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how to choose guitar strings

How do you choose the right guitar strings?

By Music Articles, Music Instruments 2 Comments

How do you choose the right guitar strings?

how to choose guitar strings

I’m sure you’d know how destructive it would be if you did not choose the right guitar string. Your guitar will play differently due to the change in tension. Some parts of your guitar might get damaged in the process. You could even snap a fresh string and cut yourself! In short, being ignorant about your guitar strings is never a good idea. So how do we choose the right set of guitar strings? Let’s dive deep!

Should I sign up for guitar lessons to learn about string changing?

It is a ridiculous statement to suggest that you should sign up for guitar lessons to learn about string changing. However, guitar string changing IS part of guitar lessons in most music schools in Singapore. String changing is not an easy task!

However, if you are capable of changing strings on your own but need guidance in guitar playing, we are here to help! 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.

guitar lessons for beginner singapore bass lessons for kids

acoustic guitar lessons for adults electric guitar lessons for teenagers

What are the things I need to know about guitar strings?

Thankfully, you need to know just a few things about guitar strings before buying a pack! Let’s take a look at typical string packaging and the information present.

Gauge

The thickness of the strings. Most strings are labeled with just the thinnest and thickest strings on the front of the packaging for faster shopping. The rest of the specs are usually printed at the back of the packaging. Here are some common string gauges.

  • Acoustic: (a) 0.011 to 0.052, (b) 0.012 to 0.053
  • Electric: (a) 0.009 to 0.042, (b) 0.010 to 0.046
  • Ukulele: G (0.028), C (0.032), E (0.040), A (0.028)
  • Classical: Medium tension (recommended)
  • Bass: 0.045, 0.065, 0.085, 0.105

What happens if I use the wrong gauge?

Typically, the retail staff will recommend you some safer options should you be unaware of the current gauge of your strings. While there are no formal industry standards, most major brands ships their instruments with the same few options of string thickness! You can also go to the product website and have a look at the spec sheet. But ok let’s talk about the what ifs.

  • Too light – Your strings may start hitting onto your fretboard easily and cause notes to make an unpleasant buzzing sound. If you happened to restring way too light, the tension of the strings may not be enough to create enough clearance between the strings and the fretboard. You may end up with a guitar that has strings sitting flat on the fretboard.
  • Too heavy – Your strings will pull the neck in a tension more than it can handle and causing it to bow more than it should. If you are on a floating bridge, it will be tilted forward instead of sitting balanced and flat. You might break your bridge off the guitar if you are on a fixed bridge setup. Indeed, you can break your guitar when stringing them with strings that are way too heavy for it to handle.

Guitarists are fussy and hence the reason for the wide variety of string gauge. To change your string gauge to something different, you can send your guitar into a qualified tech (such as GuitarGeeksSG ) and these professionals will be able re-setup your guitar based on your new string gauge. It is a complicated process to fine tune the guitar. However, a right setup will mean that you will be enjoying your guitar more than before!

Material

The material of the string can reshape your guitar’s tone drastically. It is also the most common reason why there are so many different types out there! However, not every has the patience to try out every different types of materials out there. Hence, we usually refer to the description on the packaging, word of mouth or simply follow what our favourite guitarist(s) are using. To help you shorten your search for the best tone, here are some of the common materials and their characteristics.

  • Electric Guitar
    • Nickel-plated steel – Balance and smooth tone
    • Pure Nickel – Warmer tone
    • Stainless Steel – Bright and strong tone
  • Acoustic Guitar
    • 80/20 Bronze – Bright tone with a strong bass
    • Phosphor Bronze – Warm and smooth tone
  • Ukulele
    • Nylon – default ukulele string material
    • Fluorocarbon – Fishing line rebranded as premium ukulele strings. Thinner than nylon and brighter tone
  • Classica Guitar
    • Medium Tension – Balance tone
    • High Tension – Stronger attack and punchier bass tone
  • Bass Guitar
    • Steel – Brightest tone
    • Nickel/Steel Alloy – Bright tone
    • Pure NickelWarm and smooth tone

One more thing to note about string material is that the characteristic of the tone does not remain consistent throughout its lifespan on your instrument. As you play, the string gets stretched out, aged, tarnished, and even rusted. There are simply too many reasons why the tone doesn’t stay the same as day one. However, that’s not really an issue for musicians of certain genres. Some bassists believes they should never change their strings, only to boil them in hot water to clean them before reusing them. They believe this will allow them to have that warm tone they desire. Some guitarists would do a monthly string changing because they prefer the bright tone from a fresh set of strings. During one of Tommy Emmanuel’s clinics in Singapore many years ago, he mentioned that his strings are changed before every show! I do wonder how true and consistent could that be. Regardless, I should remind you that Tone Is In The Fingers!

Coating

Simply put, while coated strings are usually 2-3 times more expensive than non-coated versions, the coating makes your strings last longer and hence makes more monetary sense. Of course, your guitar has to have good-quality hardware and has been set up perfectly to reduce the chance of string breakage while playing. A set of coated strings from popular brands can last you anywhere from 2-3 months to more than 6 months. There are a few common factors that will cause even the coated strings to rust. If you have any of these following, your best bet is to stick to coated strings.

  • Sweaty palms and fingers
  • You’re in a place with high humidity
  • You practice aggressively on a very regular basis and cause high wear and tear
  • Changing strings regularly is not something you want to do
  • Buying new strings regularly will affect your budgeting

Still unsure about how to choose your guitar strings?

The last thing anybody wants is to damage their guitar because of a wrong set of strings. Choosing the right set of strings is only part of the equation, let’s not forget about the right technique for restringing a guitar. Restringing your guitar the wrong way can also cause significant damage. If you are unsure, we strongly recommend you leave it to the professionals.

GuitarGeeks.Sg

There are quite a few very established and reputable guitar techs in Singapore. Most of them are very reliable and offer great value for their service. One of them is Guitar Geeks Sg and they can be reachable here.

But if guitar lessons are what you need, we are ready to help you become the guitarist you wish to be. Consider taking a Trial Lesson with us! I am sure with our decade-long experience, we will be of valuable help to you.

Contact us through these easy channels! 🙂

Things to look out for when buying a guitar in Singapore

Things to look out for when buying a guitar in Singapore

By Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Music Articles One Comment

Things to look out for when buying a guitar in Singapore

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.

guitar lessons for beginner singapore bass lessons for kids

acoustic guitar lessons for adults electric guitar lessons for teenagers

Perhaps a recommendation of the top 5 guitars in Singapore?

Top 5 Acoustic Guitar for ChristmasHaving 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.

Contact us through these easy channels! 🙂

Top 5 Acoustic Guitar for Christmas

Top 5 Acoustic Guitar for this Christmas in Singapore!

By 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.

guitar lessons for beginner singapore acoustic guitar lessons for kids

acoustic guitar lessons for adults fingerstyle guitar lessons

But what guitar size is right for my kid?

guitar size for children

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

Voki Acoustic Guitar

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

Yamaha Storia

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

Ibanez AEG7MH

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

Alvarez Acoustic Guitar

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

guitar enya em x1 pro eq

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.

Contact us through these easy channels! 🙂

piano lesson singapore

A Guide to buying your first Piano for lessons in Singapore

By Classical Piano, Music Articles 2 Comments

A Guide to buying your first Piano for lessons in Singapore

Buying your first Piano for your piano lessons in Singapore can be a daunting task! Let’s be upfront and honest. We are mainly looking at budget and commitment issues. A piano is not exactly affordable for most people in Singapore. If buying a guitar can take someone between 1 hour to 1 week to decide, buying a piano can take a month or more. Our goal in this article is to help you make that decision quicker and better! So if you’re in the mood for shopping, read on!

Piano Lessons for the Young in Singapore

Young children typically do not need an acoustic piano right from the start for piano lessons. While many will insist it is a good idea to start right, they come from a position where they are committed to the instrument and the craft. If Piano is never a part of your family, it is an expensive foreign object to pay for regardless of how much you love your child. Below are some options we would recommend.

Disclaimer: We are not affiliated with any of these brands or retailers. We do not earn any commission for recommending these products. 

For children 2 to 5 years old

Young children do not need a full-size acoustic piano or digital piano to start their piano journey. They need something their size and very manageable. The controls should be easy to understand and the keys should be soft and fun to play with. Here are 2 of our recommendations.

Casio SA -80

Casio SA-80

This little keyboard is affordable, runs on AA batteries, and is lots of fun! It has a huge tone bank from standard piano sound to trumpets to violins and even a helicopter flying by! Also features a song bank with lots of songs that children can learn to play along or simply listen and dance to. We know this firsthand because we have witnessed just how much fun a 3-year-old can have with this keyboard.

Yamaha PSS E-30

Yamaha PSS E-30

Yamaha is a trusted brand for pianos in Singapore and many parts of the world. With such a good reputation, it is no surprise that people will choose this over many other options. Equipped with a “Quiz” game function, their aim is to make playing the keyboard fun and interactive. We think that the Quiz function will train young children to develop a keen sense of hearing. This keyboard trades the lesser tone and song bank for the ability to shift the keys +4/-4 octaves! This is very useful when the children wish to play with another instrument but do not want to stay in the same octave.

For children 5 and older

Anyone who has been playing the small and simple keyboards for a while, will soon find that they need more keys. We turn our attention to bigger keyboards, synthesizers, and digital pianos. Here are some recommendations from us!

KORG Kross 2 61-Key Synthesizer Workstation Dark Blue

Korg Kross 2

We love the Korg Kross in our music school! It has served us so well in numerous recitals and piano lessons over the years. The Korg Kross 2 is an upgraded version with more presets, more voices, and more everything! Just like the smaller keyboards, this 61-key synthesizer has the ability to run on AA batteries!

NUX NPK-10

"</a

NUX is one of the more affordable and trustable brands for digital piano. Pronounced “New X”, they are an emerging brand from China that specializes in musical instruments and accessories. Guitarists will know them for their effect pedals while drummers will know them for their electronic drumsets. So if you are looking to have a go at a full-sized piano but not ready to burst your bank, this is a good option!

Yamaha P-143

Yamaha P-143

We have been using our trusty (discontinued) Yamaha P95 digital piano for our piano lessons for a really long time. It has served us well and has benefited so many students over the years. This newer model Yamaha P143 is an updated model with fully weighted keys! For serious piano students, fully weighted keys on the digital piano help transitioning to an acoustic piano easier. Besides, Yamaha stands out with their CFIIIs grand piano sound engine to keep your experience as realistic as possible.

For those who are ready for an acoustic piano

Some of us are more ready to commit to an upright piano regardless of the price tag. A good piano can last you anywhere from 10 years to 100 years depending on how it was made, maintained, and used. As such, it is no surprise that most people will only buy a brand that they can trust and rely upon. Here are some of our recommendations.

Kawai Piano

Kawai Piano

Kawai Piano can be commonly seen in many Primary and Secondary schools all over Singapore! Known for their beautiful darker and mellow tone, these Japanese pianos are hardy workhorses. If a piano can survive the constant a̶b̶u̶s̶e̶  usage by students in a government school, it can handle anything!

Yamaha Piano

 

Yamaha Piano is a household brand for piano students in Singapore. If the house you visit has a piano, it is very likely a Yamaha piano. Know for their build quality and bright tones, these are friends for life. However, do note that Yamaha has pianos made in Japan and Indonesia and priced very differently. We had the opportunity to ask a few piano tuners about their take on the pianos made in different countries but are unable to confirm which is better. It is often a very polarised reply. So we suggest you trust your judgment on this one.

What other options are there?

From here, we are plunging into the deep pockets that are somewhat like a black hole. The prices of a professional-grade piano can range from anything between 10K to a few body organs. While we can explore all these options in our article, we think it is not something that a beginner will need for their piano lessons in Singapore. So instead, focus on the piano lessons and understand more about the instrument before jumping on buying something that may end up as a white elephant. Feel free to consult your piano teacher for their opinions, and ask around parents who have bought a piano for their child. Have fun piano shopping!

Talk to us about your piano lessons. Or, take a Trial Lesson with us!

Contact us through these easy channels! 🙂

beyond piano lessons in Bishan

Beyond Piano Lessons in Bishan

By Music Articles, Piano No Comments

Beyond Piano Lessons in Bishan

While it is easy to search for all the piano schools for piano lessons in the Bishan area, we thought we would share what other Piano-related venues you might not know! Some of these on our list might change your weekly routine.

Beyond 88

piano studio in Bishan

https://www.beyond88studio.com/

As a music school offering piano lessons in Bishan, we were pleasantly surprised to discover Beyond 88! A hidden gem in the heart of Bishan, Singapore. This unique space goes beyond the standard music studio, offering an inspiring environment for pianists. With its beautifully designed interiors, top-notch 6”2 SK3 concert grand, and recording equipment available for rental, it’s hard to believe such a place exists. Whether you’re there to record, jam, or simply unwind with music, Beyond 88 feels like a home away from home for anyone passionate about music. Did I mention, that this place operates 24/7 with a fully automated, smart system!

JIMMUSIC

Piano jamming studio in Bishan

https://jimmusicvideo.com/

JIMMUSIC is a dynamic professional jamming and recording space that seamlessly integrates the piano and keyboard into its setup. With a focus on creating a high-quality experience for musicians, their studio is equipped with state-of-the-art digital pianos and keyboards. This allows pianists to explore a wide range of sounds and styles. Whether you’re a classical pianist, a jazz improviser, or an electronic music producer, JIMMUSIC provides the perfect platform to bring your ideas to life. Their carefully curated space enhances creativity, making it an ideal choice for both jamming sessions and professional recordings.

CHIU Piano

Piano shop in Bishan

https://www.chiupiano.com.sg/

For those taking piano lessons in Bishan, CHIU Piano is a name that resonates throughout the community. Known for its long-standing presence and exceptional service, CHIU Piano has been the go-to destination for many pianists. With a wide range of high-quality pianos, from traditional acoustic to modern digital models, they cater to all levels of players, ensuring that everyone can find the perfect instrument. Over the years, CHIU Piano has earned a reputation for its expertise, personalized service, and commitment to fostering a love for music in the neighborhood, making it a cornerstone of Bishan’s music scene.

Piano Lessons in Bishan

One can say it is both easy and hard to find piano lessons in Bishan. This is because there are simply too many choices in this area, almost like a hub for music schools in Singapore. Some would prefer a private piano tutor while others find security in a music school. We are in a biased position as a music school that is providing both piano and keyboard lessons. Hence we suggest you don’t take our word for it. Most schools offer a trial lesson, allowing you to make a better decision before committing your schedule to the school.

Talk to us, we are here to help. Or, take a Trial Lesson with us!

Contact us through these easy channels! 🙂

keytar singapore

Joanna Lim wrote the toughest song ever | Parallel Vortex

By Music Articles, Piano No Comments

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.

Amanda Tee - The Only Absolute

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

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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…

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Guitarist Singapore

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

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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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NUX Recto Distortion – Possibly better than Mesa Boogie

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NUX Recto Distortion

The buzz has been around the NUX Recto Distortion because of the incredible tone at a fraction of the cost of the original amplifier. Yes, we are talking about a dirt cheap pedal that sounds just as good, if not better than the full-size Mesa Boogie! Intrigued? Let’s find out more.

NUX Recto Distortion

NUX Recto Distortion – More than just a cheap pedal

That famous distortion tone

Allow me to share my knowledge with those who are unfamiliar with the world of heavy distortion. When we talk about rock guitar distortion, the brand Marshall quickly comes to mind. However, Marshall isn’t known for its ability to create the saturated distortion guitar tone.  The closest you can get is probably when Eddie Van Halen was using the Marshall Superlead, but even that is far from a saturated distortion guitar tone. Enter Mesa Boogie.

Mesa Boogie did not start off creating amplifiers with crazy distortion but I’m glad they did! The name Boogie came about when young Carlos Santana tested a Princeton amplifier that was modified by Randall Smith. After testing the amp, Carlos exclaimed that “the amp really boogies“.

Mesa Engineering then went on creating some of the world’s best amplifiers. Amongst the top of the list sits the Rectifier Series. Metallica, Blink 182, Korn, and Linkin Park were just the tip of the iceberg on the list of artists who uses the Rectifier series amplifiers.

As such, it is easy to understand why people are seeking to have that same great awesome tone in their rig. BUT here’s the catch. Mesa amplifiers are never on the cheap side. Imagine you are just looking for something that can get as close as possible to the legendary tone but not break your wallet. That’s when the NUX Recto Distortion comes into play.

Nux Pedals

Who is it for?

If you are already using a Mesa amplifier like my Mark V, this pedal is not for you. However, if you are looking to reduce the risk of bringing your Mesa amp outdoors but still looking for a tone close enough, this is the deal. This pedal, albeit being very cheap, isn’t targeted at beginners. It has such a complex-sounding tone that a seasoned guitarist will be able to appreciate. I A/B this pedal with my Mark V and I was certain that I have to keep this on my pedalboard! But before you go ranting, yes I agree my Mark V is no Rectifier but let’s agree that it’s a close match, shall we? 🙂

With that, this pedal is actually targetted at anyone who wants the Rectifier tone for whatever reasons! It’s also made cheap enough for you to just “splurge”.

The curse of castle dragon

The Curse of Castle Dragon | Cover by Vinnie Mah

By Electric Guitar, Vinnie's Youtube World No Comments

The Curse of Castle Dragon

Paul Gilbert has many well-known songs and The Curse of Castle Dragon is definitely on the top of the list! Any Paul Gilbert fan will be able to tell you the technical challenges in this song. They will even tell you how each part is played at the most detailed level. Or if I played anything wrong in this video. But I feel I have something else to express through this song cover.

Learning straight from the master, Paul Gilbert

paul gilbert interview singapore

If you don’t know, I was very lucky to be able to interview Paul Gilbert when he was here in Singapore for a gig in 2019. You can read all about my nerve-wracking experience here. On top of that, I am also part of his online music school at ArtistWorks.com

The motivating factor

I started playing guitar at an age that’s considered too old by many. Impossible to be able to reach the standard I so desire. I had no teachers or could I afford one then. But I stumbled upon the great Paul Gilbert and his “Down to Mexico” video. The insanely fast and accurate picking with fancy costumes and the quirky greenscreen background caught my attention right away. Not to mention how humble Paul was. That became my catalyst to pursue in guitar playing. It took me 15 years to find the courage to cover “The Curse of Castle Dragon”! I fell in love with the song when it was first released and had been messing around the sections of the song over the years. Never have I found the right phase of my life to put it together.

That was until I met Paul last year. I had the privilege to chat and interview him during his gig in Singapore back in 2019. It felt so surreal to be standing right next to someone who I watch on videos and admired so much for all these years. I told myself, that has to be the sign for me to start taking my life seriously.