This is the first instalment of the Charting Pathways series, where YST graduates look back on their experience at the Conservatory, and give us a peek at their plans for the future.

In this article, we hear from Kong (BMus ’18, Trumpet) about the diverse learning opportunities that have shaped his growth as a musician.

YST graduate Teerapol Kiatthaveephong (BMus ’18, Trumpet), who goes by the name Kong, is on track to becoming a professional orchestral trumpet player. Over the past few years, he has worked in the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO) as a freelance musician, and played in top concert venues in Singapore with the YST Conservatory Orchestra as well as his prize-winning brass quintet, Brass Lightyear.

Originally from Thailand and always striving to improve and excel, Kong thanks his peers at YST for constantly encouraging him to do better – not just in music, but in other areas such as language. “It’s great to be in such an international cohort of students. I came to YST with weak English skills, but the environment has helped me to improve my English a lot – and I have even picked up some Mandarin and other languages from my course mates!”

While studying at the Conservatory, Kong was under the tutelage of Mr Jon Dante, YST Artist Faculty and Principal Trumpet of SSO. A key part of his training to be an orchestral musician was learning how to play in the style of different composers, and fine-tuning stylistic nuances expected of the principal or section chair.

Sharing about lessons with Mr Dante, Kong says, “He says the truth and keeps it real. It can sometimes be hard to hear – but that’s the way we improve.” Kong also appreciates that he was encouraged to be a holistic musician – outside of the classroom, he has nurtured a keen interest in photography.