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 "I grew up learning the piano and even got up to grade 7 but today I am too embarrassed to even say that I can play the piano.  Truth is, despite going through the exams year after year and obtaining certificates, I do not have the confidence that I am competent in the piano at all.  Quite frankly, I am not able to play for anybody on the whim without scores.  And even with scores, I would definitely require a year of intensive practice because this was the way I was conditioned - to practice only four or five pieces per year.  That is why for my children, I was adamant that they will not go through music education the way I had.  I did not want them to be restricted only to exam pieces but i wanted them to be able to play whatever they wanted and as many pieces as they wanted.  I wanted my children to enjoy playing the piano for the sake of the beautiful music and not just to pass an exam."

 

"It seems like quite a simple desire, to allow my children to learn at their own pace to cultivate their love for music but finding the right teacher is harder than we thought.  Not many teachers seem to know how to progress the children to a competent level without the safety net of the exams.  That is why I am so glad to have found Yoon Sen Lee (YSL) Music school. In this school, the children are encouraged to perform.  And it is through performances and competitions that the children learn how to bring forth quality music to their audience.  For what is music if all they did was to just play for themselves and their teachers to pass an exam just as I did?  In this music school, we saw the value of performances and competitions.  It is through the enjoyment of making musical connections with their audience that my children are motivated to raise their level of competence.  From the competitions, they are able to see where other musicians are at and learn from them.  Regular performances and competitions have helped my children gain more confidence in their piano playing."

 

 "Today, my children have no qualms in performing for others without coercion from us.  This confidence can only be attributed to their training.  Ivy and Yoon Sen have both been very encouraging in spurring the children to the next level and taking on challenges.  They have taught them not only how to play the piano but mentored the children by helping them grow in resilience, patience, and diligence.  Their passion is contagious.  I am in awe of their commitment to the children.  Every year as I attend the concert performances and competitions, I do not have any doubt that this music school really produces competent musicians with a very high standard and I thank God that we are a part of this great family of musicians."

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Sherrie Yap