From Concert to Community

YST STORIES

Charting Pathways 2020: From Concert to Community

Music heals, connects and empowers across spaces and demographics. This issue, we look at students who have used the skills and experiences they gained at YST to build, impact and lead communities.

Read our previous article about our MS, MCP, Joint Degree Programme and Artist Diploma students:

Forging Paths of Their Own

NATALIE KOH

“I hope to see more young musicians step up to engage with the community!”

What has been a significant experience from the past four years?

In Year 1, a group of YST students and I went to Superhero Me, an inclusive arts organisation, to teach children from the special needs community and underprivileged families. This experience sparked my interest in community work, and it became my personal goal to interact and understand as many individuals as possible, regardless of their age or ability. I’ve continued to work with Superhero Me and recently led a music and movement workshop, held virtually amidst COVID-19 distancing measures.

Why did you take it up?

I decided to pursue projects with Superhero Me as I get to work with my three passions – classical music, children, and building an inclusive environment! I often remind myself I am indeed very privileged to pursue my passion, and am constantly trying to find avenues to share this gift of higher education and my love for music with the wider community.

Who helped you along the way?

I am deeply thankful to my major teacher, Mr Ng Yu-Ying for pushing and inspiring me to improve my violin skills; Mrs Chan Chee Mee, my violin teacher prior to YST, who has been influential in my growth as a violinist and a music educator; to Jean Loo, director of Superhero Me, for giving me the opportunity to work with Superhero Me; to Prof Bernard Lanskey for his advice in professional development, to my chamber coaches Mr Lim Yan and Mr Ang Chek Meng for providing my chamber group (the WAN Trio) a lot of guidance, and to my friends for helping and surrounding me with lots of support and A+ company.

Next steps after graduation?

I will be starting my Master of Music in Violin Performance at DePaul School of Music in August 2020, where I will be learning under Mr I-Hao Lee! I will also be serving as a teaching artist at the DePaul Community Music Division. Prior to moving abroad, I am also conceptualising other potential community projects.

What is a piece of music that represents your last four years?

It would be the last movement of Cesar Franck’s Piano Quintet. It starts off in a tentative and timid manner, similar to how I felt when I first entered YST. The music starts to develop as it explores different characters. The last movement explores a spectrum of emotions, similar to the rollercoaster of events over the last four years. The movement ends with short and sharp chords, similar to how our four years at YST came to an abrupt end (sadly, due to COVID-19!).

LAU HUI PING

“Always have a goal and enjoy the process. Take 100% responsibility for your own learning and decisions in life.”

What has been a significant experience from the past four years?

The Miri Music Project – I had the chance to organise a one-week project in Brunei and Miri (my hometown in East Malaysia) with a bunch of amazing friends in YST, where we engaged local students with professional music instruction and contributed to teaching practices in the community. Through the project I learned how I could make a difference in the community, discovered my strengths and weaknesses, and found my own identity as a musician.

Why did you take it up?

I chose to organise the project in my hometown because I feel I am extremely lucky to be able to study in YST, and wanted to improve the music education system back home so that learning music can be a priority, not a privilege.

Who helped you along the way?

I am thankful to Assoc Profs Chan Tze Law and Ty Constante. They inspired me to kickstart the projects and were also actively involved in the planning and execution stages. In addition, a big shoutout to all my seven teammates who have been so reliable, flexible, and fun to be with.

Next steps after graduation?

I am planning to go for further studies. My final goal is to be able to teach and enjoy performing all kinds of music. Before that, I’m trying to improve as much as I can, both as a musician and as a person.

KENNY OOI

“Be humble. Be creative. Explore all the possibilities of making music in various ways. There are many good musicians around the world; make yourself a special one.”

What has been a significant experience from the past four years?

Having been involved in administration and production with the YST offices (at the time I was interning as an Ensembles assistant during the Conservatory Orchestra’s Korea tour in April 2019), I was inspired to start something for the Malaysian community. I started by working with what I was most familiar with – brass instruments – leading to the formation of the Penang International Brass Festival. Undoubtedly, there were struggles throughout the journey, but the outcome was truly rewarding and beneficial.

Why did you take it up?

I have been fortunate to receive opportunities from YST to attend music festivals and performances in different parts of the world. Amidst these experiences, I have often wondered why similar events were not available back home. I believe there is something I can do to bring music resources to my hometown, Penang.

Who helped you along the way?

I am thankful for Howard Ng (’11), for encouraging me to take up this challenge and also for giving me critical and objective opinions throughout the journey. Secondly, my other colleagues in the administration wing – I-Shyan, Lai Fong, Zi Qi, Mike, Wah Peng, Hui Li, Wei Boon, Shu Chen, and many more – for advising and guiding me on planning and managing events. I am also thankful for my major teachers, Jon Dante and Wen Rong, who supported my passion in arts management and helped me to balance my major and this project at the same time.

Next steps after graduation?

I see myself going in the direction of arts management and perhaps education. I am also running my own social enterprise, The Rondo Production, which aims to bring high-quality music educational programmes and initiatives to the community. I hope to inspire the younger generations to see the possibilities in furthering their music studies and career.

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