tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76684402024-03-13T07:16:18.093+08:00Piano TeacherZyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13898624476074075196noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668440.post-9838570657392922482023-01-01T20:29:00.003+08:002023-01-01T20:29:34.197+08:00If I would structure my lesson...<p><span style="font-family: courier;">Yo yo yo guys, what's up! Is the new year treating you well? My fellow old men and women, how's your butt? Still hurting? How are my dearest Gen Z kids? Spotify is truly better than Youtube huh... My same-age millennials, eh how's your kids?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">All right, jokes aside. Here I am, sitting in a room, finally having access to a proper labtop, just thinking - if I ever am allowed to vocalise my thoughts -> <i>how would I want to structure my piano lessons?</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Obviously the context here is - there are no bloody piano exams, no high-ego bosses or parents to submit to, no urge to earn money.... how would I structure my lessons?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Actually, I would continue to use the standard syllabus, because otherwise I would have nothing to do, let alone teach! I am only a Singaporean leh, not from big America, I definitely don't have any pedagogy or ideas on my own, because I always copy USA/UK/Europe hahahahaha!!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Scales - copy from ABRSM</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Pieces - copy from ABRSM</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Sight-Reading - copy from ABRSM and Paul Harris</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Aural - huh, got time to cover? Hahahahahaha!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Theory - copy from UK</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Fun pieces - steal from Musescore (but they only allow up to two visits a week for non-members)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Bonus classical pieces - steal from my own brains, because thank god I have the ability to simplify challenging pieces and teach by-rote to my students.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">So ya, I would still teach the exam syllabus! Because otherwise I truly am brainless. I do have some ideas for fun pieces outside of exam pieces, but so often I depend on my students for suggestions that I wonder, should I pay my students? They know the latest movie soundtracks, popular songs, dance hits! Ya, I should definitely pay my students...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Oh but one thing definitely, I WANT TO INCLUDE <b>SINGING</b> IN MY STUPID PIANO LESSONS! I want my students to really enjoy the pleasure of singing. I don't care whether you are doing solfege, lyric or vowels singing. I just want my students to open their bloody mouth and allow pitches to come out! Please for god's sake, please be <b>in pitch</b>, please I beg the music god, let my students sing in pitch can?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">IF I include advertorials or commercials in this stupid piano blog, are you ok with that? Don't kill me...</span></p>Zyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13898624476074075196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668440.post-85058134554473542022-12-31T21:53:00.001+08:002022-12-31T21:56:15.903+08:00New songs?<p><span style="font-family: courier;">Hey guys! I desperately need new songs for myself and my students! I need the pieces to be suitable for mass audience, easy to play, soothing on the ears and most importantly, catchy!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I do have collections of popular, classical, religious and festival pieces, but I always feel that I still don't have enough songs! I want a concert/clubbing effect, like the music never stops kind of volume. Oh and I also want those quick changing type, e.g. two ballads, one quick piece, then ballads again etc.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">What about you? Do you prefer to listen and play the same few pieces over and over again, drill to perfection, or are you always seeking for new genres?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">For me, I always start with the classics (Fur Elise, Canon, River flows...), but before my students could even master them perfectly, I would start a fresh piece already. Because...well just because it is new and fun~ gives a fresh pop to the ears also!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Guys, I did some new makeup for a photoshoot too! Super large eye and thick eyebrow look, like Malay.... I like leh! I shall also buy some new makeup to go for a different look...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">HOW?! Any new pieces to recommend? Can the scores be free too? Hahahahaha!!!</span></p>Zyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13898624476074075196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668440.post-31942648897362342522022-12-27T00:34:00.003+08:002022-12-27T00:34:27.287+08:00HOW ARE YOU?<p><span style="font-family: courier;">Dear viewers, how have you been? I hope the pandemic hasn't gotten too much into your life? Sorry for not being too regular with my blogging, but I will try to blog as much as I can! I do have a labtop, tablet and a phone to blog, but I still prefer to blog using a labtop and it is challenging to log on using a labtop, because I am usually everywhere and I don't carry a labtop with me. Just...don't want to strain my arms.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">So much has changed since the pandemic. Other than piano teaching, I went back to become a model and a dancer, back to the same trades when I was in my 20s. Modelling and dancing work together with music anyway, they all belong to the arts scene.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I....don't know, just feel thankful for Singapore actually, pretty ok and in fact, very good during these Covid times. Thankful for families, friends, parents, children etc... Feeling happy but no longer chatty anymore...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Oh yeah! I never thought I would say this but, I do step into temple every now and then, obviously that same temple... even without anyone's push... I get it really, religion is very important because it is based on a higher power, trust and peace.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Everything for me is pretty ok, always going back to piano teaching. Modelling and dancing will always be there. This blog is still alive.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">How are you guys? Sorry that I am so non-chatty and mostly just zen these days, but HOW ARE YOU GUYS? Hope your health is ok?! Your finance is ok?! Your kids, parents, families?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I do give out my number to the public, feel free to contact me!</span></p><p><i><span style="font-family: courier;">+6593383729 - Ms He</span></i></p>Zyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13898624476074075196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668440.post-24939241410580228062022-03-30T13:53:00.003+08:002022-03-30T18:42:05.625+08:00How to get there?<p><span style="font-family: courier;">Someone help! How do I move a piano student from fun pieces to vastly emotional pieces? How do I shift from service-oriented teaching to real teaching? And do I still tell jokes?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">How do I shift a student from note-y and rhythmic piano playing, to linking up dynamics, change in tempo, phrasing and outpouring of emotions in a natural manner? And still not get the fundamental notes wrong. Without drilling though. I hate drilling students.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">How to shift from a presentation-focused performance, to truly performing music, but still in a fun way? How do I speak to long-term students that started with kiddish music in their childhood years, but are now preparing for a huge milestone in their musical route? Do I still joke, or should I cut it out? Can't I joke a little? Because it is fun to do so!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">When playing pieces from the Romantic period, can I still feel happy, or must my feelings be like...a pool of emotions and endless breathing at phrased sections? And, actually, every note needs different finger weight, isn't it.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Most importantly, do I still need to do the fun family dynamic thingy, or no need to involve parents anymore? Will parents forget all about piano or do they secretly still want to be involved? Will they hide in the next room and listen to the lesson, or will they go shopping?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Someone please advice! No, not another teachers' upgrading seminar, no need those anymore, I need to know HOW to guide my intermediate students to advance naturally with no tantrums thrown!</span></p><p><br /></p>Zyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13898624476074075196noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668440.post-66210491078965987172022-03-23T18:31:00.004+08:002022-03-23T18:37:15.669+08:00Customers<span style="font-family: courier;">I should be happy to deal with money, but actually I am so tired!</span><div><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;">I was taught to always be happy giving, because it is a good feeling and it brings good karma. I really did practice that, especially recently. But I remember a time in my late 20s where I just couldn't be selfless... still deeply ashamed of that period..</span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;">I guess, I am tired of customers that forget to pay fees even after reminders. Tired of old customers that need me to keep reminding them on fees payment. My heart is cold, especially towards old customers because....they did not pay, or pay late.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;">Dear dear dear customers, I am so tired of chasing you for payment. This month received payment but late, next month the same cycle repeats. Tired of customers whom think that they are entitled to many slots a week even though they only pay for one slot a week. Tired of lateness. Tired of customers asking for discount. Tired of customers whom happily ask me for a refund...Dear God/Buddha, is this karma for my rebellious teenage years? Even my ex-F&B/Swab bosses pay punctually and they never cheat me! They don't have music taste you know, but they do things properly, honest business!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;">Actually, music sucks....because it is non-character building. So what if I know music and has an FRSM? Who says mine or my customers' cultural characters are acceptable? I am a shit too!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;">I did my best to my customers already... I'm not complaining, just voicing out....nobody reads this blog anyway, it doesn't matter.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;">Dear customers, good night.... my heart.....pain...</span></div>Zyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13898624476074075196noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668440.post-48681209643490359352022-03-16T15:48:00.000+08:002022-03-16T15:48:08.300+08:00Hardest Part<p><span style="font-family: courier;">Actually, piano playing should <i>always</i> be fun, at every stage, especially the beginning and even until you are a professional. If music making is not fun, then....it better mean that you are an autistic musical genius, because you are a perfectionist and you cannot function playing music in a group, because it is not fun as you must feel and play every note on your own, only.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">What about difficulty? Is piano playing difficult and if so, which is the hardest component?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I used to think that the beginning stage is the hardest but I was so wrong - the beginning stage is SO BLOODY FUN! There is no pressure to perform both hands, go for exams or to even memorise anything! You are treated like a baby and parents keep on checking in. At least at the beginning stage, parents are dying to sit in during lessons....back then.</span></p><p><i><b><span style="font-family: courier;">If the beginning stage is not the toughest, then what is?</span></b></i></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Some teachers tell me its both hands coordination/playing, but I don't think so. Because both hands do not require much brain work, no more than one-plus-one-equals-two, because you just need to put two things together, like mixing chili and garlic, really not so tough.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Scales are not tough too, in fact Scales are super boring and non-musical. There is no rhythm. Notes are just played over and over again in different parts of the piano.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I think playing songs/pieces are the hardest.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I know right! Notice I said songs, with an 's' (plural). I mean, playing a song/piece is easy, playing one-hand is easy, playing songs/pieces in their most complete form is hard.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Because when you put pieces side by side, the character of each distinct piece becomes blurred - an exciting piece starts to sound weary while a soothing piece starts to sound like an accented piece. The sense of key for each piece is lost and even the audience is like.... "huh, this piece so long?" when it is actually the following piece already.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I used to really drill a piece to its most perfect stage with my students - singing, tapping, playing separate hands, duet-playing etc... But there is really no need for drilling, because so what if one piece is perfected? Is music making only for one piece?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Now, I see things in a bigger picture, and I am happier... What about you, my friend?</span></p>Zyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13898624476074075196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668440.post-50575673873307640042022-03-09T18:46:00.006+08:002022-03-09T18:50:18.835+08:00Favourites<span style="font-family: courier;">Is your favourite subject music? Is your favourite instrument the piano? Is your favourite activity to sing or play a song?</span><div><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;">I know you will definitely say no, because our favourite thing to do will be to sleep.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;">But, surely we human beings are not just animals right?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;">Actually, there was a time my favourite activities were dancing, spa, facials and massages. I was lazy. But a grandmother sat in my student's class, I played the simplest song "What are Words" in the most pathetic key, F major, and the grandmother exclaimed, "So nice! Wow music makes me so happy!"<br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;">Then, I changed my perspective. Of course all grandmothers sugarcoat everything, but soon I realised - There should be nothing more interesting than singing a tune, or playing a new song! There should be no happier job in the world than teaching, because learning is so fun!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;">My favourite genre of music will probably be movies because I am able to link the tunes to the characters and storylines, which makes the music more meaningful. But the problem is movie music, translated to the piano, isn't so fun anymore because movie music needs a full orchestra to convey the entire sound. Which means classical music is still the most suitable genre for pianists because they are specifically written for the piano.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;">What about you? Maybe music will never be your favourite subject because all the songs sound the same anyway, music is noisy and singing is stupid? In this case, do not attempt to appreciate orchestral/symphony pieces because they are "noisy" and not so suitable for casual listening, instead try something relaxing like "classical music for sleeping" etc..<br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;">Perhaps you cannot bear with your neighbour practising the piano because he/she is only a beginner? Then you will need to put your imagination to the test! Could you roughly hear the tune of that "still-in-the-process piece"? Now imagine it without the errors and pauses, ta-da that is what music sounds like!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;">I guess my favourite students are my fellow Singaporeans! Because it is so fun to play National Day Parade songs! Everyone can play something, be it Home, Count On Me, The Road Ahead or Majulah Singapura. I tried teaching Home to kids from international schools, instead of "For this is home", because of my poor English pronunciation, they sang "For this is hot!"</span></div>Zyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13898624476074075196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668440.post-87399535389624743102022-03-02T19:26:00.004+08:002022-03-02T19:28:18.914+08:00Played piano for so long<p><span style="font-family: courier;">Many people played the piano for a considerable amount of time. Many of us knew of music and instruments for the longest time ever. Many of us heard of famous pieces for years! Some of us could have an instrument sitting in our house for centuries!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Yet, do I call myself a musician? Do I seriously feel music from the bottom of my heart, did I give service to music?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I don't think I did. I was frivolous and all I cared about was anything other than music. I am deeply ashamed.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Looking at Fur Elise for so many years, I didn't even knew that the actual Fur Elise is in Rondo form? Because I only played the first page. Choosing to only listen to mainstream pop songs and Disney, I was completely detached from the true classical world, I don't know of any famous composers other than Mozart and Beethoven, ok probably I knew of Chopin but I couldn't even pronounce his name right, and is he from Poland? Er, actually, where is Poland? Is it like Iceland?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I really wish I could remember anything, just anything from my Geography or History lessons, so that I can link them to music. Apparently, I was asked what Beethoven did concurrently when he wrote Sonatas... like seriously, no stupid answers like also writing other Sonatas, but like...what happened to Germany, is it under war, which propels Beethoven to compose an emotional Sonata? Or is he turning deaf, which explains why his last few Sonatas are different, and how different etc? I don't think I could ever give a satisfactory answer, without Google's help, because music history is not in my fingertips.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I still believe that singing and playing the piano well are more important than music theory and history, because music has to be alive and played! Not read and talked. But I also wish I can be more knowledgeable <i>(is this the right spelling for knowledgeable because blogger doesn't have autocorrect)</i> as a teacher, rather than always being cute friends with my students.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Maybe in my next life, I will be a professor. See you then!</span></p>Zyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13898624476074075196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668440.post-19881735322432525322022-02-23T18:46:00.010+08:002022-02-23T19:07:59.280+08:00Service<p><span style="font-family: courier;">Once upon a time, a bunch of us were highly driven and efficient folks, we aimed to be productive and regarded sleep as weak. Some of us are still the same years later, working through meals and still going for big financial goals.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">But music did something to me.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Hopefully not turning me into some pathetic crap or weirdo artist.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">But music teaches me to be more of a service person, instead of always going for give-and-take, trade-offs, or even win-win.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Actually, all these are very economical isn't it? We were taught by such excellent engineering fathers, accounting mothers and our holistic education system trained us to be such excellent negotiators and planners. Now, looking back, we were all too young and narrow..</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">But, what is the music world? Is it economics, accounting, info systems?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Of course, for teachers like myself whom teach as a form of living, much is in students and parents' hands because they feed us, financially. Nothing to be ashamed of, because every job in the world, is actually, even if you package it so well, a service job.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Now, I could finally understand that, there is a time to deal with difficult customers. There is a time these difficult customers have to repay you, maybe in other means. There is a time for cunning parents, but when you see how many steps ahead they are in their thinking, it gets you thinking too! There are times for lost money, lower popularity and humiliation, but there will also be times for musical inspiration, stage performance and advanced music!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">The most important factor in the music industry is to be musical - to serve the piece of music you are playing. When you are only a beginner, play "Do" in the most musical way. When you are only playing "Hot Cross Buns", make it the most rhythmic beginner's piece ever. When you are forced to play only ABRSM pieces due to Asian parents, play ABRSM pieces so well that even the UK Examiner sits in awe with your music. Even if your customers are so unmusical and unrhythmic, you will still produce the best music because you can always find talent in yourself.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Maybe serving music and people are what musicians are truly for.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">P.S. But I am still going to do some other jobs because being a piano teacher is still so bloody lame....</span></p>Zyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13898624476074075196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668440.post-84539709286440873072022-02-14T14:50:00.010+08:002022-02-14T15:08:17.249+08:00Grade 5 Piano<span style="font-family: courier;">I love teaching Grade 5 for piano, because it is the first grade where the pieces are finally pianistic.</span><div><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;">Even Grade 4, the notes are mainly repetitive and one hand does not even move much.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;">There is something about Grade 5 in the piano world, where your fingers know that true piano music is being played.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;">Firstly, there is a lot of turning and squeezing (for the lack of better words) in the hands. Secondly, you have to press the pedal, otherwise your notes are too detached because you realise true legato cannot be done in the hands (for you). Thirdly, it is the rhythm - in between the bars, it is really quick!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;">Once you hit Grade <b>5</b>, you finally realise there are no slow songs for the piano.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;">Sure, I can sing a ballad slowly. I can do slow practice. I can appreciate slow pieces. I can "Ahhhhhhh....." with my korean ballads everyday.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;">But, when you really play a piece (both hands of course), you know there is no slow motions at all, because something is definitely moving, whether it is the bass clef harmony, the treble clef melodies (not melody) or the pedal.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;">Why ah? Why Grade 5 then feel like piano type? Why not beginner already feel like piano?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;">Then, what about Grade 6, 7, 8, diploma, degree, master?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;">And then, which exam board's Grade 5? ABRSM, Yamaha, Trinity, Guidhall?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;">I also don't know what I'm talking about, I type nonsense. No need to read ah, is nonsense!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;">--------------------------------------------------------------------</span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;">I like the sounds of Grade 5 pieces, because the changing harmonies occur within one bar, dragged on to the next, and even a basic tonic triad is inverted. The melody can run from right hand, to the left hand, and keeps switching in between, so that the audience feel something different. The jazz pieces are definitely not as catchy (for first listening) compared to Grades 1 to 4, but at least they are more.... jazzy? It's the chords. It's.....quite cool leh, true jazz!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;">I love my Grade 5 students most, really I treat them like my Valentine's!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;">We go through life's ups and downs together, we shall get married soon.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;">For a while, we felt the glory of hitting Grade 5 in piano. We looked at the beginners and no longer feel attached to them. And then, we played something (one hand) from the Grade 5 syllabus, and we feel like Spiderman because the melody alone feels so nice! Then, time stops. Everything froze. The cycle repeats.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;">Learn : Unlearn : Relearn</span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;">It is really true, especially at critical stages in learning and in life.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;">May I have the patience to learn with my students, then unlearn and treat myself like a true amateur, and then learn again because the best music needs to be learned so so so so many times.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Zyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13898624476074075196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668440.post-24540779311664982992022-02-07T13:06:00.005+08:002022-02-07T13:07:27.137+08:00Other Jobs<p><span style="font-family: courier;">There was a time when I wish I don't need to teach piano, or in fact, do anything, for a living, because teaching is a service job and I was too young to understand the deep meaning of true service.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Not that I am in love with service jobs now, but isn't every job a giving one?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Other jobs I have tried includes admin, waitress and usher. And if I have a choice, I will always return to piano teaching to make a living, because it is a job which is most.....alive!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I want to be a blogger too! But I can't even keep this blog alive! I really want to do something in the beauty industry, but probably in my next life.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">But why music and why specifically piano? Actually I like electone too. You know what is electone anot? ... But electone doesn't have enough keys, yes it has excellent sounds and beats, but it still feels limited, but actually even the piano feels limited at times, maybe because I don't use grand piano.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Music is very weird. Since day 1, it is already alive. When you press a note, it produces a sound immediately. For all us impatient bitches out there, piano gives instant gratification. Unlike say, science, traditional lessons are structured such that you only finally do an actual experiment in your secondary school years, which by then your interest for science is already gone.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Piano teaching is a direct job. As a teacher, if I cover Song A, student will know Song A today. If I drill Scale B, student will master Scale B today but forget it tomorrow. If I do a touch-and-go for 10 pieces in a row, student will know "hey these 10 pieces sound like this!"</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I guess I can never do anything else other than piano teaching? I mean, I tried to learn violin in the hopes of joining an orchestral one day, but I only reached Grade 5. Obviously I can still move on, but its Covid now, not my fault!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">The hardest job I have done is the waitress job thing, thank god I am not a mother because every single minute will be waitressing... My arms hurt from carrying food ok!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Oh ya, do you know I finally realise I must greet and chit-chat with my students? Because, in order for music to be alive, the relationship has to be alive. You cannot produce dead music, it is very sian....</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">As for other jobs, if I have the energy and time, I will still do. Because what is music if the only experience you have in life is the piano room?</span></p>Zyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13898624476074075196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668440.post-10599040861863676282021-02-16T12:19:00.006+08:002021-02-16T12:21:22.481+08:00Reading Piano Scores<p><span style="font-family: courier;">When learning the piano, we have all struggled with score reading. On most scores, there lies treble clef, bass clef, key, time signture, accidentals etc... Especially on a piano score, there ain't just one line of notes. Many things are happening at the same time.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">We all wonder, how important is it to really look at the score and play it?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Personally, and amazingly, I find Sight-Reading not so important as I mature.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Sure, there were those days, where we used Sight-Reading books, from Step 1 to the highest level, endless flashcards, playing stacks of pieces specially written for Sight-Reading. It is nice to be able to play a piece immediately by simply looking. Definitely the composers wrote music using a pen, for us to look at it.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I would choose technique over Sight-Reading, because I find technique more important.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Without good technique and fast fingers, you will never be able to translate your mind's notes, onto your fingers, and then onto the keyboard. Agility matters too, especially when hands go on opposite directions. How can you Sight-Read running passages, if your technique for Scale isn't good, right?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">By listening to your Sight-Reading piece, you will know your errors even before you count the notes. Yes, it is possible, you can already imagine the tune, if you are not talentless.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Well well well, Sight-Reading, embrace it, teach it, master it. But, never get too emotional with it. After all, when you perform, it is about performance.</span></p>Zyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13898624476074075196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668440.post-68763274490859472352020-08-12T21:45:00.005+08:002020-08-12T22:03:27.783+08:00Piano Competitions<div><span style="font-family: courier;">Experience, performance, hard work.... trophy??</span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H2FJpenXZAY/XzPv1KeeCnI/AAAAAAAANic/E9dlnWX9BsYQ8Oo4uzB9L2RnWTSWydLrwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1981/Silver.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1434" data-original-width="1981" height="370" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H2FJpenXZAY/XzPv1KeeCnI/AAAAAAAANic/E9dlnWX9BsYQ8Oo4uzB9L2RnWTSWydLrwCLcBGAsYHQ/w513-h370/Silver.jpeg" width="513" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;">For the next part of my piano journey, I look forward to enter more students for piano competitions, and some of them actually winning prizes.</span></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier">My students and myself used to aim for soley exams, specifically ABRSM exams, that is very important (obviously) in Asia. However, competitions should be encouraged too.</font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier">Only exams all the time...hmm...good, but you don't see talent and variety...</font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier">My experience with competitions have been happy! I enjoyed all rounds of drilling of repertoire, endless reminders on posture, glamouring up with suits and dresses etc... It gives piano learning a whole new dimension, and a positively motivating one!</font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UllgEJR5Yvg/XzPwyxAtV_I/AAAAAAAANio/UJ8lOvy8tkAVeldAL9R9tXWKFmHBIwheQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1741/20200812_213745.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1741" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UllgEJR5Yvg/XzPwyxAtV_I/AAAAAAAANio/UJ8lOvy8tkAVeldAL9R9tXWKFmHBIwheQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/20200812_213745.jpg" /></a></div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier">Of course once or twice there shall be competitors whom cried, threw a tantrum, sore losers etc... But that is fine, go back to solely piano lessons or pop songs if you find the competitive arena too stressful.</font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier">There is a place for everybody, the classroom learner, the ambitious competitor, the parent-helper, the exam-oriented child, all is loved, but let's aim higher from now onwards.</font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier">Competitions, well well well...</font></div><div><font face="courier">Where to begin? Which competition to start with? Does country matter? Payment via PayPal etc... ?!?!</font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier">•Know the <b>name</b> of the Competition you plan to join.</font></div><div><font face="courier">•Which <b>category</b> would you belong to?</font></div><div><font face="courier">•Confirm your exact <b>age</b> with your date of birth, a few months make a huge difference in the competitive arena.</font></div><div><font face="courier">•Select <b>pieces</b> from your existing repertoire, do not learn new pieces if this is only your first competition, because you cannot take it.</font></div><div><font face="courier">•Start picking new pieces and learn them, solely for that one competition when you are ready, as if presenting to soley that group of adjudicators, feels more special.</font></div><div><font face="courier">•In the <b>classical</b> piano world, do not wear crop tops, demin jackets, sexy bodycon or dyed hair, you will fail badly. Fashion gains no marks. It is about smartness.</font></div><div><font face="courier">•Enjoy outfits such as black <b>suits</b>, white <b>gowns</b> etc... It works very well in the piano industry.</font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OaH4b_QO1Vo/XzPxvbMuP3I/AAAAAAAANi4/J-poEQ2tJ1gi7le9HE_S6yoLHXFi-y34QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20200811_232147.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="512" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OaH4b_QO1Vo/XzPxvbMuP3I/AAAAAAAANi4/J-poEQ2tJ1gi7le9HE_S6yoLHXFi-y34QCLcBGAsYHQ/w512-h512/20200811_232147.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;">I always believe, it is okay to be cool and fun, but when it is piano learning time, just be competitive and ambitious until you grow away from it.</span></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier">Sure, competitions are really stressful, lots of old faces, new blood, but you should know where you stand, and once you do, you <a href="https://youtu.be/TfazqFqomrA"><span style="color: #ffa400;">play</span></a> way better.</font></div>Zyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13898624476074075196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668440.post-56763671383787767272020-06-14T20:18:00.004+08:002020-08-12T21:47:19.729+08:00FRSM<div><i><font face="courier">Requirements:</font></i></div><div><font face="courier">Recital - 50 minutes (+/- 10%)</font></div><div><font face="courier">Written Submission - 5000 words</font></div><div><font face="courier">Viva Voce - 20 minutes</font></div><div><font face="courier">Quick Study - Grade 8 standard</font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><i><font face="courier">Grading:</font></i></div><div><font face="courier">Pass: 40 marks</font></div><div><font face="courier">Distinction: 73 marks</font></div><div><font face="courier">Total: 100 marks</font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><b><font face="courier">My results: 47 marks</font></b></div><div><br /></div><div><font face="courier">Programme:</font></div><div><div><i><font face="courier">Robert Schumann</font></i></div><div><font face="courier">Kriesleriana Op. 16</font></div><div><i><font face="courier">Francis Poulenc</font></i></div><div><font face="courier">Valse extradite de l'Album des Six</font><div><i><font face="courier">Ludwig van Beethoven</font></i></div><div><font face="courier">Sonata No. 31 in A flat, Op. 110</font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Z93SPfNxvg/XtUYx_3C0rI/AAAAAAAANcY/wfu_0gMO5gI2Aq-a-lhgZwDZPfdOD4ynACK4BGAsYHg/writtensubmission.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><font face="courier"><img border="0" data-original-height="111" data-original-width="320" height="174" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Z93SPfNxvg/XtUYx_3C0rI/AAAAAAAANcY/wfu_0gMO5gI2Aq-a-lhgZwDZPfdOD4ynACK4BGAsYHg/w500-h174/writtensubmission.jpg" width="500" /></font></a></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier">Venue of exam:</font></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZwgVB8RsPP8/XtUafgA1tNI/AAAAAAAANdM/01gQqKDKQI4aojJIymqhHFXCtAe3Spy9ACK4BGAsYHg/venue.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><font face="courier"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="375" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZwgVB8RsPP8/XtUafgA1tNI/AAAAAAAANdM/01gQqKDKQI4aojJIymqhHFXCtAe3Spy9ACK4BGAsYHg/w500-h375/venue.jpg" width="500" /></font></a></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><i><font face="courier"><br /></font></i></div><div><i><font face="courier"><br /></font></i></div><div><i><font face="courier">Date of exam (first attempt):</font></i></div><div><font face="courier">13 September 2017, Wednesday afternoon</font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><i><font face="courier">Results of first attempt:</font></i></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><font face="courier">26/60 - Pass</font></li><li><font face="courier">8/25 - Fail</font></li><li><font face="courier">6/15 - Pass</font></li></ul></div><div><font face="courier">Passed all sections, except Viva Voce, which means Failed for the entire exam, because it is required to pass every single section, in order to generate an overall Pass.</font></div></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1xftuX6SjBo/XuYOV1i1HII/AAAAAAAANek/gefTajkF5fkCpTyWewxj1LAVEyC-HaK4QCK4BGAsYHg/s4032/20171219_130921.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><font face="courier"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="500" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1xftuX6SjBo/XuYOV1i1HII/AAAAAAAANek/gefTajkF5fkCpTyWewxj1LAVEyC-HaK4QCK4BGAsYHg/w375-h500/20171219_130921.jpg" width="375" /></font></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dYs6RLiaWjY/XuYOm5J-MuI/AAAAAAAANe4/6NANVb6A90ooEjSMY4Plz0rXRTdSkku5QCK4BGAsYHg/s4032/20171219_130935.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><font face="courier"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="500" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dYs6RLiaWjY/XuYOm5J-MuI/AAAAAAAANe4/6NANVb6A90ooEjSMY4Plz0rXRTdSkku5QCK4BGAsYHg/w375-h500/20171219_130935.jpg" width="375" /></font></a></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier">After receiving the results, I was upset because I thought my playing could be way better, but taste is subjective, so it is fine. What's more worrying is my Viva Voce, do I resubmit the entire Written Submission etc? Ultimately, I decided to re-draft my Written Submission, re-sit Quick Study and re-visit Viva Voce.</font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier">--------------------------------</font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><i><font face="courier">Date of exam (second attempt):</font></i></div><div><font face="courier">5 March 2019</font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><i><font face="courier">Results of second attempt:</font></i></div><div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><font face="courier">26/60 - Carried over</font></li><li><font face="courier">12/25 - Pass</font></li><li><font face="courier">9/15 - Pass</font></li></ul></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0mW3133rc6o/XuYQhbUtnHI/AAAAAAAANfY/p-fINDl3vWkOFP4mYBWIDFW1xA3S4zD-wCK4BGAsYHg/s2440/20191011_135803.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><font face="courier"><img border="0" data-original-height="2440" data-original-width="1937" height="500" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0mW3133rc6o/XuYQhbUtnHI/AAAAAAAANfY/p-fINDl3vWkOFP4mYBWIDFW1xA3S4zD-wCK4BGAsYHg/w398-h500/20191011_135803.jpg" width="398" /></font></a></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;">So there you go, </span><u style="font-family: courier;">47%</u><span style="font-family: courier;"> (Pass is 40%) for FRSM, after two attempts.</span></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier">--------------------------------</font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier">I was very happy! Especially since my Quick Study improved by three marks, and I completed the entire ABRSM Grades, phew...</font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier">But, how exactly was my piano <b><i>learning</i></b> for FRSM? Motivation, learning curve, reflections etc? Any difference from Grade 1 or 8 days? Got stress until tummy cramp (be it real or play pretend) anot? Who financed my FRSM? Did I pass simply because of the examiners' favours and connections? Am I truly a FRSM-er?</font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier">What is FRSM anyway? Does 'F' stand for Felloship and is this some church thing again?</font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier">The most important question:</font></div><div><font face="courier">FRSM got use anot? I think my Grade 1 damn cute la..</font></div><div><font face="courier"><br /></font></div><div><font face="courier">Who knows? Let it unfold...</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PNWNfq1-ctI/XuYS7k5Zo3I/AAAAAAAANf0/mwMj2kSjS_c7ZTBxSSkvd_eyFXXuiYl7QCK4BGAsYHg/s1936/Fellowship.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><font face="courier"><img border="0" data-original-height="1936" data-original-width="1512" height="500" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PNWNfq1-ctI/XuYS7k5Zo3I/AAAAAAAANf0/mwMj2kSjS_c7ZTBxSSkvd_eyFXXuiYl7QCK4BGAsYHg/w390-h500/Fellowship.jpeg" width="390" /></font></a></div>Zyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13898624476074075196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668440.post-31543066158766915782020-04-26T20:03:00.001+08:002020-04-26T20:03:04.739+08:00Serious Piano<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Of course, the title has two (?) grammatical errors. What is "serious piano" anyway? Blogging is so 90s, how to be serious?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">I guess, <a href="https://youtu.be/4Cv1iBV99U4">serious piano</a> is just my personal way of seeing the instrument, in my adulthood.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">I shall just type, without simplifying much.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">When we were young, the stupid piano was just a toy. We played this toy in the eyes of adults within the living room. We used this toy to stand out among our classmates because we had "special talent". But, as we grew, we hated having the piano in the living room, and would much prefer it even in a tiny room. The sound is much better, and honestly large crowds and comments from random people are not appreciated, at least not on a daily basis.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Then, throughout our childhood, if we were pretty serious about piano, we would have been through exams, concerts, etc..</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">But, it is only in our adulthood, that we realised (if we ever do), that every component is all about learning!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Piano classes translate music onto an instrument. Routined piano classes enforce long-term success. An exam brings initial glory. Routined exams produce long-term success. Concerts, masterclasses and presentations test if you really know your stuffs. Competitions, if any, bring out the worst in you for now, but the best ultimately.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Even a moderately serious pianist would have given up on piano completely (yes, got such thing, very normal one) in his or her adulthood, because the attractiveness of distractions and pressure of life's hustle is too strong.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">This is when, I remember what is "serious piano", thus this blog.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Serious piano is about the details.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Playing only pop pieces do not work. Sooner or later, you need to play classial pieces. Praying to God for luck also no use, God also not quite sure what is the difference between harmonic and melodic scale. Move the body so much like crazy, ya la, crazy uncontrolled notes, not neat at all!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Maybe it is nice to be serious. Probably fun presents itself naturally to you, once you get down to serious piano.</span></div>
Zyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13898624476074075196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7668440.post-24196940624720553272020-04-16T19:02:00.003+08:002020-04-26T19:05:44.040+08:00About Me<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">To my past viewers, welcome back after my long hiatus since year 2013. I have long since graduated from Singapore Management University, started full time work, and continued with one side hustle. Miss you all so much! Crying now...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">To my new viewers, this blog is dedicated to my life as a piano teacher, or pianist, and musician. The upcoming blog entries will consist of wordings entirely written by myself, drafted out in story-telling style, with various perspectives.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">97% of this blog shall be devoted to serious piano, 3% perhaps to girlie fashion..</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><i><b>What is "serious piano"?</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">It shall be at least, at the very least, minimum, a Diploma (or more), in Practical, and at-the-fingertips knowledge for elementary to moderate-level Theory.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Well, as mentioned, this blog is about "serious piano", okay maybe talk to you all about general musicianship too.. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">and, girlie fashion, soon..</span></div>
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Zyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13898624476074075196noreply@blogger.com2