruments develop a deep appreciation for cultural diversity. Whether it’s learning classical piano, exploring jazz, or diving into folk music from around the world, music lessons offer a gateway to understanding and appreciating the global heritage of sound.

Why it’s superior: Coding and chess, while beneficial in their own right, lack the profound connection to culture and history that music embodies. Music lessons not only teach technical skills but also foster an awareness of the diverse traditions and stories that have shaped human history.

Conclusion

While activities like martial arts, coding, chess, and baking each offer unique benefits, music lessons encompass a more holistic development of the child’s intellectual, emotional, and social faculties. With its unmatched capacity to enhance cognitive skills, provide emotional expression, foster teamwork, instill discipline, and cultivate cultural awareness, music lessons stand out as the superior enrichment program for children.

If you’re looking for an activity that will not only engage your child’s mind but also nourish their heart and soul, music is the perfect choice.

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

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Sep 17 2024

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Pros and Cons of Learning Guitar, Piano, and Drums.

By Vinnie Mah Music Articles No Comments

Pros and Cons of Learning Guitar, Piano, and Drums

The pros and cons of learning guitar, piano, and drums have always been discussed here at Vinnie Classroom. Both adults and children are often at a loss about which instrument they should embark on their journey. Learning a musical instrument can be incredibly rewarding, but every instrument comes with its own unique set of challenges. As the end of year holiday is fast approaching, we thought it would be a good idea to share our opinion on this. In this article, we’ll explore three pros and three cons of learning the guitar, piano, and drums, with a special highlight on how Vinnie Classroom can enhance your learning experience.

Guitar

Pros:

Portable and Convenient
Guitars are easy to carry around, allowing you to practice almost anywhere. Whether you’re at home, in the park, or traveling, your guitar can be by your side.
Versatile Across Genres
The guitar is incredibly versatile and is featured in a wide range of genres, from classical to rock, jazz to pop. This makes it an instrument you can use to express a broad range of musical styles.
Personalized Learning Experience at Vinnie Classroom
At Vinnie Classroom, we emphasize tailored lessons based on each student’s individual goals. Whether you’re into acoustic, electric, or classical guitar, our instructors will adapt to your personal interests and learning style, helping you progress faster.

Cons:

Steep Learning Curve
While it’s easy to pick up basic chords on the guitar, advancing to more complex techniques, like fingerpicking or lead guitar, requires patience and commitment.
Coordination Challenges
Playing the guitar requires the simultaneous use of both hands in different ways. Mastering this coordination can take some time.
Complex Chords
Certain chords, especially barre chords, can be difficult for beginners. They require strength and precision, which can be frustrating at first.

Piano

Pros:

Structured Learning Path
The piano offers a clear progression of skills, from simple scales to advanced pieces. This structured approach makes it easier for students to see progress and stay motivated.
Wide Range of Musical Expression
With 88 keys and the ability to play both melody and harmony simultaneously, the piano offers immense musical possibilities. It’s great for those who want to compose or explore complex musical pieces.
Top-Notch Learning Environment at Vinnie Classroom
Our piano lessons at Vinnie Classroom are designed to nurture both beginners and advanced players. With our state-of-the-art pianos and well-equipped teaching studios, students will always have access to high-quality instruments for practice.

Cons:

Expensive and Large
Pianos can be costly and take up significant space. This may limit practice options at home for some students.
Challenging Music Theory
Understanding and applying music theory on the piano, such as chord progressions and sight-reading, can be overwhelming for beginners, especially those new to formal music education.
Challenging to Master Both Hands
Like the guitar, piano players must coordinate both hands, with one often playing chords and the other playing melody. This requires significant focus and practice.

Drums

Pros:

Great for Physical Coordination
Drumming is one of the best instruments for improving overall coordination, as it requires the use of all four limbs independently. It’s an excellent workout for both your body and mind.
Stress Relief and Fun
Drumming is a great outlet for releasing energy and relieving stress. Many students find the physicality of drums to be a fun and energizing way to express themselves musically.
Variety of Drum Sizes at Vinnie Classroom
Vinnie Classroom offers a range of drum sets tailored to different ages and body types, from compact kits for younger students to full-sized sets for advanced players. This ensures that every student can learn comfortably and progress without limitation.

Cons:

Space and Noise Considerations
Drums are loud and take up a lot of space. Practicing at home can be challenging unless you have a soundproof room or an electronic drum set.
Physical Demands
Drumming can be physically demanding, especially for beginners who aren’t used to the stamina required for longer sessions.
Hard to Play Melodic Parts
Drums are primarily rhythm-based, meaning they don’t play melodies in the traditional sense. This can limit a drummer’s ability to contribute to the harmonic aspects of a song.

Conclusion

Whether you’re interested in guitar, piano, or drums, each instrument offers a unique journey with its own pros and cons. At Vinnie Classroom, we are committed to helping you overcome these challenges and unlock your musical potential, regardless of the instrument you choose. With our tailored lessons, experienced instructors, and supportive learning environment, we make the process enjoyable and rewarding.

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

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Nov 30 2022

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Vinnie Classroom Reunion 5

By Vinnie Mah Events No Comments

Vinnie Classroom Reunion 5

Perhaps the best reunion of the year! The Vinnie Classroom Reunion!

Vinnie Classroom Reunion was perhaps the main highlight for many of us! It was an event that was shelved for 2 years due to the pandemic and its regulations. Most of us ended up forgetting what it is like to be on stage, to perform with others, and the point of learning an instrument altogether. But that 2 years of darkness are over and we are so glad we did this.

Why Reunion?

If you are a long-time student of Vinnie Classroom, you would have noticed the change in our recital name. Coined by our dear Ms. Zee, we changed the title from Vinnie Classroom Recital to Vinnie Classroom Reunion. The new word couldn’t be any more appropriate, the event is literally a reunion of everyone from VC. We get together to mingle, feast(on light snacks), perform, and cheer each other on! While it does move away from our big and formal show, this new format gives us the warm and fuzzy feeling of a big family coming together!

The Quiet Set

VCR 2022 Piano Recital Singapore

Piano Lessons Singapore Guitar Ukulele Singapore

We had a very different recital format as compared to our previous attempts. There are no dim lights, no colorful moving lights and the room isn’t black! Instead, the stage was presented with this clean and white look, representing a fresh start like a blank canvas. The performers were also separated into 2 different sets, the Quiet and the Noisy. For the Quiet set, the audience was treated to a collection of beautiful performances from our Piano, Acoustic Guitar, and Ukulele students.

The key advantage to this format of performance is to allow our students to have the freedom to choose a song that represents them the best. They can go for a technical piece to showcase their current abilities or a song that made them fall in love with their instrument. Compared to performing in a band, performing solo/duet means they can express themselves better!

The Noisy Set

Drum Lessons for kids Drum Lessons Singapore

Drums Sg

As the name implies, the Noisy Set definitely changed the atmosphere with all the loud thumping! Drummers provide the heartbeat to a song, setting the grooves and tempo right! Our new recital format allows our drummers to shine by choosing songs that best allow them to demonstrate their level of musicianship.

Band life forever

Students performing Sweet Child O Mine

Although it is a great idea to showcase our student’s musicianship, nothing beats the fun of jamming in a band! Solo performances focus on technicality and individuality, lacking the option for students to practice teamwork and coordination skills. So why only 2 bands for this recital? Well, long story short, COVID. The ever changing rules and regulations made it impossible for us to plan our recital and to coordinate students for rehearsals. It wasn’t until mid 2022 that we were given the green light to run live performances, but by then it was already too late. Students are budding musicians, not seasoned performers. They need a good amount of preparation time to get themselves ready before they can hit the stage.

Students performing Bad Guy

If you have noticed, there are no singers on stage! And yet, the kids band performed Bad Guy – Billie Eillish and the adult band performed Sweet Child O Mine – Guns and Roses.

The secret is… AUDIO ENGINEERING!

Students were actually performing to a backing track that contained parts like vocal, sound effects and misceallaneous percussion tracks. Sent directly to their In-Ear-Monitor (and not to the audience) includes the metronome and various guides to keep them oriented throughout the performance. This type of performance requires musicians to be extremely sensitive to the tempo with no room for errors. The tempo sensitive nature allows syncronized background video. Enhancing their performance and bringing the quality of the show to the next level.

Vinnie Classroom is planning on offer Rockschool’s Music Production . Contact us if you are interested!

Any videos?

Yes! But they are still baking in the oven. Check back often!

Plans for next recital?

With Covid-19 restrictions out of the way and our first recital in 2 years done and dusted, we feel the confidence on embarking onto the next one. The next recital will definitely feature more bands, more impressive solos, more jaw dropping duets and most importantly another round of happy reunion! Join us for lessons today and be part of our next reunion!

Jun 25 2021

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Amanda Tee | You can definitely relate to her new song about Covid-19

By Vinnie Mah Acoustic Guitar, Music Articles No Comments

Amanda Tee, Singapore’s folk-song enchantress wrote a tune about the Covid-19

I remember it was circa 2007 when I first saw Amanda Tee slinging the guitar the wrong way on stage, way before anyone would even entertain the idea of a Covid-19 world. We were so innocent back then and life was simpler. I initially associated her with Jimi Hendrix but quickly realized her style to be unique and entirely different from the psychedelic rock master. That young girl has since released multiple albums and singles, each better than before. In today’s post, I sat down with her to talk about her latest single, The Only Absolute.

Your new single, The Only Absolute, seems to be talking about your life experience. Can you share more about the inspiration behind this song?

Yes, you’re right! This song was written in the middle of all the uncertainty we were embroiled in last year. Not knowing what was going to happen with the pandemic getting worse and with the country in lockdown,

This song really embodies the thought process of a lot of people last year, when they had the time to sit down and think.

I thought about being young and hopeful, and about having grown up very lucky, with the people I love around me. About my fellow musician friends who were bummed about losing a significant part of their income without any idea when they can play again but still exploring options on how to get by in the meantime. Also, those remarks made by my comfortable middle-class friends, who felt that government assistance was too much for those who need it, “they should have been more prepared for a rainy day like this”, “we shouldn’t have to bear the tax burden for these people”. Soon I started thinking about the awfulness of the world, then when it got too deep I realized maybe I needed to get out of that black hole. I remember the people I care about and how they can be the pillars in my life to keep calm and carry on.

That’s really it. I’d thought it would be less relevant to the world by the time I released it, but I guess I thought wrong!

I know you even before you first released your music in 2014, Amnesiac. It has been 7 years since that album! What has changed?

A lot has changed since 2014. I remember I was still printing CDs when I released that album. It was just the beginning of Spotify and other music streaming platforms. Because of the increased prevalence of music streaming over the years, the emphasis is all about frequent single releases now! Rather than anticipating 2-3 years for album releases. It’s a big change. However, it’s heartwarming to see all the original artists in Singapore moving with the times and adapting to it.

Who are your songs written for?

People who enjoy folk music, old-school singer-songwriter lyrics, along with some not-so-straightforward musicality. Joni Mitchell, Bruce Springsteen, Tori Amos, and a whole lot of other songwriters have been huge influences to me.

If you have to choose a song you wrote that defines you as Amanda Tee, which is it and why?

To be honest, I think my new single The Only Absolute would be it. This song has all the instrumentations that I love in folk music and melodies that I love.

As a musician from Singapore, what do you have to say to budding musicians? Especially to those who have the aspiration to be like you?

Just do it! Don’t think too much about whether it’s the right thing to do. Don’t let anyone else do that thinking for you too.

So what is next?

I’m planning to release a full album later in the year, so keep your ears peeled for that! Meanwhile…

Facebook: https://facebook.com/amandateemusic

Instagram: https://instagram.com/amandateemusic

Spotify Artist Profile: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4PVNQJJbRrnbEnD15Md5mE

Click here to find out how you can sign up for a Free Trial Lesson to be an awesome musician like Amanda Tee.

If you wish to find out more about our guitar program, click here.

Mar 28 2020

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Video Conferencing for Music Lessons | Does it actually work?

By Vinnie Mah 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!

Music 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

Make sure students always uncheck the “automatically adjust microphone volume” function.
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

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

piano room lighting Most 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!

View this post on Instagram

So it's day-1 of video conferencing music lessons for us! Went a little sketchy but I'm sure we will get better in time! @zoom_video_communications #zoomconferencing #conferencing #communication #music #musiclesson @vinnieclassroom #guitar #ukulele #guitar #sgmusic

A post shared by Vinnie Mah (@vinnie_mah) on Mar 28, 2020 at 7:03am PDT

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

Feb 08 2020

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Guitar Sizes for Children

By Vinnie Mah Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Music Instruments, Ukulele 2 Comments

Children’s Guitar: How to Choose the Right Size?

While there are violins as small as 1/16, guitar sizes for children seem to be rather limited. Why is that so? And how can you buy a guitar that is the correct size for your child?

Amazing Children on Full Size Guitars

Before jumping to the conclusion that guitars should naturally follow the size of the child, we should keep in mind the possibility of using full size guitars. The internet is full of videos of young children performing technical guitar wizardry with pin-point precision on the full size guitars. Below are some examples!

Li-sa-X

Li-sa-X is a rather well-known name today in the guitar industry. When she first uploaded her videos, everyone was shocked. Debates raged over whether such children are actually considered musicians or if they are purely memorizing what they are supposed to do. What’s more, the most talk centred on how she is able to play difficult songs on a full size guitar despite her small build. In case you are wondering, this 7-year old is playing a diploma-level piece of music written by Paul Gilbert.

Yo Yo

Yngwie Malmsteen’s Far Beyond the Sun and John Petrucci’s Musicman guitar. These are not things commonly associated with a 9-year old girl. Also, it’s worth mentioning that Yo Yo is from China, where Western music influence is not just limited but restricted. A typical 9-years old girl from China would have no clue as to who Yngwie Malmsteen or John Petrucci are, and probably also struggle to pronounce the names! Yet here she is, shredding through a song that most accomplished guitarists would have difficulty with! Yes, and she is using a full size guitar!

Famous Video of North Korean Children Playing Guitar

This play-list would not be complete without this video. While many consider this “freaky”, we can only say that the North Koreans have managed to unlock the potential in young children. How they are able to train these tiny children to play these very technical pieces on full size classical guitars is beyond most of us! Now, if you are unaware, the classical guitar has a wider fretboard than the electric or acoustic guitar. This means those tiny fingers would need to stretch even further! Surely defying the ideal “guitar sizes for children”. Without the means of electrical amplification and with only a dynamic microphone in front of them, these children would need to play really forcefully to get the volume you hear in this video! Perhaps it is time to buy their guitar instructionals!

But is it wrong if I want to get a small guitar?

No, not at all! There are those who feel a smaller size guitar will help develop their techniques better. Feng E started off with the ukulele and has been uploading more guitar videos lately. The other camp’s ideology is to track the progress of the child’s ability with the right sized instrument. The ukulele happens to be an easy string instrument to begin on and it has definitely helped Feng E to be really good with his fingers. This little boy has been on big-time TV programs and has shared the stage with giants such as Tommy Emmanuel!

Must I start with the Ukulele then?

No. Sungha Jung, with over 6 million subscribers on YouTube, posted this first video 13 years ago. He went the opposite way as compared to Feng E, venturing into the ukulele at a later stage. The point here is, there is no one confirmed way to help bring the best out of your child.

Conclusion

We suggest all young children start with the ukulele before proceeding to the guitar. This way, if the child fails to develop an interest in the string business, the monetary loss will not be as heavy. If the child does move on to the guitar, buy a guitar based on his ability instead of his size. While there are good sounding 3/4 guitars out there, most are not comparable to the full size version. If you have more questions, you may leave a comment below or check out your local guitar shop! Guitar sizes for children is afterall, a highly debatable topic.

Jan 30 2020

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Musicians’ nightmare, finger injury!

By Vinnie Mah Music Articles, News No Comments

Musicians share a common nightmare – finger injury!

Musicians around the world dread the nightmare of suffering from finger injury! This scary thought was made scarier recently when the god of the Acoustic Guitar Tommy Emmanuel posted a horrifying photo of his finger!

Posted by Tommy Emmanuel on Friday, 24 January 2020

Tommy Emmanuel, suffering from a terrible finger injury!

Unless you have been living under the rock, you would have read that our dearest guitar hero Tommy Emmanuel recently suffered a terrifying finger injury. It took us 5 days to compose ourselves enough to pen this article, reassured by the thought that Tommy is receiving proper care and recovering well.

“My playing life flashed before me this morning as I had a stupid fall and ended up on my back, with my finger dislocated sideways!”

His finger was dislocated off the ring finger’s proximal interphalangeal joint and was left dangling sideways. The only way to fix this was to pull the dislocated finger outwards and relocate it back in place with a swift and decisive action. If the patient cannot endure the pain in the course of correcting the finger, local anesthesia is necessary. Gulp! Afterwards, the finger will swell and pain will follow because of damage done to the tissues.

Is this the end of Guitar playing for Tommy?

Tommy Emmanuel FB comment

Thankfully, our boom-chicking superhero shows no signs of slowing down! With his show dates packed to the brim for Scotland and England till early February and dates around the world till early June, we can only hope his fingers get adequate rest to prevent complications. Singapore has enjoyed his marvelous performances since 2010 but hardly enough to whet our appetites! So Tommy, if you are reading this, please get well soon and visit us again!

What are common types of finger injuries?

Unless you remain perfectly still every single moment of your life, your fingers are always at risk of getting injured! Here are some activities that are more prone to cause finger injuries. Should you refrain from these activities? Maybe, then again maybe not.

Rock Climbing – Requires immense gripping strength and often climbers suffer from inflammation of finger joints.
Basketball – Or any ball activities that use your hand. Basketballers frequently suffer from finger jam when the ball crashes into their fingers instead of their palm.
Volleyball – Commonly causes fractures because the fingers suffer a great amount of impact during the game.
Boxing – Fingers are placed under a high level of impact during a punch when done wrongly or without the correct gear. In this case, not only the opponent is feeling the pain.

Of course, the list can go on. What if you are not an active person, does that mean you are safe from finger injury? Well no… Tommy Emmanuel injured his in a fall. Jimmy Fallon suffered a different kind of finger injury, ring avulsion, also due to falling down. His ring caught his countertop when he was falling, in the process pulling his finger off. In most cases, the remedy for this kind of injury is to amputate that finger.

“Don’t Google it but ring avulsion is a real thing. So basically what it is is my ring got caught on the countertop as I was going down. And stuck there and pulled my finger off… … this happens a lot and the odds… usually they’re just cut your finger off.”

Can playing an instrument wrongly injure the finger?

YES! There are many bad habits out there that cause long-term finger injuries. Most of them are silent killers. It means you are likely to be suffering from it by the time you read about your bad habits in this article!

weird fingers

We call them weird fingers in our teaching slide because we want students to be constantly reminding their friends and themselves that these fingers are weird on the guitar. Once students cultivate the habit of always curling fretting fingers, they will get a good tone and protect their fingers in the process.

Conclusion

In conclusion, musicians are at constant risk of losing their careers to finger injury, unless you are a singer. While there may be many amazing musicians out there with various types of body ‘deformities’, we certainly encourage everyone to take good care of themselves. This way, we can all enjoy playing an instrument for many years to come!