It has been my childhood dream to be a pianist. I started planning for a music
education during my secondary school days. I knew that an overseas education
was essential but it would also be costly - something well beyond the means of
an average income family. In April 2004, Trailblazer Foundation made this
possible by sponsoring me for my piano studies at the Moscow Conservatory and
subsequently at the Royal College of Music, London where I am currently
pursuing a Masters of Music in Performance.
From the beginning of the sponsorship till now, Trailblazer Foundation has
provided extraordinary support for my musical training and has been most
concerned about my progress; making sure that I receive the best training in
the right place. The transfer to the Royal College of Music in 2008 was upon
the advice of Trailblazer. It has been two years now and has proven to be a
good step for which I am more than grateful.
Besides sponsoring my education, Trailblazer Foundation also ensured that my
skills are put to use by helping to arrange performance opportunities for me
back home in Singapore during summer vacations, thus allowing me to contribute
back to my community. Over the years, I have been able to perform at various
secondary schools, hospitals and at the Esplanade Concourse.
I see classical music gaining momentum in Singapore and I envision our island
developing into a major hub for the arts. I hope to be able to contribute
towards the music scene here.
In July 2010, I organized a debut recital at the Esplanade Recital Studio - I am
thankful that there was great support from the local media and music-lovers. I
am also thankful for the support from Trailblazer Foundation and also
Cristofori Music School which provided the publicity. For the recital, I chose
pieces which were popular and accessible to local music-lovers. I also felt it
was important to present music written by local composers. Hence, I chose a
composition of Denise Lee, a fellow colleague at the Royal College of Music.
The debut has encouraged me to consider more events in the future with emphasis
on contextualizing classical music in Singapore through accessible pieces. To
increase the validity of Western Classical music to Singaporeans, I hope to
commission local composers to write on local themes such as Singaporeans' love
for food.
Embarking on postgraduate studies, I have also begun to take steps to ensure
that my musical education would be of relevance to our society. For this
academic year, I have chosen Piano Accompaniment as a major. This will enhance
my general musicianship and all-round development as a concert pianist.
It is only with the support of Trailblazer Foundation that I have been able to
translate what was initially a dream into reality. Upon graduation, I intend to
contribute to Singapore through music by performing, teaching and research. It
is certainly rare for a music student like myself to receive such tremendous
support. I am extremely grateful to Trailblazer Foundation for the
extraordinary belief they have in me and will strive to do my very best for
society through music.
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