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Family Fun Day with the MPO

Every two months or so, the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra showcases a weekend of performances called Family Fun Day. There are usually three concerts -- one on Saturday afternoon and two on Sunday afternoon. This one-hour performance is tailored for families, and young children including pre-schoolers can attend. It is a good opportunity to expose children to music as it allows them to experience first-hand the orchestra and classical music.

Yesterday, ACE attended the MPO's latest offering which featured two composers who lived around the same period in the 19th centry, Tchaikovsky, a Russian, and Smetana, a Czechkoslovakian.

The guest conductor was Nicolae Moldoveanu, from Transylvania (the land of vampires, he joked), who had a thick accent which made it a bit difficult for C to catch what he was saying. It was also a bit difficult for us adults to catch his jokes while he interpreted and explained the musical structure of the two compositions the orchestra was performing. Nevertheless, it was an educational experience for me as well, learning the interpretation of the various sections of the pieces, the stories behind the music so to speak. After a short explanation, the conductor would make the orchestra play that particular part he had talked about, and he went on from one part of the piece to another till the end. Then finally, the orchestra played the entire piece for us to enjoy.

The Tchaikovsky piece was the 1812 Overture, while Smetana's was his well-known and popular Vltava.

While Wikipedia may not be the best source at times for information, it is usually a convenient one. You can learn about the 1812 Overture here, the musical structure section is similar to what the conductor described. And here's a sample of the piece I found in YouTube.

Meanwhile, this excerpt from Wikipedia is similar to what the conductor explained about Vltava: The composition describes the course of the Vltava, starting from the two small springs, the Cold and Warm Vltava, to the unification of both streams into a single current, the course of the Vltava through woods and meadows, through landscapes where a farmer's wedding is celebrated, the round dance of the mermaids in the night's moonshine: on the nearby rocks loom proud castles, palaces and ruins aloft. The Vltava swirls into the St John's Rapids; then it widens and flows toward Prague, past the Vyšehrad, and then majestically vanishes into the distance, ending at the Labe (or Elbe, in German).

Listen to the piece and see if you can pick out from the music the various scenes described above.

London - The Summer Musical

This musical is currently showing at the Sunway Lagoon Amphitheatre until 8 July and the good news is if you have a Maybank credit/debit card, you get 50% off all tickets which are priced at RM80, RM100 and RM150, with additional RM3 admin fee per ticket. You can purchase the tickets online via a ticketing website but if you want the discount using your Maybank card, you can only get it at the ticketing booth at Sunway Lagoon theme park.

ACE enjoyed the show. It was C's first experience watching a live musical. We got the tickets earlier in the afternoon from the theme park ticketing booth and proceeded to Sunway Pyramid mall for dinner before the show at 8pm. Entry to the amphitheatre is via the Surf Park entrance. We had to walk a bit and take a few escalators downwards before arriving at the point where they ferry you to the amphitheatre on a tram. The tram ride was also fun for C. It was our first time entering the theme park. The amphitheatre is open-air with high roofs and gigantic fans to circulate the air. Luckily, that evening was not too humid and there was a slight breeze blowing.

The storyline is simple. Three air stewardesses from New York are on a 48-hour stopover in London and they had plans to paint the town red. In the process, they found friendship, rekindled love and reignited their passion for singing. There's enough song and dance to keep you entertained throughout the entire two-hour performance, with a 15-minute interval in between.

According to this review, six of the main actors are from London's West End. The set and lighting are well done for a relatively small stage in my opinion. And the choice of songs quite good, ranging from old and new songs including those of Bruno Mars, One Direction, Lion King, Abba and James Bond 007.

Non-flash photography is allowed but flash photography and videotaping are prohibited.

You are also not allowed to bring outside food and drinks. They check your bags before taking your tickets and we had to finish up a bottle of juice I had in my handbag before being allowed to enter. Luckily C was allowed to bring in her own water bottle. There is a concession stand at the entrance selling some snacks and drinks. There are also sellers carrying trays with food and drinks walking around in the theatre but mind you, one canned drink cost E RM5 (normal price from a shop is RM2) and a small cup of sweet corn for C was RM6 (normal price RM3)! I don't mind paying a little more but double or ridiculously-beyond-reasonable is just too much. I just don't get it with these places and the companies that bring in international entertainment. This always happens, overcharging on food and drinks....and souvenirs too at times.

I bought a ukelele

In the past year, C had been asking for guitar and vocal lessons. We, however, have not granted this request as we felt that she will be biting off more than she can chew. As it is, with long school hours, homework, piano and drum lessons, and Bahasa Malaysia tuition (I've yet to find a new teacher as the previous teacher was no longer suitable), there's hardly time left to play, exercise or do anything else. So any other type of lessons that involve attending formal classes, and the additional costs of fees and driving to and fro for it is out of the question.

I had thought that a compromise would be to get a cheap guitar or ukelele (it's more suitable in size and easier to learn) and let her learn it on her own. The thought had been left idling in the back of my mind until recently when I chanced upon a Groupon offer for a cheap made-in-China ukelele (yeah, we always associate 'cheap' with China right? haha). So we made a spontaneous decision to buy it.

One of C's favourite colours is pink, so we chose a pink one.

Although I subscribe to Groupon and it's email alerts of its offers, I'm usually very disciplined in not buying anything and everything just because it's cheap, although they could be things that I need (like a nice holiday and spa visit) or things that are nice to have (like jewelry, handbags, meals at restaurants, manicures). Lack of spare cash is the main deterrent besides having to travel some distance at times to the outlets to collect the things. Luckily, the ukelele was sold by this music studio that's close by my house and for RM69, it is an item that is educational and lasting, unlike a one-time manicure or meal.

So we now have a ukelele in addition to a few other musical instruments at home. We can learn how to play it through websites and by watching YouTube videos. And when I find a book like 'Ukelele for Dummies', we could learn from there too. YouTube is a convenient place to learn how to do many things, from riding a bike, fixing a leaky tap, cooking a dish, to playing music. One must, however, be smart to know when it is alright to learn through videos and when it is better to learn hands-on through proper teachers.




There are many ukelele artists and bands but they are probably known only to those who are uniquely interested in it. They are not as popular compared to the mainstream popular singers and bands that top the charts.  One of them was Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, a Hawaiian ukelele singer, and in more recent times, our Malaysian songbird Zee Avi, who has broken through the international scene, has given the instrument a bit more exposure to Malaysians.

Harry Connick Jr

I like Harry Connick Jr. He's a good singer and musician/pianist, and he acts too. Some of the moives he's acted in are Memphis Belle, Independence Day, Copycat and New In Town.

Check him out here singing and playing:

Sun & Surf with the MPO

Every two months, the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) will present a weekend programme called Family Fun Day. It is a great way to introduce children to orchestral music in a fun, colourful and interactive manner. Last Sunday was one of them which ACE took the opportunity to enjoy. The Orchestra titled their performance 'Sun and Surf' and it was truly apt for this season of summer that many countries experience at this time of the year. Although here in Malaysia it is sunny all year round, many of the orchestra members come from countries with the four seasons and are looking forward to taking a summer break for some R&R from their hectic performance schedule.

When we mention 'orchestra', we tend to think of having to sit in our formal wear in a dim but grand hall, seriously concentrating on classical music played by the orchestra which members are all dressed formally in black gowns, suits or tuxedos with the conductor striking his most intense pose, baton in hand. No clapping in between movements, no shuffling in your seat and god forbid if you start chatting or coughing, or worse, allow your phone with its Lady Gaga ringtone shock the audience. No noisy kids or crying babies. It is an activity for the 'cultured' some would say.

But at Family Fun Day (note: they included the word 'fun'!), it's totally different. The dress code is smart casual (no sports attire, sneakers, slippers, jeans) and you can bring children. Children feature prominently on Family Fun Day. Now back to Sun and Surf. The usually boring rich wood-paneled stage with its rows of black chairs and music stands was decorated with just enough props of fake coconut trees and children's rubber ring floaties to let you know that you've arrived at the right place. And when it was time, an announcement was made to remind us to turn off our handphones. Then the entire orchestra, dressed in colourful floral shirts, many of them holding their instruments, walked onto stage! What a sudden burst of colours that changed the entire ambience. Some donned straw hats and sunglasses too!

Usually at Family Fun Day, there will be a presenter on stage to introduce the songs that will be played, giving a short background story of the song and its composer. He/she also gets the audience movin' and groovin' with some physical activities like getting the audience seated at one end of the hall to bounce a ball to audience at another end (that was at a previous performance we attended), standing up to do actions, dance and clap along, answering fun questions, and some kids also get to go on stage to do stuff.

At Sun & Surf, the presenter stepped onto stage with a rather large straw hat, gaudy Hawaiian shirt and shorts, beach slippers and gigantic plastic-framed sunglasses, giving everyone a bright and cheery greeting. He then introduced the condcutor who was also dressed in a blue floral shirt and huge sunglasses. They looked really funny. But this did not steal the limelight from the amazing, mesmerising, foot-tapping, hand-clapping music the orchestra played marvelously well that made you feel like getting off your seat to dance along -- which I could see many cute children doing with their parents swaying along. The presenter also got us to do some actions such as making wave-like motions, sunshine actions, flamenco finger snapping, clapping and at the finale, we all got to get up and shake or dance.

Songs that were played included (Sir) Cliff Richard's Summer Holiday, the classic Hawaii Five-O theme, Herb Alpert's Spanish Flea, an African lullaby (which included the use of the vuvuzela of the Fifa World Cup fame - a young girl got to go on stage to give a few blows into it), Rimsky-Korsakov's Capriccio Espagnole and the popular Brazilian Carnavale music. A male Brazilian-looking dancer came onstage and managed to persuade a female cellist to join him dancing to the lively Carnavale at the finale.

The array of instruments, besides the regular ones in a typical orchestra, that were used and highlighted through their respective solo parts also helped the audience learn the names, hear the sounds and see what they looked like. Other than the vuvuzela, there were the cowbell and timbales, glockenspiel, marimba, and castanets. The electric guitar and modern drum kit were on stage too. Listening to music played live in a concert hall by an orchestra is a totally different experience from just listening to it over the radio or watching it on TV or Youtube. Your entire body is involved and all your senses just come alive watching the various instruments and musicians in action and listening to how they all blend.

Family Fun Day is a good and exciting way to enjoy classical (and pop) music and widen our musical knowledge and experience. I would recommend all families, especially those with young children, to attend this event. Ticket prices are affordable from as low as RM15. It is held bi-monthly on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Photography and video recording of the performance is not allowed so I'm not able to include any pictures in this post. I hope my description of it helped to give you an idea of what ACE enjoyed last Sunday at the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas with the MPO.

Check out this website to learn more about the MPO and the many things it has to offer. Other than concerts, they have activities such as forums, chamber/ensemble performances, master classes, and talks.

The stage - Dewan Filharmonik Petronas


I took this picture with my BlackBerry, lighting in the hall was dim.

The past two weeks

In a blink of an eye, the two-week school holidays are over. Today, C goes back to school. Having gone to bed around 11.00pm every night, past her usual bedtime of 9.00pm the past two weeks and waking up late after 8.00am, I was afraid she'd have trouble waking up this morning. I had tried getting her to return to her normal bedtime hours the past few days but failed. Thankfully, we managed to wake her up this morning without much fuss. But I wonder if it'll be the same tomorrow since she might be tired out from today's relatively busy day at school compared to the two weeks of rest and relaxation. As usual, I'll have to take it one day at a time.

Workwise, C spent the two weeks catching up with piano practice, and going for music lessons and Malay language tuition. Playwise, she read and re-read numerous books, played with her toys, watched tv and we went out a bit.

The highlights were outings to malls, catching Kung Fu Panda 2 with E and me, and getting a free tour of the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas (DFP), the concert hall in KLCC, home to the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra.

C also made her official first ride on her bicycle without the training wheels. While I had noticed that she  could do so already earlier on, those wheels were still attached to the bike although they were slightly raised.

The visit to  DFP on a weekday morning required us to leave home at 8.15am to 'wade' through office-hour traffic. We got there at 9.00am, 45 minutes early. To kill time, we took a walk around the KLCC park and studied trees and plants. The park provided good opportunity to revise our knowledge of plants. We saw a number of bird's nest ferns, an epiphyte according to C, other tropical trees like those from the palm family. I pointed out other ferns growing on host trees, lichen on tree barks and learnt from C a lichen genus called Cladonia which she said she read about in Guardians of Gahoole. Then I showed her 'duit duit' or felt fern, another epiphyte. We took a look at the deserted children's water playground in the park which is usually crowded with kids on weekends. Then, it was time to head to DFP.

We joined another 20 or so adults and children inside the concert hall for a short talk about the place and later went on a backstage tour. The conductor and soloist have their own rooms while the other musicians share a common lounge. The lounge has comfy sofas and dining tables, a piano, tv, dart board, books, notice board, pantry, lockers, dressing rooms, washrooms and shower stalls. Backstage was a maze of corridors and staircases (there are lifts too but we didn't take any). In my hurry to leave the house that morning, I had forgotten to put my camera in my bag so I had to use my mobile phone camera to take pictures which I've yet to download to my computer.

The DFP conducts free tours every first Monday of the month and you can make an appointment for it online here.

Choosing a music syllabus for your child - an amateur musician's perspective

Today marks four years of Caitlin's musical journey with the Yamaha Music School. Her class is having a mini 'graduation' concert and party this evening. At age five, she began with the Junior Music Course(JMC) for two years, followed by the JXC. According to the website, this course helps children achieve the musical ability on the level of either Yamaha Piano Grade 9 or Yamaha Electone Grade 9. C took the Piano Grade 9 exam two weeks ago.

In the JMC, the children learn together as a group using the Yamaha Electone keyboard instrument in class as the syllabus covers more than just keyboard or piano playing. They play and sing together in an ensemble, playing/singing different parts and sometimes using different instrument sounds, hence the Electone, and not the piano, that has the capability to produce varied sounds.

They also learn solfege singing, play different percussion instruments as an ensemble to learn rhythm, learn composition to compose their own songs to play, plus develop their musical hearing skills to be able to sing and play by ear. The one-hour lesson each week is usually high-energy (teacher must be on her toes all the time!), very interactive, playing/singing together along with the teacher and CDs.

One parent is required to accompany their child in the class for the JMC course while it is optional for JXC. The parents get involved in some of the actitivities like singing, clapping, and doing actions with the kids.

I personally find this course a good one for a child to start with as it provides a good musical foundation, covering the many aspects of music to develop a child's musical ability, espcially the aural ability which develops fastest in this period.

From my personal experience, I believe that to be true. Sitting in her lessons every week over the four years, I've seen how these young kids can pick up notes with perfect pitch quite easily while I struggle to do so. I had started learning the piano when I was seven years old way back in the 70s using the Royal Schools of Music ABRSM syllabus and did not have the opportunity to develop much of my aural ability i.e. pitch recognition and playing by ear. Whatever I managed to pick up later in my teenage years was through personal interest and experimentation. I am not saying the Yamaha syllabus is the best. The different syllabus available these days are just different, that's all.

There are many music courses available nowadays, packaged in their own individual way and giving emphasis on areas they think are important. Some emphasise on building the foundations, some focus on the technical and theoretical aspects of playing a particular instrument, others think it's not even necessary to know how to read music notes and teach playing by ear only. Some are tailored specially for babies, toddlers, pre-schoolers, some are for school-age kids and adults, some could be more serious and exam-oriented for the possibility of tertiary-level qualification/certification, some are more for fun or leisure, etc. At higher grades, some are also recognised in university applications, contributing to credits.

Which syllabus you choose depends on what you want your child to learn and benefit, what your reasons are for wanting your child to have musical knowledge and ability. We may dream but need to face the fact that not every child can be the next Mozart, Sarah Chang, Yo Yo Ma or whoever's the hottest musician right now (I've really lost touch in this area).

In my opinion, it is better to have a well-rounded exposure to and knowledge of music to start off with. This includes singing, clapping, moving or dancing, playing percussions like the triangle or tambourine, to songs with different rhythms, tempo, and pitch. It helps develop their ability to sense the beats to the rhythm, how fast or slow, high or low, soft or loud.

Later, when they are older and have more developed motor skills for whatever the chosen instrument requires, it is not too late to focus on mastering the instrument. Prodigies aside, how well a child plays may depend on his interest in the instrument, teacher-student compatibility, his physical and motor skills suitability to the instrument and of course frequency of practice (as they say, practice makes perfect).

The weeks leading up to her Grade 9 exam were quite stressful for both her and me as C is not the diligent kind who'd be afraid of an impending exam and practise consistently. So she had to be persuaded, threatened, forced to practise, resulting in much tension. I don't know how Amy Chua of Tiger Mother fame could do what she did with her kids. It came to the point where she (and I) was on the verge of calling it quits after this JXC programme and resort to me teaching her on my own for leisure playing until such time when she is older and more ready for serious learning and exams*.

The Grade 9 exam seemed rather demanding in my opinion. What I was tested on, especially aurally, during my time in ABRSM Grade 2 was nowhere near what Yamaha Grade 9 Piano is testing students. Having said that, the ABRSM syllabus seems slightly more advanced in the area of the ability to play the piano with higher technical ability (which I personally think can be mastered quite easily anytime for any child/teenager with average intelligence, as long as the interest is there).

*While I was mentally prepared to take the 'homeschooling' route, I've been hoping that things would change once the stress of the exam is over as I felt that continuing on with the next level, the Junior Ensemble Course (JNC) would be beneficial. Last week, C agreed to continue and we've bought the materials for the course which starts next week with the same teacher. Am keeping my fingers crossed that as time goes by, she'll continue to enjoy learning music and the piano and take to exams more easily.

Here's another similar article I wrote:

Starting your child on music: Your daughter hates the violin. Get over it.

By Anna Tham

Like any new parent, I entertained my own “delusions of grandeur” during my daughter’s early childhood. I’d dream of her making a scientific discovery, becoming a celebrated author, or performing one of Paganini’s Caprices to a standing ovation.

That last one was particularly enduring when I began thinking about sending her to music lessons. Projecting our ambitions onto our kids is common and often manifests in our eagerness to put our kids through enrichment classes.

With music we become anxious about which programme, which instrument, which school, which teacher? We start comparing course content, fees, and teaching methods. We see what other parents are doing and we feel like jumping on that bandwagon too.

But before we limit ourselves to what’s popular or what others tell us is good, why not think about what’s suitable for your child; an individual with his own preferences, personality, character, and learning style. You’ll find that it’s not a case of ‘one-size fits-all’.

Was it your child himself who has asked to learn?

It’s a good sign when they articulate their choices. That means they are at the very least attracted to, and curious about music. Sometimes, that interest lasts –my daughter is now 11 and still drumming away– and sometimes we have to accept that it doesn’t.

At four years old my daughter pestered us for drum lessons. I like to think that our music sessions with cheap toy instruments helped piqued her interest.

I did secretly wish she’d chosen the violin. But that was my dream. We should know better than to live our dreams through our children.

Compulsion breeds resistance or worse still, resentment, so let him have a go at whatever instrument he chooses. If he doesn’t know, expose him to as many as possible. Go for free trial classes for an instrument or a music-and-movement class. Let him have a feel of the activity, the teacher, and the other students if it’s a group class.

Choose an instrument or music programme that your child enjoys and is comfortable with. Don’t force him to pursue what you alone think is good for him.

Think about your objectives

Is it music appreciation, general knowledge, or mastering a specific instrument that you want her to gain from music lessons? It’d be great if it was all of the above but don’t forget that learning music also develops social skills; instils discipline, commitment, responsibility, self-confidence, and teaches teamwork.

It aids younger children develop their sensory, motor and coordination skills, and even in learning a language. In the article Born to Sing: How Music Enriches Children’s Language Development, Ann Gadzikowski writes that language learning is enhanced when children experience the rhythm of music.

Look at how your child can learn and develop through music with the right perspective; not simply because it is another item to add to your must-do list in the rat race of life.

Consider what’s practical; there are no rules.

If an older child chooses an instrument, you’ll need to consider if it’s practical and suitable for him physically. A petite child may not be able to carry a large cello case by herself let alone play the instrument. Some wind instruments require suitable lip structure, and facial strength, while others require larger hands or more dexterity to play.

Also, do not stereotype, follow trends or be influenced by others. There is no rule that says every child must start at age three, or with the piano or violin, or if a particular instrument is more suited for a boy or girl.  

If your child is special, can the programme, instrument and teaching method cater to her needs? How will it benefit her? Would it be a challenge for the both of you? Or would she be bored because she is exceptionally gifted?

What is your budget? Are you ready to spend on fees or the instrument? There’s no need to buy an instrument immediately if you can make-do with one of average quality. You can upgrade later when your child progresses and shows deeper commitment.

Is the location of the music school convenient, are you able to send or make arrangements for your child to travel there? Or would you prefer a teacher that makes house calls?

Choose a programme or instrument suitable for your child considering all aspects of readiness, and how much you are willing to invest in time and money. Balance these considerations instead of going with what’s popular or convenient.

 

‘Audition’ the teachers as they ‘audition’ your kid

Some of us may have encountered the knuckle-knocking-sadist of a piano teacher in our childhood. Avoid them at all costs. Why subject your kid to abuse? A good teacher should should be able to relate to children and treat them with respect.

Before enrolling my daughter into a music education programme, we attended trial classes in two schools that offered the same programme. The contents of the content and methods were identical. The only difference was the teacher, and the kids in the group classes. In the end we opted for the one with the teacher to which my daughter responded well.

It always helps when the child likes the teacher. Weren’t we more open to listening and learning from a teacher we liked when we were in school?

Choose a teacher that your child can respond positively to. It may be difficult to determine if that teacher is ideal from just one trial class so let your instincts and better judgment guide you.

Spotlight on the drummer girl

C's drum teacher has been making videos of his students playing their favourite song and it's no surprise that our Justin Bieber fan chose 'Eenie Meenie' to perform in her video, posted by teacher via YouTube.

My old faithful

Like humans, objects also show signs of ageing. My 33-year-old piano, according to the piano tuner, needs to be serviced i.e. the pins holding the hammers need to be changed so that the keys will strike very evenly and produce a more crisp tone.

I guess 30 odd years can be considered 'middle age' for a piano. This old piano has served me faithfully for 33 years. And now C is playing it. I still play it but not as often as I used to (which was at least one hour daily) during my schooldays decades ago. My dad bought it brand new back in 1979 as a reward for me for doing well in my Std 5 school exam (now the exam is called UPSR and held in Std 6).

I started learning to play the piano in 1976 with an old second hand piano. It was a good piano and probably as old as my current one now. It had very hard and strong, solid wood. We sold it some years after we got the brand new one.

The first entry in my theory manuscript book in 1976

According to the tuner, my current piano is still in tip top condition save for ageing and the need for servicing. He said a piano should be serviced every 10 years or so. This tuner started in the mid 1970s at the age of 19 and he recalls my piano model well. He even knows how much it cost back then and says that it is now rare and hard to find a used one of this model in the market.

He says pianos these days cost more than their real value. The cheapest model of one popular Japanese brand already costs RM10,000 now and the body is made from MDF board and not solid wood! I'm shocked. It goes to show how commercialised the world has become and people don't make things like they used to -- for the passion, love of it and with integrity.

This revelation makes me treasure my old faithful more. I remember those wonderful carefree days of my youth back in my hometown, tinkling on those ivory keys with joy, and frustration too.

Joy was when I played leisure pieces of pop songs and hits of those days, singing at the top of my voice, sometimes with one or two good friends - Christian songs, Abba, Carpenters, everyone we liked. Even when I didn't have the score, just the chords would do and I'd figure out the accompaniment and notes on my own.

Frustration (and boredom) was when I had to practise countless times over and over again my classical exam pieces, scales and arpeggios, especially when they got challenging in Grade 8, memorising music history notes, practising theoretical composition and harmony for theory exams.

I look back at those days with my piano with fondness and nostalgia. I wonder if they can be re-lived now that I'm a stay-home mum who runs around like a headless chicken!

I've wondered once in a while how different life would have been if I had pursued music as a vocation. Those days, if you're good and want to pursue music, it would mean you ending up as a piano teacher, especially if you didn't have the oportunity to explore the big wide world of possibilities with music overseas. I didn't want to end up as a piano teacher so I went to university.

Now I'm somewhat a piano teacher. I have to guide/teach C, although she is taking a formal music/piano course. Come March, it would be a four-year journey as a piano guide. I've learnt some new things myself over the four years sitting in with her at her weekly lessons, things which the syllabus I learnt decades ago did not emphasise.

After her exams in March, we're leaning towards learning piano for leisure for the meantime, until such time when she is more able to decide if she wants to pursue it more seriously. Even then I'm not sure if taking exams is the way to go. Exams will earn you certificates of achievement and aid you with credits for college admission but then again it's not the be all and end all. There are many roads to higher education or success in life.

I'm not sure if we'll get her a private tutor but I'm prepared to teach her myself after March, before we decide on next steps. I think I might be crazy for wanting to do that. Teacher-student compatibility is very important IMHO and I think the Anna-Caitlin combi is far from compatible. I foresee more shouting matches, LOL! Many people say it's hardest to teach your own child but I'm encouraged by the fact that many have succeeded with more challenging tasks like homeschooling their kids entirely.

One day at a time is my mantra. Don't even ask me what's for breakfast tomorrow.

Music benefits the brain, research reveals

Here's another article that reiterates the benefits of music, particularly learning to play music.

Northwestern University scientists have pulled together a review of research into what music -- specifically, learning to play music -- does to humans. The result shows music training does far more than allow us to entertain ourselves and others by playing an instrument or singing. Instead, it actually changes our brains.

The paper, just published in Nature Reviews Neuroscience, is a compilation of research findings from scientists all over the world who used all kinds of research methods. The bottom line to all these studies: musical training has a profound impact on other skills including speech and language, memory and attention, and even the ability to convey emotions vocally.

So what is it that musical training does?

Read on here.

For All You've Done

This is one of Caitlin's favourite songs she learnt from school. She's not watched this video yet but I guess it's the kind of song she'd base her dream band on.

Singer in a band

In her kindergarten days, Caitlin's ambition included being a veterinarian, astronaut and rock drummer. Of late, she's been harping on becoming a zoologist and singer. She's always liked animals so the veterinarian and zoologist bits are not a surprise. She enjoys music too and in her early days of drumming, she had more passion for the instrument. Now that the lessons are getting harder and she has to take exams and realises she has to practise harder, her dreams of being a rock drummer has somewhat been put on hold.

However, she likes singing a lot too. She enjoys singing the songs she learnt at school and music lessons, and those we play in the car (and she sings them with deep, animated expression at times, and even dances along when she can!), Sometimes I'll accompany her on the piano and let her sing.

So now, she says she wants to be a singer, not any singer, but a singer in a band of her own. A Christian band, called The Singers of Christ... haha...I guess she loves singing all those lively and nice songs she learns from chapel lessons at school. She wants to play the guitar and sing in the band, so she says she wants to learn to play the guitar....Of course we told her she's still too young and her fingers are not ready for that instrument. Maybe when she's older we said. Actually I think she is old enough to learn, but we are certainly not going down the path of a third musical instrument looking at how stressful it is for ME to guide her in her drum and piano practises!

Out of curiosity, I started google-ing "how to form a band" and unsurprisingly, there are lots of tips online on how you can do that.

I think it is important to allow the child to dream and encourage them. We always tell her she can be anything she wants to be. She must however work hard at it to be successful. She must always try her best. Kids dream so freely, believing that anything is possible. Meanwhile, we adults who have experienced more setbacks and failures have become less daring in dreaming. That should not be the case in fact. People who chase their dreams can achieve them. What's stopping us most times are the excuses we tend to make, the fear of change, of making sacrifices, of failure, of embarrassment if things don't work out, and all the 'what ifs'. Sometimes our kids can teach and remind us of a thing or two. In this case, it's about having dreams and working to make them come true.

For inspiration and motivation, I turn to google again. We can get tons of quotes and sayings such as:

"If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours."
~ Henry David Thoreau

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."
~ Eleanor Roosevelt

And not forgetting Cinderella's song "A Dream is a Wish". Here's a modernised version by the Disney channel stars:

Ramblings after the music exam

After six months of learning her exam pieces, Caitlin finally completed her Grade 1 drum kit exam about 2.5 hours ago. She played her pieces well but it sounded like she was unsure and made some mistakes in the improvisation test. Whatever it is, I'm glad it's over. Being the non-practiser (she only started practising on a daily basis two weeks ago while averaging one practice a week on normal days), I think she has done well enough so far. While it would be great if she scored a distinction, just like how it'd be great if she scored straight A's in school, it's the effort that counts in the end as no one can be perfect at everything. Learning has to be fun, not a stressful chore.

I remember learning the piano as fun in my lower grades but when I reached grade 6 onwards, it started becoming a pain and a chore at times, especially nearing the exams. Those days, (I think even these days), most of the exams were the ABRSM ones which focused on classical pieces only, and required you to master the playing technics very well, and practise your scales, arpeggios like crazy. It was tiresome playing those three classical pieces over and over again for one whole year. Although the teacher also taught other pieces for leisure, most of them were still classical pieces. And the theory exams were also increasingly difficult with music history, composition and harmony in the higher grades, and all also classical based. Nevertheless, I managed to complete Grade 8.

Trinity Guildhall has non-classical syllabus but we didn't know about it then (the teachers did I'm sure but did not offer us the option). Trinity lets you play contemporary pieces like jazz for exams. And only Trinity has the syllabus for the drum kit (i.e. playing the entire drum set) while ABRSM's syllabus for the drum is only for the snare drum, under the percussion syllabus (more for classical/orchestral purpose I guess). If I had known about the Trinity syllabus, I'd probably have opted for that for my Grade 8 piano. While being able to play classical music well is good, I think it's better to be versatile with different styles of music and being able to play a variety of genres. Learning harmony only at Grade 6 is a bit too late in my opinion. Playing by ear is not even in the syllabus.

That's where I see the Yamaha Music syllabus giving the headstart and advantage for the child to develop his/her musical hearing, playing by ear, rhythm and composition abilities. At age 6, they are already leaning to compose songs, find the accompanying chords to given melodies and even transpose. Although not every child will be able to master these, at least they are learning it unlike ABRSM where I remember, only at age 15 or so, I learnt about writing chords and composing, and had not been given the opportunity to sharpen aural skills. I picked up playing by ear on my own but did not master it as I think I lacked the foundation (taking the ABRSM syllabus)and maybe also the natural talent.

Whatever it is, I think parents should be clear with the reasons they are giving their children music education. I had shared before (see here) why music education is beneficial. Like everything else, a child must not be forced or manipulated to learn something, simply because the parents think it would look good to have credentials for playing a musical instrument. Or even at least two musical instruments plus numerous co-curriculum activities in order to gain a place in a prestigious institution of higher learning. Or worse, if it is simply to keep up with the Joneses. The neighbour's child is learning the flute, violin and piano, so must their child....scary...why the need to compare, the need to be one up?

The child is the one who will be learning and playing the instrument(s) so it's best to ask the child if he/she is interested. (More here.) I believe care must also be exercised not to 'brainwash' the child to think that they will like a particular instrument of your personal choice. Also, whether they do well in the exams (if they do take them) should not be the measure of their worth. What's important is that they tried their best and are enjoying themselves learning.

I should remind myself of all these whenever I attempt to get Caitlin to practise or perfect a particular piece, or even in her studies. The piano and drums were after all her own choice even before I seriously considered starting her on musical instruments. I must learn to trust her to know what to do. We may think she's only seven and doesn't know what's good for herself but time and again she has shown she knows. Like drums and piano for instance. We nag at her to practise but when the time comes, at the last minute, she will practise on her own (even though we feel it could have been better if she started earlier!)I must not get caught up with the 'kiasu' mentality that's pretty rife in this ratrace society....

Meanwhile, there are many fun things awaiting us the next few weeks of the school holiday. Even getting C's Year 2 schoolbooks could be fun, with checking out the contents and wrapping the books, visiting some friends and their kids, taking short trips (hopefully) and a one-week holiday in Singapore visiting mostly kids' attraction places and catching up with relatives there.

Amazing voices

Good morning

E and C left two hours ago for school and work and it's all quiet now after the initial morning rush. Next, I've the day's chores ahead. While I slowly work up the motivation to get moving along, I have these to accompany me this quiet, gloomy (due to the haze) morning. Makes it even harder to get moving with such soothing music!

Why music education is important

Much has been said, argued, debated, opinionated about the Malaysian government's recent reversal back to using the national language of Bahasa Malaysia in the teaching of Math and English in schools. Of course, I'm against it but I'm not going to go further to share my opinion here. To 'make up' for the 'loss', they said they will also increase the hours of English instruction, without increasing classroom hours, the additional hours will be taken from other subjects, like music.

PUTRAJAYA, July 9 (Bernama) -- No extra school hours will be involved despite the additional hours alloted to the teaching and learning of English, said Education director-general Tan Sri Alimuddin Mohd Dom.

He said the additional English hours would come from other subjects including music which would be shortened.

"This is to ensure that the teachers and students are not burdened," he told reporters at a press conference on "Memartabatkan Bahasa Melayu, Memantapkan Bahasa Inggeris - New Deal for the Malaysian Education System" here on Monday.

Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday announced that the teaching and learning of Science and Mathematics in national schools will be taught in Bahasa Malaysia (BM) starting 2012.

With the decision, the government opted to strengthen English by introducing additional hours for the subject. Continues here.

Although the quality of music education in our schools is pathetic in my opinion, I feel that music education should not be of less priority. Having said that, I have little or no faith in the system that any good music education programme will see the light of day in our schools. What can one expect when even the teaching of basic core subjects like Math and Science cannot be properly implemented? Malaysia will be 52 years old this August. Where have we gone in the teaching of Math and Science in the past half century? The generation before me learnt them in English, then in my generation in the 1970s, we learnt everything in Bahasa, and six years ago, they switched to English. And in 2012, they say it's back to Bahasa. As one fellow blogger puts it, Malaysia Flip Flops.

Back to music education. I feel that if a child is not exposed to music, be it in a formal or informal way, he is really missing out on something really valuable in life. I blogged about it once before here.

I came across this report MENC—The National Association for Music Education "Music Education Facts and Figures" 2002 that I found here which outlines very clearly why music education is beneficial. Here are some excerpts:

Music is a magical gift we must nourish and cultivate in our children, especially now as scientific evidence proves that an education in the arts makes better math and science students, enhances spatial intelligence in newborns...

Many colleges view participation in the arts and music as a valuable experience that broadens students’ understanding and appreciation of the world around them. It is also well known and widely recognized that the arts contribute significantly to children’s intellectual development.

In an analysis of U.S. Department of Education data on more than 25,000 secondary school students (NELS:88, National Education Longitudinal Survey), researchers found that students who report consistent high levels of involvement in instrumental music over the middle and high school years show “significantly higher levels of mathematics proficiency by grade 12.” This observation holds regardless of students’ socio-economic status, and differences in those who are involved with instrumental music vs. those who are not is more significant over time.

Students who participated in arts programs in selected elementary and middle schools in New York City showed significant increases in self-esteem and thinking skills.

A research team exploring the link between music and intelligence reported that music training is far superior to computer instruction in dramatically enhancing children's abstract reasoning skills, the skills necessary for learning math and science.

Studying music encourages self-discipline and diligence, traits that carry over into intellectual pursuits and that lead to effective study and work habits. An association of music and math has, in fact, long been noted.

And here's one Malaysian supporting music education:

The Star, Saturday July 11, 2009
Don’t sacrifice music education

It has been announced by the Education Minister that there will be cutbacks on time allocation for subjects like music in the primary school curriculum to accommodate a corresponding increase of time allocation for English.

Such fire-fighting and knee-jerk responses to solve the growing controversy over the Government’s decision on the teaching of Science and Mathematics in English will not offer long-term answers for a balanced curriculum.

Music is just as important as any other subject in the curriculum if a balanced approach to education is to be realised.

Music, together with the fine arts, is the soul of a nation and represents a very potent medium together with the other fine arts for a truly united Malaysia.

A civilisation is remembered not so much by how many wars it won nor by its size but by its fine arts.

Relegating music or any other arts subject to a non-important position is not the right way to improve English.

It can only damage and aggravate the existing imbalance.

Our children should no longer be treated as guinea pigs in experimental efforts to seek a better education system in Malaysia.

JOHAMI ABDULLAH,
President, Malaysian Association for Music Education.

Toe Tapper

One of the two songs (among a list of other requirements) Caitlin is to practise for her EXAM!!! Her teacher taught her this on Monday and till today she has yet to start practising, and next Monday is her lesson again....As usual, Miss Leave-It-To-The-Last-Minute will wing it in class and get away with it from her kind and tolerant teacher.

So effortless

Wish I could play like this!