In Semester 1 of the 2019/20 academic year, students Cindy Honanta (B.MUS3, voice), Hyesoo Kim (B.MUS3, oboe) and Pawin Pungbua (B.MUS4, trombone) took part in a semester exchange programme at the Royal Conservatoire The Hague.
Cindy was drawn by the opportunity to study with Professor Gerda van Zelm, having heard positive feedback shared by seniors who attended Prof Gerda’s coachings when she visited YST in 2016. For Cindy, one of the greatest takeaways was learning how to better sing with intention and connect emotionally with her audiences. “Professor Gerda really emphasised on learning all the scores by heart before coming to major lessons. That way, we could focus on interpreting and appreciating the music. Gerda’s challenge is really useful for me having come back from exchange. For example, for our upcoming senior recitals, we have to perform an hour’s worth of music, and I am now able to learn new pieces faster and have a deeper understanding of the music that I am singing,” says Cindy.
Similar to Cindy, Pawin applied for exchange at The Hague to further his learning as a trombone player and to network with new musicians. On his biggest takeaways, Pawin shares that as a musician, he would often worry about technique and perfection, but after observing others and attending weekly studio lessons, playing with the heart and being unafraid to make mistakes was a lesson that connected deeply with him and enriched his playing.
Hyesoo’s experience at the Royal Conservatoire was equally meaningful and enlightening, particularly as her first experience studying in Europe. Having enjoyed her learning experience during the semester exchange, she plans to audition for graduate studies there.
In addition, when sharing their reasons for taking part in this program, the students spoke on the importance of exposure to new environments, cultures and perspectives. They agreed that this exchange program allowed them to broaden their social networks and learn more about new cultures, making the experience an integral part in their journey to becoming a better musician.
YST supports students in pursuing overseas opportunities, which allows them to experience new environments and cultures, expanding their horizons as learners and musicians. More than just producing musically skilled performers, nurturing future-ready musicians who are passionate about their craft and the world is at the heart of what we do. Find out more about our exchange programs here, and about student journeys within and beyond Singapore here.
Article by Priscilla Fong (Year 3, Voice).
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National University of Singapore
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