Episodes
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This week I am joined by the enigmatic Christoven Tan. Christoven is a champion of new music for viola and in recent years, he has been pushing the possibilities and boundaries of viola playing. Apart from music, he is a practitioner of multiple art forms and doing remarkable work that is that is true to himself. I am really glad to have the opportunity to speak to him.
In this episode, we spoke about:
1. His upcoming show Apollo which is happening on Saturday, 09/10, where he performs alongside percussionist Derek Koh the music of Emily Koh and Bertram Wee. A number of former guests on YPAW, so if you’ll like to find out more about them, do check out the show notes!
Christoven shares in depth about his creative process in this project and what you can expect from the show.
To find out more about Apollo you click HERE and for tickets you can fill up THIS FORM.2. Having a clear idea and approach towards new music
3. The timing of this project
4. Finding like minded collaborators and what does he look for in a fellow collaborator?
5. Having a curious and open mind
6. “Being perfect vs Being Yourself”
7. Relating to New Music
8. Starting his art studio and practicing other forms of art
9. Teaching philosophy
10. Future Artistic project
11. Music for “enjoyment” vs Performances that is relevant and thought provoking
To find more about Christoven and his art works:
WebsiteAnna Quenlin Speech
Website
Xi Jie's film "Singapore Minstrel"
Website
Episodes of former guests:
Emily Koh
Derek Koh -
This week I am joined by Mervin Beng, Chairman of Resound Collective, an arts charity organization that promotes chamber music in all its glory. Mervin wears many hats, apart from his role with Resound Collective, he is a music reviewer with The Straits Times, involved previously with music organizations driven by educating young aspiring musicians such as the Singapore National Youth Orchestra and the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music.
With his professional expertise in technology coupled with his deep passion for music, saw the creation of 2 ground breaking projects entitled re:Sound is Live and Concordia Quartet @ Home. Both projects were performed in real time remotely, where musicians are playing from their respective homes or separate rooms. Distanced but at the same time maintaining the spontaneous element of music making.
In this episode, we spoke about:
1. How he navigates objectivity vs subjectivity in writing music reviews.
2. The origin story of Resound Collective.
3. The challenge of introducing chamber works to the wider audience.
4. His musical journey.5. How Music Camps/Festivals has allowed him to open his eyes to a higher level of music making.
6. Breaking new grounds at the height of the Circuit Breaker.
7. How his expertise in technology and music inspired creative ways of concert presentation.8. Music patronage and the recent creation of the OKK Wind Prize at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music.
Do check out Concordia Quartet's upcoming concert "Soaring with the Wind" HERE, featuring the works of Mozart and Greig.
Tickets are available for puchase in HERE
Thank you so much for tuning in to this episode of the podcast! You can get in touch with me through https://www.youplayawhat.com . Subscribe and share this podcast with your friends if you enjoyed the episode. Feel free to leave a rating and review on which ever platform you choose to listen to your podcast! -
Missing episodes?
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I am back after a 3-week hiatus with superstar guitarist, Kevin Loh. Kevin was spotted at the age of 12 by the Yehudi Menuhin School in the UK through his YouTube channel which he still keeps up to date till this day with over 300 videos and over 4 million views! He has since went on to win competitions, premiered concertos and has garnered international repute within guitar scene. Kevin is currently a student at the University of Cambridge is one of the leading young guitarist in the international guitar scene. He was generous enough to take time out to speak with me and in this episode we spoke about:
1. Performing for a learned audience and revisiting Concierto de Aranjuez
2. Moving to the UK at the age of 12 to study at the Yehudi Menuhin School
3. Defining family support in his early musical developments and how music became a family bonding activity.
4. The importance of consistency and compounding progress.
5. Performing alongside his father and how it helped to working through his performance anxiety.
6. His time spent in the refugee camp in Calais, France and the profound impact music has on people and different communities.
7. His quote “There is more to life than Music” and how it has informed him on his decision making.
8. His hopes for future contribution towards the Singapore guitar development.
9. How we are fortunate to be working as musicians.
10. Identifying the motivation behind music.
Find out more about Kevin's work
Website
Facebook
Instagram
YouTubeThank you so much for tuning in to this episode of the podcast! You can get in touch with me through https://www.youplayawhat.com . Subscribe and share this podcast with your friends if you enjoyed the episode. Feel free to leave a rating and review on which ever platform you choose to listen to your podcast!
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This week I am joined by Jonathan Shin, pianist, composer, hardcore bookworm and a fantastic guest!
In this episode, Jonathan and I spoke about:
1. Pursuing his doctoral studies remotely
2. Developing his people-centric approach to music and life in general
3. His relationship with practice, piano and the cane
4. His tip for getting into improvisation
5. His creative process behind The 1819 Suite commissioned by Resound Collective6. Composing fast music vs slow music
7. Who are the Lorong Boys and what do they do?
8. Creating music that represents the personality of the group
9. Their approach to being the ensemble in residence at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory
10. Writing text and music for operas and musicals
11. His fiction reading list
The 1819 Suite is commissioned and presented by Resound Collective, produced by Chamber Music and Arts Singapore, and is available in The Glasshousewith FREE access for a limited time: 7 Aug – 19 Sep 2021 in celebration of Singapore's 56th National Day.
The 1819 Suite can still be accessed in The Glasshouse after 19 Sept, with their membership subscription.
The Glasshouse is offering a National Day discount of 20% off the first month of subscription with the code "NationalDay20".Thank you so much for tuning in to this episode of the podcast! You can get in touch with me through https://www.youplayawhat.com . Subscribe and share this podcast with your friends if you enjoyed the episode. Feel free to leave a rating and review on which ever platform you choose to listen to your podcast!
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This episode is a riff on the ups and downs that I have felt in the last few months.
About six months ago, my motivation was at an all time low. Practice has become labourious and requires large amount of effort. But it was rather helpful to have some space to think about what my life and work would look like if everything was based on my value rather than my belief and views. I am interested to hear what all of you have to say about this episode!The Knowledge Project Podcast:
Website
YouTube
SpotifyThank you so much for tuning in to this episode of the podcast! You can get in touch with me through https://www.youplayawhat.com . Subscribe and share this podcast with your friends if you enjoyed the episode. Feel free to leave a rating and review on which ever platform you choose to listen to your podcast!
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This week I am joined by Lau Wen Rong, Wen Rong is a prize winner in multiple competitions and is currently part of the trumpet section in the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. Apart from his busy performance schedule and his ability to rise up against any high pressure situation, Wen Rong is an active teacher and have been inspiring students of various age group.
1. Our Chung Cheng stories
2. Why he was a vegetarian for such a long time
3. His musical and career developments
4. The impact of the Singapore National Youth Orchestra (SNYO) and the former Singapore National Youth Training Orchestra on him
5. Coping with self imposed pressure
6. Perfection VS Excellence
7. Audition Preparation Tips
8. His time in The Julliard School
9. Tips to staying in the present and so much more
To register and find out more about THE 4TH NEW TALENT BRITISH INTERNATIONAL YOUTH MUSIC COMPETITION
WebsiteThank you so much for tuning in to this episode of the podcast! You can get in touch with me through https://www.youplayawhat.com . Subscribe and share this podcast with your friends if you enjoyed the episode. Feel free to leave a rating and review on which ever platform you choose to listen to your podcast!
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This week we pick up from where we left off from my conversation with Benjamin Yeo. Benji is an avid contributor to multiple facets of the local music and band scene taking on roles as an educator, composer, conductor.
In this second part of a 2 part episode, we spoke about:
1. The impact music and arts practice and the development of intangible qualities in a young person.
2. What is the former Music Talent Development Centre (MTDC) and the importance of programmes designed to develop the youths.
3. The importance of composing music that is true to him.
4. Composition is a bespoke "service".
5. His creative process, using City of Dreams as an example.
6. How his love of teaching made him walk away from an overseas scholarship.
7. The changes in Music curriculum in schools.And much more about his love for teaching, current career and the guiding principal that he believes in.
Find out more about Benjamin's work
Website
Facebook
Instagram
YouTubeTo register and find out more about THE 4TH NEW TALENT BRITISH INTERNATIONAL YOUTH MUSIC COMPETITION
WebsiteThank you so much for tuning in to this episode of the podcast! You can get in touch with me through https://www.youplayawhat.com . Subscribe and share this podcast with your friends if you enjoyed the episode. Feel free to leave a rating and review on which ever platform you choose to listen to your podcast!
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This week I am joined by perhaps the most prolific contributor to the Singapore Wind Band Repertory, Benjamin Yeo. Benji is an avid contributor to multiple facets of the local music and band scene taking on roles as an educator, composer, conductor.
In this first part of a 2 part episode, we spoke about:
How it is perfectly ok to call him Benji instead of BenjaminHis obsession with the Thai cultureChallenges he faced over the last one year being a Music Teacher and the Dean of the Aesthetic DepartmentThe Music Elective Programme vs the IB music syllabusHow he never intended to join the school bandHow he fell in love with the art form that is Concert BandHow a particular brand of mineral water jump started his composition careerAnd much more about his musical journey and thoughts regarding music education and band programmes in Singapore.
Find out more about Benjamin's work
Website
Facebook
Instagram
YouTubeTo register and find out more about THE 4TH NEW TALENT BRITISH INTERNATIONAL YOUTH MUSIC COMPETITION
WebsiteThank you so much for tuning in to this episode of the podcast! You can get in touch with me through https://www.youplayawhat.com . Subscribe and share this podcast with your friends if you enjoyed the episode. Feel free to leave a rating and review on which ever platform you choose to listen to your podcast!
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Welcome back to this part 2 of my conversation with Dr. Andy Sim we spoke about:
A quote that has significant meaning to him
Building resilience
Addressing the fear of failure
The Heart and Brain relationship
ANTS vs APES
Fight and Flight response
The power of Deep, Light and Paced Breathing
The importance of staying in the present
To find out more about Andy and his work you can visit the links below:
https://www.facebook.com/Embodied-InPsych-2112377532140176/https://embodiedinpsych.wixsite.com/website
Thank you so much for tuning in to this episode of the podcast! You can get in touch with me through https://www.youplayawhat.com . Subscribe and share this podcast with your friends if you enjoyed the episode. Feel free to leave a rating and review on which ever platform you choose to listen to your podcast!
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This week, I sat down and spoke to conductor turned psychologist, Dr. Andy Sim. A practitioner of the HeartMath System.
We talked about his career in music and how it eventually transformed into psychology.
Navigating stress
How did stress come about if we are pursuing something we love
The 3 main contributors to burnout
This was a highly informative session that I really enjoyed! Tune in to find out more!
To find out more about Andy and his work you can visit the links below:
https://www.facebook.com/Embodied-InPsych-2112377532140176/
https://embodiedinpsych.wixsite.com/websiteThank you so much for tuning in to this episode of the podcast! You can get in touch with me through https://www.youplayawhat.com . Subscribe and share this podcast with your friends if you enjoyed the episode. Feel free to leave a rating and review on which ever platform you choose to listen to your podcast!
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This week's episode, I'm joined by Ron Tan, the founder of the Inclusive Arts Movement, an organization that aims to inspire and promote equality between the differently & generally-abled through the performing arts. Ron himself is a self taught pianist and he is 80% deaf, but it hasn’t stop him from performing and composing. I really enjoyed this chat and the energy and passion Ron brought to the conversation. In this episode we spoke:
The work and services provided by the Inclusive Arts Movement which includes performances, team building workshops and pivoting into a more digital landscape.
His motivation to provide differently – abled performers a platform to showcase their talent and to perform
What music means to him and why he chose to be a practitioner despite his aural impairment, and how music helped him build up his self-esteem.
Responding to negativity with an open mind and calmness.
Restoring dignity to the differently-abled community and providing avenues for social integration.
Collaborating and interacting with differently – abled persons in a sensitive and empathetic manner.
The future for Inclusive Arts Movement.
For the videos mentioned in the episode:
Rueben's feature - Friends – Sasha M (feat. AngelK & Reuben Khanal)
Workshop Introduction
A Million DreamsFind out more about Inclusive Arts Movement below:
https://www.inclusiveartsmovement.com/
FacebookThank you so much for tuning in to this episode of the podcast! You can get in touch with me through https://www.youplayawhat.com . Subscribe and share this podcast with your friends if you enjoyed the episode. Feel free to leave a rating and review on which ever platform you choose to listen to your podcast!
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Continuing from the previous episode, in this second part of the conversation with Adrian, we spoke about:
His decision to take on leadership positions with BDAS and NICA, the difference these organizations seek to create.
The launch of the Singapore Band Solo Virtual Championships by BDAS
Creating environment for like-minded students to meet each other.
How assuming these leadership roles have impacted his life.
Where and what does Adrian invest his time and energy in.
What this 3 groups mean to him:
The Philharmonic Winds, The Philharmonic Youth, Asian Cultural Symphony OrchestraThe most important tip with regards to having a freelance career.
Thank you so much for tuning in to this episode of the podcast! You can get in touch with me through https://www.youplayawhat.com . Subscribe and share this podcast with your friends if you enjoyed the episode. Feel free to leave a rating and review on which ever platform you choose to listen to your podcast!
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I should have had this guest on way earlier but I finally set it up and its with Adrian Chiang. If there is ever a Singapore Band Director’s Hall of Fame, he would definitely be in it. Adrian is a well-known figure in the Singapore Music scene and has a portfolio that encompasses music education, conducting and management roles.
In 2017, he took on leadership roles and became the President of Band Directors’ Association Singapore and the National Instructors and Coaches Association know as (NICA) founded by NTUC. Providing a voice to freelance instructors and coaches, restoring dignity for freelancers.
In this first part of a 2 part conversation, Adrian and I spoke about our unusual first encounter (at least for it was unusual), his decision to lead a healthier lifestyle and how it impacted his work, his thought process behind commissioning 17 new works for each his band performing at the SYF 2021 and his musical journey and career developments.
Tune in to this upcoming episode, plenty of laughter in this one!
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This week on YPAW, I am joined by Jazz songstress, Dawn Wong. Dawn is no stranger to the spotlight, appearing on prime-time television as a participant of Project Superstar 2. Since then she was continued to take her career on an upward trajectory, receiving the Music Scholarship offered by the Jazz Association (Singapore) and graduating top of class at La Salle College of the Arts. The work that Dawn has created and put up over the years have been truly remarkable and adding on to her already diverse portfolio, Dawn took on the role of Project Director of The One Million Towards Utopia campaign by The Foundation.
In this episode, we spoke about performing on live television and dealing with negative feedback, her role as Project Director of the One Million Towards Utopia movement by The Foundation and what is it about, the difference that The Foundation seeks to make.
The relevance of the arts in our daily lives, her musical journey and career developments, creating her own musical identity and style.
Keeping her creative muscle working in tough times, the creation of Jazz for Kids, the creative process behind her album, Marco Lopo.
Growing your work/career as an artist/musician.
To find more about Dawn:
Instagram
FacebookListen to Marco Lopo:
SpotifyListen to Delivery:
Spotify
YouTube
Thank you so much for tuning in to this episode of the podcast! You can get in touch with me through https://www.youplayawhat.com . Subscribe and share this podcast with your friends if you enjoyed the episode. Feel free to leave a rating and review on which ever platform you choose to listen to your podcast! -
I have recently enrolled myself in a Freelancer's Workshop, a part of a series under the Akimbo Workshops. I have found this course to be extremely helpful in allowing me to distill my thoughts regarding my work and redefining what freelance work is all about.
In this episode, I share what this course is about, how it works, a particular story that really resonated with me, working through why I have always felt stuck with my work and some takeaway from the course that I think everyone will benefit from!
My apologies on the late release this week!
Check out the Akimbo Workshops here: https://akimbo.com/
Thank you so much for tuning in to this episode of the podcast! You can get in touch with me through https://www.youplayawhat.com . Subscribe and share this podcast with your friends if you enjoyed the episode. Feel free to leave a rating and review on which ever platform you choose to listen to your podcast!
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This week on YPAW, I am joined by Benjamin Thia, rugby fanatic, drummer, teacher, percussion repair technician, custom drum maker. I have known Ben for a number of years but never had the chance to speak to him about his career developments over the years and how he now has his hands in almost all aspects of percussion.
In this episode, we discussed his love for rugby, entering fatherhood, his love for all things DIY including renovating his current workspace, his musical journey, how he started his repair services from his own home, Colbern drums and what they offer, his thoughts about the increased number of school percussion ensembles due to the new SYF regulations and some of his thoughts about the development of the jazz music scene in Singapore.
To find more about Ben:
His work at P.Works
His work at Colbern Custom DumsThank you so much for tuning in to this episode of the podcast! You can get in touch with me through https://www.youplayawhat.com . Subscribe and share this podcast with your friends if you enjoyed the episode. Feel free to leave a rating and review on which ever platform you choose to listen to your podcast!
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This week, I am joined by violin extraordinaire Loh Jun Hong. Jun Hong is the co-founder of More than Music, More than Music is a concert series that aims to revolutionize the classical music concert experience by bringing both the music and the performers to the audience in an informal and intimate manner. More Than Music concerts present the top young classical music talents in the region, bringing world-class chamber music performances to new audiences, up close and personal.
Jun Hong has a long list of accolades which includes first prizes in international and local solo competitions, appeared as concertmaster at the Verbier Festival in Switzerland allowing him to work the likes of Charles Dutoit and Valery Gergiev and was featured as soloist with numerous orchestras around the world. And now you might be thinking, why is someone like him speaking to someone like me… I wonder too.. But nonetheless, I had a fantastic time as usual.
We spoke about his recent involvement in the recording of the Utopia Symphony organized by The Foundation and what is his definition of utopia, his thoughts towards music competition, his mentality and relationship towards music and performance as the years go by, his time as a military musician, deciding to have portfolio career, going away from the traditional path, the challenges in starting a new performance project and “is good, good enough?”
To find out more about Jun Hong and his work:
https://junhongloh.com/
More Than Music
To find out more about The Foundation and their One Million Towards Utopia campaign:
https://www.thefoundation.sg/towardsutopiasgThank you so much for tuning in to this episode of the podcast! You can get in touch with me through https://www.youplayawhat.com . Subscribe and share this podcast with your friends if you enjoyed the episode. Feel free to leave a rating and review on which ever platform you choose to listen to your podcast!
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Welcome back to the second part of my conversation with Jinjun, in this episode, we picked up where we left off regarding some of his thoughts about the Singapore Youth Festival Arts Presentation. We spoke about an alternative to the current festival and question and if things can be changed to assess the band programme apart from just performing two pieces.
We spoke about competitiveness in music, his job as a teacher in School of The Arts and what its all about, how blue tack helped him cope with his braces when he was 15 and his thoughts about self publishing and writer's block.
The find out more about Jinjun's work visit his website at:
www.leejinjun.comThank you so much for tuning in to this episode of the podcast! You can get in touch with me through https://www.youplayawhat.com . Subscribe and share this podcast with your friends if you enjoyed the episode. Feel free to leave a rating and review on which ever platform you choose to listen to your podcast!
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This week on You Play A What? I'm joined by fellow Liverpool supporter, Lee JinJun. JinJun is current a teacher in School of the Arts and is well-known name in the Singapore Band scene, having composed the set piece ‘festival on earth and Party in Space’ for Concert Band for the 2019 Singapore Youth Festival Arts Presentation.
On this first part of the conversation, we spoke about some of his favourite pastime, his involvement in other arts group apart from being performer and composer, his career development over the years. His creative process behind the set pieces he wrote and some of his thoughts about this year’s SYF.
The find out more about Jinjun's work visit his website at:
www.leejinjun.comThank you so much for tuning in to this episode of the podcast! You can get in touch with me through https://www.youplayawhat.com . Subscribe and share this podcast with your friends if you enjoyed the episode. Feel free to leave a rating and review on which ever platform you choose to listen to your podcast!
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What is your relationship with offering and receiving feedback? Do you enjoy the process of it? Some questions for all of us to think about regarding feedback:
What kind of feedback are you looking for from this community?What kind of feedback are you not looking for from this community?What kind of feedback do you commit to giving others?What kind of feedback do you not want to give? - Show more
