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Sep 18 2024
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music is better than everything

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

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

music is better than everythingAs 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!

Contact us if you wish to find out more! 🙂

Sep 17 2024
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Pros and Cons of Learning Guitar, Piano, and Drums.

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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:
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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:
  1. 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.
  2. Coordination Challenges
    Playing the guitar requires the simultaneous use of both hands in different ways. Mastering this coordination can take some time.
  3. 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:
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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:
  1. Expensive and Large
    Pianos can be costly and take up significant space. This may limit practice options at home for some students.
  2. 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.
  3. 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:
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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:
  1. 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.
  2. Physical Demands
    Drumming can be physically demanding, especially for beginners who aren’t used to the stamina required for longer sessions.
  3. 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.
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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!

Contact us if you wish to find out more! 🙂

Sep 13 2024
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guitar lesson singapore

Life of a Music Teacher

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A Day in the Life of a Music Teacher: The Unseen Effort Behind the Notes

guitar lesson singaporeThe life of a music teacher, while rewarding, is often misunderstood and undervalued. Most people imagine a teacher’s day revolving around the hours spent in lessons with students, but the reality is that much of the critical work happens behind the scenes. From lesson preparation to mastering the music pieces themselves, the day of a music teacher is packed with hours of effort dedicated to ensuring that each student has a productive and enriching learning experience.

father and son practicing guitar togetherLesson Preparation: Laying the Foundation

Before any student steps into the lesson room, significant time is spent preparing. Each lesson must be tailored to the individual student’s needs, skill level, and goals. Teachers often design customized exercises, handpick repertoire, and create practice schedules to address specific areas of development. This means anticipating where a student may struggle and preparing strategies to tackle those challenges effectively.

Lesson preparation is not just about organizing material. It’s about staying one step ahead of the student, ensuring that when the time comes to teach, the lesson flows smoothly, and students leave feeling confident about their progress. This invisible groundwork is crucial to ensuring that every moment in the lesson is meaningful.

Kalimba Corporate Workshop

Mastery of Music: Learning to Teach Through Demonstration

One of the most underestimated aspects of a music teacher’s day is the time spent mastering the pieces they plan to teach. It’s not enough to know a piece; teachers must digest it in a way that allows them to break it down and explain its complexities to students of varying levels. This involves hours of practice—deconstructing sections, experimenting with different fingerings, bowings, or breathing techniques to find the best method of instruction.

Demonstration is a powerful teaching tool, and a teacher’s ability to perform a piece confidently instills confidence in their students. However, the hours spent perfecting these pieces are often unseen. The teacher not only practices for their own proficiency but also for the benefit of their students’ learning.

Rockschool Examination SingaporeResearch and Syllabus Development: Staying Current

A dedicated music teacher must constantly stay informed about the latest pedagogical trends, exam syllabuses, and teaching methodologies. Whether the focus is classical, jazz, or contemporary music, teachers spend time researching syllabus requirements to ensure that their students are prepared for exams, competitions, and performances. This involves analyzing syllabi from examination boards, assessing which pieces align with a student’s strengths, and ensuring that every learning goal is met.

Keeping up with these changes is time-consuming but essential. It ensures that students not only meet the technical requirements but are also exposed to a rich and varied repertoire that broadens their musical understanding.

drumset and drum lessons for kidsCreativity in Teaching: Crafting Unique Methods for Effective Learning

No two students are alike, and effective teaching requires creativity and flexibility. A significant part of a music teacher’s job is inventing new ways to engage students and making learning enjoyable. Whether it’s developing games to teach rhythm, creating analogies to explain music theory, or using technology to enhance understanding, teachers are constantly adapting their methods to meet the needs of their students.

This creative effort, though often unnoticed, is central to keeping students motivated and excited about their musical journey. It requires innovation, adaptability, and a deep understanding of both music and the learning process.

VCRX Vinnie Classroom RecitalThe Unseen Labor: Long Hours and Dedication

Despite the passion and dedication music teachers pour into their work, much of what they do goes unseen. The time spent preparing lessons, practicing music, researching, and developing creative teaching methods often happens outside of lesson hours. The reality is that for every hour spent teaching, many more are spent working behind the scenes.

Unfortunately, this unseen labor is often underappreciated, and music teachers are frequently underpaid for the level of effort and expertise they provide. The long hours, coupled with the emotional investment in each student’s growth, make music teaching both a demanding and fulfilling profession. Yet, it is one that requires not only skill but also a deep love for the art of teaching and music.

Conclusion

A music teacher’s day is far more complex than it appears on the surface. While the hours spent in lessons are what most people see, the real work lies in the preparation, practice, research, and creativity that happen behind the scenes. The dedication to each student’s success is profound, and though often undervalued, music teachers continue to inspire and nurture the next generation of musicians with unwavering commitment.

Music teaching is a labor of love, and its value extends far beyond the classroom.

zee huang

Zee – Piano Teacher

Vinnie Mah

Vinnie – Guitar Teacher

leonard howe

Leonard – Piano Teacher

victor mah

Victor – Drum Teacher

Sean Chua Bassist Teacher Singapore

Sean – Bass Teacher

Minghui Guitar Teacher

Minghui – Guitar Teacher

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

Contact us if you wish to find out more! 🙂

Sep 11 2024
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Kalimba in Primary School

Kalimba for 2025!

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Kalimba in Primary SchoolWhy the Kalimba is the Best Instrument for Primary School Students in 2025

As we look ahead to 2025, the Kalimba is emerging as the perfect musical instrument for primary school students. Having conducted successful Kalimba programs in schools like Cedar Primary School, Ai Tong School, and Northland Primary School, we’ve seen firsthand the numerous benefits this unique instrument brings to young learners. Its simplicity, portability, and educational value make it an ideal choice for music education in the coming year.

Kalimba Solfege SystemThe Power of the Solfege System

One of the key reasons the Kalimba stands out is its use of the solfege system, which is central to understanding melody and pitch. Unlike many other instruments, the Kalimba’s layout corresponds directly with the solfege syllables (do, re, mi, etc.), making it incredibly intuitive for young students. This direct association between the instrument’s keys and musical notes helps students develop a stronger grasp of musical concepts early on. As they learn to play the Kalimba, they’re also internalizing the foundations of music theory in a way that feels natural and engaging.

students from Vinnie Classroom playing KalimbaPortability and Ease of Use

Another reason why the Kalimba is perfect for primary school students is its size and weight. The Kalimba is small, lightweight, and easy to carry, allowing students to take their music wherever they go. Whether it’s in the classroom, during recess, or even at home, students can easily transport their Kalimbas and practice or perform whenever inspiration strikes. This portability not only makes the Kalimba convenient but also encourages more frequent practice, leading to quicker skill development.

Kalimba in Action

Kalimba Programs for Secondary School Students

Our experience doesn’t stop at the primary level. We’ve also brought the Kalimba to secondary schools such as CHIJ St Joseph Convent, Hougang Secondary School, Punggol Secondary School, Kent Ridge Secondary School, and soon, Naval Base Secondary School. For these more advanced students, the Kalimba offers even greater possibilities. Music can be arranged in multiple parts, allowing students to explore harmonies and more complex compositions. This not only makes the songs sound more appealing but also provides a satisfying challenge for students ready to deepen their musical understanding.

Boy from Vinnie Classroom playing KalimbaLooking Ahead: The Rise of the Kalimba

In recent years, instruments like the Ukulele, Guitar, and digital tools like GarageBand have dominated school music programs. However, 2025 is set to be the year of the Kalimba. Its accessibility, educational value, and versatility position it as the next big thing in music education. Educators who plan ahead and embrace this shift will be at the forefront of a new wave in music learning, offering their students a unique and enriching experience.

custom KalimbaEasy Access to Quality Kalimbas

To make this transition even smoother, we offer our in-house Kalimbas with a special engraving service, allowing students to personalize their instruments. These Kalimbas are available at an affordable price, making it easy for schools to equip their students with high-quality instruments. Teachers interested in bringing the Kalimba to their classrooms can contact us for a catalog with all the details they need.

Don’t Miss the Kalimba Wave

The opportunity to ride this Kalimba wave is not to be missed. Our special offer on custom Kalimbas is only available for a limited time, so now is the perfect time to introduce this fantastic instrument to your students. With the Kalimba set to become the most popular instrument in school music programs for 2025, there’s no better time to act. Join us in leading the next generation of musicians and ensure your students have the best tools to succeed.

Contact us if you wish to find out more! 🙂

Feb 27 2022
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Random Music Note Generator

Random music note generator is great for ear training

By Music Articles One Comment

Random music note generator is the best!

Random Music Note Generator

As music teachers in Singapore conducting piano lessons, guitar lessons, etc. We often wish for a random music note generator that can help us develop our students’s listening abilities. This skill is crucial in graded music examinations such as ABRSM, ANZCA, or Rockschool.  Needless to say, it is also an essential skill for performing an instrument in a real-world scenario. Thanks to the wonderful Dave Cohen, the much-desired software is born! Below is a screenshot of the software in action!

Ear Training

Random Music Note Generator can be confusing to use!

I know you are hoping to dive straight in for some serious ear training right now!
Here’s the link to the amazing software :https://random-music-generators.onrender.com (update 15 Nov 2024)

However, let us be your guide before you spend time feeling the agony of this very customizable system. Starting with the most important settings you need to get it right, Note Range.

Setting it up!

Note Range

Because the system is designed for almost any instrument, it covers an extremely wide range of music notes. The software is written in midi! Therefore, it has a range of 0 to 127.

Music Note Range

The range of various instruments on a piano.

But since MIDI code makes little sense to most musicians, let’s go with note range as per the piano layout! To set the system for your instrument, follow the settings below.

Ukulele is from C4 to B5
Guitar is from E2 to E5
Bass is from E1 to E3
Piano for Melody, try C4 to C6

Melody Characteristic

Scale Pitches: This option allows you to generate a random passage based on the Key (Tonic Note) and the Scale (Tonality). This option does not allow you to choose a specific group of notes out of the entire scale.

Custom Pitches: This option allows you to generate a random passage based on the music notes you have input. This option requires you to know exactly what notes you want the system to use. However, you will need to enter them in terms of Note name and Octave range. An example will be, Middle C will be C4.

Max Jump: This option tells the system how far apart can the adjacent notes jump away from each other.

  • Max Jump = 1: C to D
  • Max Jump = 2: C to D or C to E
  • Max Jump = 3:  C to D or C to E or C to F
    etc …

No. Melodies: This option tells the system how many random melodies do you want to generate at a go. From my experience, generating 20 melodies takes about 0.01324820582038 seconds. Well, pretty fast.

Rhythm Characteristic

Time Signature: How many beats in a bar!

Tempo: How fast!

Constant Rhythm: If you select this option, all the random notes generated will be following the same Note Duration you have choosen.

Varied Rhythm: If you select this option, then the system will create a random rhythmic pattern for the random notes. Maximum randomess!

Note Duration: Crotchet? Quaver? Your choice!

Number of notes: This is a little odd for me to understand but it basically generates the number of notes you want per passage. So if you choose the default 10 for a 4/4 time signature. The system will generate 10 notes and effectively create 2 and a half bars of music. I recommend you to stick to the correct number of notes based on your time signature. For example, 4 or 8 notes for a 4/4 time signature.

Presets

This option is useful if you do not wish to set the entire system all over again everytime you shut your browser. There are also some built-in presets that you can explore.

All ready! Hit that Generate button now!

Well not quite. After exploring the melody generator, I’m sure you are curious about the Rhythm and Chord Progression generator. I will dive deep into those in the next article but below is a brief summary of what they are capable of.

Rhythm: This is great tool for drummers! It generates a random rhythmic pattern and students can try to pick it up just by hearing.

Chord Progression: If you take music examination (for example Rockschool), you will know that the hearing test has 2 sections. The 2nd and most dread section is to identify chords in a chord progession and then performing it back to the examiner. This tool will definitely help students to devise strategies and techniques to tackle this tricky test.

Conclusion

To conclude. The ability, or lack of, to hear music note has always been a nightmare for many musicians. Don’t start envying those who were born with the perfect pitch! They often complain about how they get nightmares when other musicians don’t play in tune. Above all, music note recognition, much like singing the pitch of the note right, requires training. And while this tool is amazing, it is not going to instantly gift you the ability to hear the music notes. Proper guidance, techniques and practice is a must to attain this seemingly impossible feat.

Oct 11 2021
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Squid Game Fan

This is how Squid Game Soundtrack is recorded | Its a whole new world

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Squid Game has some pretty unique soundtrack!

Squid Game FanSquid Game has soundtrack that is unlike most TV series and movies we have watched! Apart from the heavy use of Western classical music, the team has composed some really uniquely Korean soundtracks. Splashing a very strong Korean cultural flavor to the show. The director Hwang Dong-hyuk mentioned in interviews that he wanted to use children’s games played in Korea so as to add the cultural identity. We are guessing the traditional Korean sound is part of the whole package too.

Traditional Korean Music VS Western Classical Music

The show talks about how the rich bet on human lives like horse racing. A clear separation of power between the rich and poor. Our guess is that the traditional Korean soundtrack is a deliberate choice against Western classical music! Depicting the rich and the poor. The players wake up to the third movement of Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto, indicating the rich having control over the player’s life and demanding them to start their day. However, traditional Korean soundtracks will be played when the players are playing the games. If you are interested in a deeper analysis of the classical music used in this show, Classic FM wrote a great article on it!

The Squid Game Theme Song

While this tune is only heard at the start of the show when the man (assuming player 456) was explaining the game, it left a deep impression on many viewers. Using traditional musical instruments like the Daegeum(대금) and Janggu (장구), the music brought viewers back to Korea before Kpop exist! You can hear the soundtrack here.

Squid Game Intro Scene

Squid Game Intro Scene

The entire soundtrack is a masterpiece

Apart from using traditional Korean musical instruments, “I remember my name” has a very sad piano arrangement, and “The rope is tied” portrayed the mysterious feel with an electric guitar. The soundtracks are composed to help bring the particular scene alive and the success of the show. Not trying to discredit the brilliant acting or cinematography but you probably won’t feel sadness in certain scenes if these soundtracks are not done right. No, we are not going to talk about Ali or Ji-yeong. 😭

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

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

Jul 04 2021
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keytar singapore

Joanna Lim wrote the toughest song ever | Parallel Vortex

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Joanna Lim wrote the toughest song, the Parallel Vortex

Joanna Lim is no stranger to composing tough songs like Parallel Vortex! In fact, there is a reason why this amazing keyboardist is a friend to the god of keyboard Jordan Rudess. However, there are more than meets the eye. We are lucky enough to sit and chat with Singapore’s goddess of the keyboard.

Joanna Lim

Firstly congratulations again on your 2 babies! Firstly your very adorable son Denver and secondly your album Parallel Vortex! Can we confirm that you are the most hardworking Mother/Musician in Singapore?

Thank you for having me, Vinnie! I guess being a mom really unlocked strengths and abilities that I never knew I had. Haha 

Being a mother is serious work! What is the driving force behind writing your album while raising a baby?

I think being a mom is really the toughest job in the world (kudos to all moms out there!). Parallel Vortex was actually written before having a kid. I told a Chinese newspaper reporter that I wanted to write something for my late dad who passed on in 2008 due to cancer.  After much procrastination and agonizing years of writing and recording, I finally got it out of the system in 2020. I was recording till my third trimester because I knew I would not have time to do so with a kid around.

keytar singapore

I know you from your Zero Sequence days! Totally impressed by those forward-tilted keyboards with fast running note actions. That was a long time ago, what has changed for you?

Age. Haha. Playing with a keyboard tilted is not good for your wrists. As time goes by, my setup for gigs becomes smaller (lazier to carry more things!) and more efficient (thanks to technology!)
I do miss those days with the adrenaline rush from all those fast notes. Nowadays, I get my adrenaline from open jams with improvisations. I love those spontaneous moments and the chance to play with many different musicians.

You play the piano, keyboard, and saxophone in your songs. If you want to introduce yourself with one of your songs, which will it be and why?

This is a tough one because every track represents different stages of my life. If I were to pick one, perhaps the first track – Parallel Vortex? The song has a mix of everything. From heavy guitar riffs, double pedals, and synth to mid-tempo fusion solos and it has a symphonic ending.  Pretty much gives you the summary of the entire album.

saxophone singapore

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

Friendship and family first. Never sacrifice the above just to pursue your music career. Love people and the musicians, jobs, and inspiration will come to you. Be yourself. 

Do you have any juicy stories to share?

I don’t really have any juicy story to share. haha
However, do check out my husband’s albums too! Simon Yong’s second guitar instrumental album – The Nasty Catawumpus was also released in 2020. We wanted to release our albums at the same time. I guess the “healthy competition” between us pushes each other to write and record. Now we have each started writing for our next album (cannot lose out. haha)

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

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

Jun 25 2021
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Amanda Tee - The Only Absolute

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

By 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.
Amanda Tee - 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!
Amanda Tee

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.
Amanda Tee

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.
Amanda Tee

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…

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.

Jun 19 2021
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Guitarist Singapore

Shern Wong wrote a song for his late father | Musicians in Singapore

By Electric Guitar, Music Articles No Comments

Shern Wong, Musicians in Singapore

This is a series of blog posts where we get to speak to musicians in Singapore and today we are featuring Shern Wong. Shern is no stranger to the local music industry on this sunny island. However, most students we teach have little clue about the music scene in Singapore because it is rather inaccessible. For instance, musicians perform in a nightspot that isn’t kids friendly. Also, promotional materials typically fail to reach their audiences. Hence we are using our platform to do our tiny part in contributing to the community!

Shern Wong

Let’s begin the interview!

Thank you again for doing this interview 🙂 Let’s begin!
  1. You just released an album earlier this February and now an upcoming Single this June! Are you officially the musician in Singapore who has released the most music in 2021?
I honestly don’t know! Never thought much about it. Perhaps amongst my personal musician friends maybe I have released more music than them. Everyone’s so focused on releasing singles these days I’m the only crazy (old-fashioned) one who still believes albums are relevant. But then again we still have half a year to go for 2021 so we never know. Maybe someone will release a double album!
2.What inspired you to write your songs? Who are they written for?
My latest single “Song for Dad ” was written for my Dad who passed away in December last year. I would say I get inspired by things that happen in life: personal experiences and things that happen around the world and of course relationships. I hope that people can relate to the songs that I write no matter what the subject is.
3. I know you since your teenage years when you are in the band Defuse! How do you compare yourself from your yesteryears and now?
I used to think that good music was only songs that were technically impressive and had complex difficult to pull off guitar solos/drum parts and insane high-range vocals. I used to scorn simple songs with only three chords strummed on an acoustic guitar. Nowadays, I believe that good music is music that makes you feel something, and simple songs can be great as well. 温柔 by Mayday is a good example of a simple song that sounds great and invokes a lot of emotion. I long to write a song like that someday.
Singapore Music

Musicians in Singapore are a tough bunch!

4. If you have to choose a song you wrote that defines you, which is it and why?
 
It really is difficult to choose a song that defines me because I feel that there is a part of me in every song that I write, and everything I’ve written is a reflection of my musical taste. But if I had to pick a song that resonates the most with the type of music I enjoy (rock music with bluesy elements) it would be “Sunshine Sugar Baby”. Also, the theme of the song is about breaking away from the feeling of jadedness, which is something musicians face constantly.
5. As a musician from Singapore, what do you have to say to budding musicians who has the aspiration to be like you?
Practice hard. Be humble and open to criticism. Do your best, accept the fact that you won’t be able to please everyone all the time. There’s no shortcut to greatness, your skills improve as you do things and create music, so don’t be afraid to try, even if the task seems difficult at the moment. Stop hesitating, if you want to do something, do it: you will never be truly ready/prepared for it because there’s always one more higher level to achieve.
6. Do you have any juicy information to share?
I heard that the boys from Defuse are getting together to release some material in future. (Hopefully) Stay tuned!

Listen to Shern’s music today!

Chapel Lung

Chapel Lung | Shern Wong

Hop onto Spotify to listen to Shern’s album Chapel Lung.

Follow Shern on social media to find out how you can go the old school way and buy his CD! (If you know what that is)

Check out the teaser for Shern’s latest Single below! The actual release will be on 20 June 12pm!

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Jun 04 2021
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how to practice your instrument

How to practice your instrument | We analysed our best students

By Music Articles One Comment

How to practice your instrument

how to practice your instrumentThe question of “how to practice your instrument” is perhaps one that has been asked many times but often ignored. Here in Vinnie Classroom, we see a fair share of students who are able to grow steadily on their instrument and those who are pretty much stagnant. Hence, we decide to write this article about the common excuses and how to tackle them. This article aims to help those who feel that they are in limbo with their instrument to get better!

I need a better instrument

drum lesson zoom

Our student doing drum lesson over Zoom video conference

While this is true to a certain extent, it is often not the case why you are not improving on your instrument. Music teachers around the world have been proving the fact that we are able to perform the same passage on both the student’s instrument and our very own workhorse. But that’s not to say it will be easy to make it sound good on the cheaper made instruments. The key here is understanding and tunning yourself to the instrument you have on hand. Every instrument has a slightly different setup and feels, this in return requires you to adjust your playing habits to accommodate. So no, don’t go shopping for a more expensive instrument until you understand what you are shopping for.

I don’t have time to practice

piano zoom lesson

Our student doing piano lesson over Zoom video conference

Time indeed is tough to manage for many of us. School students, especially those in Singapore, struggles to find time out of their heavy load of school work. Adults are often filled with commitments they must fulfill before setting aside time to indulge themselves with their instruments. However,  times and times again, we have seen students who ace in their academics doing really well on their instruments. We also have working adults with kids progressing steadily despite their tight schedule. So what’s their secret?

Perhaps the most important ingredient when it comes to time management isn’t how well you plan your day. It is about addiction. How addicted you are to improve on the instrument?

Some of our students see practicing their instrument as a form of relaxation from their schoolwork. They aim to finish their schoolwork swiftly to earn more time on their instrument. This does not equate to filling in the blanks on that pesky homework with random answers. That will often stall them, resulting in more time needed in correction work. Instead, they make sure they understand their subject well and do it with a clear mind.

Working adults does things with a different approach, they plan their schedule properly. Setting aside valuable time during the day to clock some mileage in. It could be when their children are showering, the few minutes in the morning before they head for work, or even right before dinner is served. Again, the concept is still the same. It boils down to how much do you want to improve on your instrument. Clocking in the mileage is a sure-fire way to getting better.

I did practice but I am not improving!

zoom piano lesson

Our student doing piano lesson over Zoom video conference with multi camera angle for better experience

If you did all of the above and are still not improving, then we need to dive into your practice routine. After all, we are diving deep into understanding how to practice your instrument in this post! Many of our students who are confident they practiced but not showing results, often practiced wrongly. Yes, there are specific ways to get that effective and efficient practice in.

  • Do not play the song from the start till the end!

This is a typical mistake that students do. The idea they have is as long as they played all those notes on the score, they have practiced. Well technically yes they did practice but they merely practice how to relate the note on the score to the note on their instrument. Often times ignoring timing, technique, articulation, and dynamics. So if you are guilty of doing this, stop. Instead, zoom in down to just a few bars at a time. Work on them until you are able to perform them perfectly. Once you are ready, you can then add more bars to that practice routine. Eventually, you will be playing the song from start till the end but with a very clear mind of every aspect of the music.

  • Do not practice without a metronome

Metronome is likely a student’s worse nightmare. Every so often, a student will blurt out “can we do without the metronome”. Understandably so, the metronome is a merciless machine that embarrasses you as soon as you are out of time. Syncing to the metronome can be a mammoth task for many. So why do we want to practice with a metronome and how?

For a start, a band can only function if everyone is able to play together. The timekeeper will always be the drummer. The band will sound bad no matter how well everyone is playing if the main timekeeper is unstable. Solo instrumentalist, however, enjoys the liberty of performing a song in Rubato. So unless you want to be performing alone, time to practice with a metronome!

Assuming you have never practiced with a metronome, start off by working on scales. Scales are a great way to help you tighten your playing to a metronome because the notes are fixed and you have already memorized them by heart. This means your ears, more likely the brain, have more capacity to hear if the notes and the metronome clicks are locked in together.

The clicks will disappear underneath your notes when you are in sync with the metronome. 

From there on, practicing without the metronome will feel almost alien. The most basic metronome clicks to the main tempo but the more advanced metronome allows for subdivisions. Meaning, you can now set it to click on every quaver instead of crotchet, or if you need to practice some triplets, or if the time signature is at 5/4. Ultimately, a good musician will be able to hear both the metronome and the notes they play at the same time. They can combine the 2 information together to get perfect sync to the tempo. So dust off your metronome and start practicing with it today!

I now mastered “How To Practice Your Instrument”

Hold up! While we wish to congratulate you that you’ve understood all that you need to do to be practicing your instrument effectively and efficiently, this article has not covered every aspect of it. It merely is a rough guide to getting better. Practicing an instrument, like any other things you wish to perfect, requires a lifetime of dedication. It requires a lot of motivations too and motivation can come from various factors. Fame, money, or personal skill accomplishment? Understanding why you want to improve on your musicality is perhaps the start of why you want to read this article in the first place.

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