Singapore Expats

Hiya,

My DH is planning to move us all to Singapore in September 2011, and this forum has been a godsend!

Both my boys attend the Royal College of Music in London and it is really important that they carry on with their studies.

Does anyone send their kids to Tanglewood or Cristofori or Mandeville music school? What are they like and what do you think of them?

I would be so grateful if someone can advise me about the various music schools/conservatoires in Singapore, and about double bass and violin lessons. My eldest is grade 7 double bass and my youngest Grade 3 violin.

xxx and thanks.

there's a music sch in orchard road that is an exam centre for international exams (trinity, abrsm), it's called magic fiddler. many expats (like my manager) enrol their kids there, learning piano and drums. there are many other instrument courses too, some obscure ones like flute, harp, cello. you can give it a go? it's pretty convenient (especially if you love to shop along orchard road )

Thanks for both your replies;

My hubby will be there from April, with us following in July, so I need to sort this music thing out!

kamadafuji,

Be very wary of those who recommend themselves. They are usually not that good if they have to resort to self promotion.

Thanks SMS, your sage advice much appreciated!

Hey there!

I will tell you that Cristofori is a very well-known school, but their teachers are below-standard... basically anyone with a Grade 8 can teach there!! (

I am currently studying at Edvox Music School http://www.edvox.com.sg ..... good teachers, all of whom have degrees at least, so that is safe. I so far have enjoyed my experience with them.

Tanglewood had some management problems in the past... I hope if your child gets in there it won't be bothersome to you all.

Best of wishes!

Thanks so much mslee;

I am in lovely, warm,lush Singapore at this very moment looking for somewhere to live, and trying to figure out what Saturday music schools are available, (and how to get him in!).

I went to have a look at Nangyang Academy of Young Talents, but Boy#2 is just below their entry requirements (he is about to do Grade 4 violin). I hoped for him to do ABRSM Grade 5 in the Michaelmas term, but with all the new school/new house/new everything that is about to happen we will need a fabulous and understanding teacher!

kamadafuji wrote:Thanks so much mslee;

I am in lovely, warm,lush Singapore at this very moment looking for somewhere to live, and trying to figure out what Saturday music schools are available, (and how to get him in!).

I went to have a look at Nangyang Academy of Young Talents, but Boy#2 is just below their entry requirements (he is about to do Grade 4 violin). I hoped for him to do ABRSM Grade 5 in the Michaelmas term, but with all the new school/new house/new everything that is about to happen we will need a fabulous and understanding teacher!

Hi there,

Not sure if you found a teacher yet, but I do know of a particular teacher who plays for the Singapore Symphonic Orchestra (SSO) and has pretty good technique. If you're interested I can PM you his name, and you can find him on SSO's website.

Thanks very much - very kind of you!

I heard awful rumours about cristofori school and I also tried their school before. The pianos are really out of tune! and some teachers cannot sight-read.
For violin, y nt u try someone private? Look up orchestral members. (Singapore Symphony Orchestra) there u will also find double bass instructors!

My mom let me try a few violinists' coaching from sso before but I am not sure how she contacted them and she's sleeping nw so I cnt ask her. maybe pm me so that I can get back to u when she tells me? th costs were like 50-60 sgd per hr, but then I was grade 5 when I was with them.

That's if ur interested. I seriously think that's ur best bet to find double bass tchrs wch in my experience and opinion r rare here.

CHEERS xD

Thanks Glow for your advice;

My violinist son is here, my bassist son is abroad and goes to RCM on Saturdays.

I am trying a few contacts from Yong Siew Toh for my violinist, but SSO violinists must be extremely good! Lucky you!

Practice hard now!

Hello,

We just moved to Singapore and I am looking for good beginner violin teachers for my 5.5 years old and Piano lessons for my 7.5 year old son.

Can anyone recommend good SSO teacher or one from music school near the Orchard area?

Thanks!
Guppus

Hi Guppus, hope you are all settled in!

I hope I am allowed to post this? I can recommend Forte Musicademy for violin and they do piano and theory too. They are not in Orchard but in the Arts District near Bencoolen Street, a short drive away. I am very impressed. The standard is very high. Mrs Chan is very good.