noteachernomasternoguru

[noteachernomasternoguru]

Final thoughts and reflection

Learning Skills Beyond Musical Expertise

Even while my main responsibility at the music school was to interact with music, I soon saw that the experience called for far more than just technical skill. Among the most important abilities I acquired was communication. Interacting with kids, instructors, and administrative staff required effective communication. I gained knowledge on how to listen intently, communicate ideas clearly, and react sympathetically—skills that are essential in the music industry as well as any professional context.

The Importance of Organization and Administrative Work

The internship also opened my eyes to the critical significance that administrative and organisational tasks play in the efficient operation of a music school. I have direct experience with the difficulties involved in planning, keeping track of, and allocating resources. Even though they are frequently done in the background, these jobs are vital to making sure the school runs well and serves the requirements of the children. I discovered that good organisation involves more than just maintaining order; it also entails fostering an atmosphere free from needless interruptions that foster creativity and learning.

Catering to the Needs of Others and Time Management

The internship emphasised the value of attending to other people's needs, whether they be those of coworkers in need of support, parents in need of information, or students in need of assistance. I discovered how to strike a balance between these needs and my own obligations, which made time management crucial. Setting priorities, establishing reasonable objectives, and practicing time management discipline were crucial abilities that enabled me to balance my personal burden and make a significant contribution to the school.with no needless interruptions.

The Value of Networking and Building Connections

I learnt the importance of developing a solid network of business contacts while working at the music shed. Making connections with peers, mentors, and business leaders in the field led to fresh perspectives and opportunities. I discovered that chances for cooperation, support, and direction—all essential for both professional and personal development—can be found inside a well-established network. Developing these relationships is about more than just advancing your career; it's about fostering a support system and community of like-minded individuals.

Finding Purpose and Staying Motivated

Finding a purpose for our work is probably the most important lesson we have learnt. My internship enabled me to take stock of my motivations for being enthusiastic about music and the part I want to play in this industry. Even in difficult times, having a clear sense of my purpose gave me drive and direction. It reaffirmed the notion that having a distinct sense of purpose motivates us to overcome challenges and remain dedicated to our objectives by igniting our excitement and tenacity.

The skills learned were also transferrable and applicable to other things in my life, for instance, being organised and having a plan helped me navigate how I should prepare for an upcoming gig etc.

Thoughts:

Overall, it taught me valuable lessons in communication, organization, time management, networking, and purpose. These insights are not only relevant to my future career in music but are applicable to any professional path I choose to pursue. As I move forward, I carry with me a deeper understanding of the multifaceted nature of professional work and a renewed sense of purpose in my endeavors.

[noteachernomasternoguru]

Writing tunes; trying to. 🤔

Learning to write tunes in preparation for my final recital during the holidays.

As a drummer, dealing with harmony and writing tunes is something that I have not been doing as much as I should be, over the last few years. However, the more drums I practice, the more I see how important the other aspects of the music I enjoy to play a large, if not not larger role in my contributions when performing.

The drums itself is a primal instrument that speaks straight to the soul, and can literally be felt so, at least in my opinion. To use this instrument in the context of any kind of music (less ethnic drums), requires some kind of knowledge of the music we are trying to play with.

With this in mind, one of my goals is to get a better understanding of the music I am trying to play, to contribute better as a drummer in a band.

This is one of, and still, one of the most challenging thing I am working on - but I have learned a lot from it.

In this piece, I was working on writing changes to a melody I created, trying to keep things as simple as I can but with a clear understanding of what I am doing.

In the past, I would slap on chords that sounded interesting to me and in theory that worked, without knowing what it meant or could mean.

In this composition, I started of with what I knew, writing this song with a bunch of "ii-V" changes on the A section, and "I-V" changes on the B section, with some substitutes on some of the chords.

The real challenge was to find a chord that could work functionally with the note of my melody, at the same time expressing the right texture and colour that I wanted. My lack of understanding in harmony severely limited my options and perspective of what could be done, and this was a real eye opener.

From creating something simple, I realised the importance of knowing the feeling of a melody, and the different colours chord add to that feeling. With this knowledge alone, I practice the drums now with a slightly different goal.. trying to see how I can help better a song with my drums, instead of being a timekeeper. This however, is a lot easier said than done, and it is still a work in progress.

[noteachernomasternoguru]

Learning to find the self, in the midst of all that is going on

Throughout the holidays, I have had some time to think about the things I do, the reasons I do them and how my next step can be of one that helps with my personal development. Being engrossed in the very craft, the practice, and the goals of them is a double-edged sword, and could very well lead you to chase the wrong things. Upon reflection of the things that I have done, I have realised that music - whatever that means to any of us, like any craft in life, allows us to seek the deeper truths of life and about ourselves, to find out who we really are. Thinking of it has allowed me to shift perspectives and goals for myself, realising that not everything is really about what I want to do; seeing the duality in the pursuit of this endeavour. Shining a light on this topic has left me conflicted; having to break down what I thought I already knew, and to contemplate even more on my own mind - in a good way. One thing I have found out for myself thus far is that perhaps the very thing that has kept me moving in my craft, was not really about achieving anything on it, but to get closer to my Self.. and with this knowledge my exploration continues.

- The kit that has been with me through them changes!

[noteachernomasternoguru]

Attending Jam Sessions, hosting our own in-house jams as well 🌀⚡

Attending the jazz jam session at BluJaz by Yvette, Darryl Ervin and Mei Sheum was an eye-opening experience, both exhilarating and humbling. The atmosphere was charged with the kind of energy that only seasoned musicians can generate, each note and phrase imbued with years of practice and passion. Being surrounded by these veterans was simultaneously inspiring and intimidating, as I navigated the challenges of playing with musicians I had never encountered before.

Initially, stepping into the unknown was a daunting prospect. The fear of making mistakes or not meeting expectations loomed large. However, this apprehension quickly gave way to a deep appreciation for the value of stepping outside one’s comfort zone. Playing with such accomplished musicians underscored areas where I could improve and illuminated the gaps in my skills that I had not fully recognized before.

One of the most valuable aspects of the evening was the opportunity to interact with these seasoned artists. Their advice was a treasure trove of insights into not just the technical aspects of music, but also the essence of what makes a performance compelling. Listening to their experiences and perspectives offered a broader understanding of the importance of spontaneity, creativity, and the spirit of collaboration in jazz.

The unpredictability of the jam session was a lesson in itself. It taught me to embrace the unknown and to approach each performance with an open mind, free from rigid expectations. Each interaction and improvisation was a reminder that jazz, at its heart, is about exploration and discovery, both of the music and of oneself. With this experience in mind, I carried out my own jam sessions over the holidays with Kenji on bass, Casper & George on guitar, and sometimes a few of our schoolmates, to practice and work on things that needed to be improved on upon reflection of the jam sessions. Some images of our in-house jams:

[noteachernomasternoguru]

Livestream Gig with Arnold Pontoh Quartet 👁😎

I was called for a livestream gig at Tonehouse Studios with pianist and band leader Arnold Pontoh from Indonesia. In his quartet, there was bassists Nobu, saxophonist Bryan Rosario and myself on drums. This gig was one with little preparation, with only 1 short rehearsal an hour before the livestream. The songs included were some originals and some standards. Before the gig, I was sent the set list and charts a few days before, allowing me to prepare. However, being prepared was only half the battle done, as I had to adapt and improvise to the current moment. For instance, in one of his tunes during the rehearsal we were told to change the ending of it- something that I was used to when preparing for it, forcing me to flexible about it. Apart from the anxiousness of feeling unprepared, playing with a bassist that I am unfamiliar with also caused some worry in me. Not being comfortable and being around the unknown, causes me to feel insecure, and I had to trust myself and my intuition with all the practice I have had already done, and be in the moment.

To my surprise, the show turned out to be incredibly enjoyable. The spontaneity of the performance injected a sense of excitement and freshness that often gets lost in over-rehearsed routines. I found that the experience was not only fun but also deeply rewarding. The audience responded positively, and the feedback I received was encouraging, which made the whole experience feel even more affirming.

Reflecting on the show afterward, I realized that there was nothing to worry about. The lack of preparation didn’t hinder my performance as much as I had feared; rather, it highlighted the importance of trusting in my own abilities and being adaptable. The experience was a powerful reminder that sometimes, stepping into the unknown can lead to unexpectedly positive outcomes.

One of the originals from Arnold! A nice blues tune.

[noteachernomasternoguru]

🎶 Half Recital for the students, Part 2

From a teaching perspective, this experience reinforces the importance of patience and encouragement. It’s through the detailed feedback sessions and supportive guidance that students learn not only to improve their technique but also to develop a positive mindset towards their challenges. Each practice session and rehearsal becomes an opportunity to build trust and foster a supportive environment where students feel valued and motivated.

The half recital also serves as a critical checkpoint in their learning journey. It allows us to assess progress and identify areas for further development. For me, it’s a moment of reflection on the effectiveness of my teaching methods and a chance to celebrate the unique achievements of each student. It’s inspiring to see how far they’ve come and to be part of their musical evolution.

Additionally, the experience reinforces the joy of teaching. It’s a reminder of why I chose this path—to inspire and nurture budding talents. The smiles, the excitement, and the occasional tears of relief from students during and after their performance are priceless. These moments reaffirm my commitment to their growth and remind me of the impact that dedicated teaching can have.

In summary, preparing students for their half recitals is an enriching experience that benefits both the teacher and the students. It fosters growth, builds confidence, and strengthens the teacher-student relationship. It’s a celebration of progress and a powerful reminder of the transformative power of music education.

[noteachernomasternoguru]

🎶 Half Recital for the students, Part 1

As I guide my students through the preparation process for their half recitals, I find myself deeply engaged in a unique form of mentorship that blends artistic instruction with personal development. These recitals, often considered a milestone in their journey, offer a glimpse into their progress and a chance to celebrate their achievements so far. The experience is as much about honing performance skills as it is about building confidence and resilience.

Seeing each student's growth as they prepare for these recitals is one of the most satisfying parts of the process. A feeling of pride and success gradually replaces the first uneasiness and anxiousness. Students are encouraged to step outside of their comfort zones through the process of practicing, perfecting, and finally performing, which is an essential component of both artistic and personal development. They gain the ability to control expectations, perform under pressure, and accept that every performance comes with a learning curve.

[noteachernomasternoguru]

🎞Marketing, Part 2

Recording and planning a video with colleagues and working with my manager Angie from Music Shed, to promote the company on social media platforms. For this video, we discussed and plan on how to make a short Instagram video consisting of a guitarist, CY. I was tasked to plan out the content with CY, and see what ideas we can come up with for the video.

The video should be short and concise, easy to understand for musicians of all levels and interesting enough for people to want to learn more.

The video on Instagram:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Music Shed (@themusicshed)

[noteachernomasternoguru]

📌Marketing, Part 1

With the digital age in full swing, traditional methods of promotion are no longer enough. The rise of social media platforms, particularly Instagram, offers an innovative and powerful way to showcase what a music school has to offer. Instagram videos, in particular, can be a game-changer for music schools looking to expand their reach and attract new students. My manager Angie, tasked me to regularly create videos with different instrumentalists in the school, to help promote the business.

Marketing is a fundamental component of any music school’s strategy for growth and success. Instagram videos, with their ability to capture and communicate the essence of the school in a visually engaging way, offer a unique opportunity to connect with prospective students and showcase the value of the institution. By leveraging this powerful tool effectively, a music school can enhance its visibility, engage with its audience, and ultimately achieve its enrollment goals.

Apart from digital marketing, some of the things that the school does is to put up inviting posters to attract more people to check the school out. Having an inviting and intriguing advertisement helps in promoting the school and attracting customers. As the school is situated near United Square shopping mall, these posters with loud colours will surely catch some eyes.

The posters:

Not only that, at the reception counter, business cards and awards are also displayed for interested customers to see, and possible aid in the decision making process of customers still on the fence about learning music:

[noteachernomasternoguru]

Creating milestones and goals as a music school and company

Hosting recitals every few months

Checking in on students' progress every month

Checking in on teachers every quarter of the year

Understanding the needs of both the teachers and students, we can further improve on what is needed to continue teaching students the best we can, keeping up with the latest news and being able to adapt to the changes whilst maintaining integrity teaching music.

Recital sign-up sheet:

Students' progress report:

Quarterly meeting timeslots:

*names all blocked out for privacy

As seen from the images, these are some of the things we did to carry out the planned goals we have for the music school. An important thing to note that was new to me, was the amount of administrative work that has to be done to run a school efficiently. Being organised plays a huge role in getting things to be done, and this is a skill that I need some working on. On most times, these mundane tasks seem like a hassle, but only pushing through it we realise the importance of it. The real value in life often lies in things we undervalue; and it seems that the challenge is to be the best version of yourself no matter the external circumstance.

[noteachernomasternoguru]

Understanding how to schedule and plan lessons in a music school.

Learning from Dini, the school's full time administrator and understanding her role in the school. Watching her plan and manage the clients allows me to understand how to build a network with them, and the importance of maintaining good relations with clients as it is integral to a music school's success; impacting everything from client retention and satisfaction to overall reputation and growth.

A snippet of the school's schedule in a week:

*names of students not available due to privacy

As seen from the image, the school has classes almost everyday of the week, and it is especially packed on the weekends. Planning and scheduling lessons are difficult because we have to make sure that the timings of the teachers matches the students as well. As you can see, most students are only available during weekends, and it is difficult to schedule because of the lack of free rooms available.

Apart from that, we also would have to put importance on the availability of the student's free times, meaning that we would often need to find replacement teachers if there is a make-up class that does not fall on the usual day. This requires a lot of communication and team work as a music school, to get response quickly so that we can finalise lesson timings.

Just from watching her plan the lessons for the school, I learned a few important points such as having good communication, putting the needs of the students, and being flexible; to adapt to whatever changes may come.

[noteachernomasternoguru]

Teaching progress of one of my students, A. Part 4

Playing to songs and understanding the essence of music after all the technical fix, the feeling and emotional aspect of it, and how important it is to play from that space.

Music theory provides a framework, but it can sometimes be limiting if followed too rigidly. Playing music with an emphasis on feeling allows for more expressive freedom. You can interpret the music in ways that align with your own emotional responses, leading to unique and personal renditions. This personal touch can differentiate your performance from others and bring new life to familiar pieces. Feeling the music taps into an intuitive understanding of the song that goes beyond technical analysis. This intuitive grasp can guide your phrasing, dynamics, and tempo in a way that feels natural and fluid. It’s often this intuitive sense that helps you to interpret the music in a way that aligns with its inherent spirit. For many musicians, the joy of playing comes from the emotional experience of making music rather than just executing notes and rhythms correctly. Playing music with a focus on feeling can lead to greater personal satisfaction and fulfillment. It allows you to connect more deeply with your craft and find joy in the process, rather than just in the result.

Thoughts:

Reminding my student of why we play music from an emotional standpoint was also a great reminder for me, to remember to not play things out of just practice and theory - but to connect to a deeper meaning within ourselves and others.

[noteachernomasternoguru]

Teaching progress of one of my students, A. Part 3

Applying rudiments and seeing the connections of learning our fundamentals, in the context of playing the drumkit. As the he gets more comfortable playing rudiments, he was able to think about his coordination on the drums as well. This allowed more headspace for him to focus on problems, and slowly layer them together - making two seemingly separate things into one.

Hi-hat part of a song:

In this song, the hi-hat parts had a combination of both upbeats and down beats in 8ths notes, in a single bar. This phenomenon can be seen in the rudiment we did a few lessons before as well. From this one single part of a song, we can see how useful learning our rudiments are, but more importantly, the connection between the rudiments and its application.

Thoughts:

As a musician, I think we often forget the reasons why we practice, and can sometimes get caught up in the technical side of things like technique, permutations, etc. We can get lost in those things and most times none of them stick with us for long. It is important to remember the purpose of the exercises we do and why we bother to practice them - to have a bigger picture in mind. This lesson reminded me of just that, and it got me thinking about what I would do on my own practice session.

[noteachernomasternoguru]

Teaching progress of one of my students, A. Part 2

Learning to play to a click, understanding what to look out for when practicing.

A click track provides a constant, reliable beat that helps drummers internalize and maintain a steady tempo. This practice sharpens a drummer's ability to stay in time and ensures that they can play consistently with other musicians or recordings. A click track helps drummers focus on their accuracy, ensuring that each beat, stroke, and fill aligns precisely with the metronome. This precision is crucial for executing complex patterns and maintaining consistency in performances. When doing so, it is important for the student to look out for the different feelings that arise from each note, in relation to the click track. It is important to feel the beat and rhythm, rather than become mechanical about it - a common problem drummers face.

A's Progress Video:

* As you can tell from the video, it is difficult to manage playing in time while juggling with coordinating the limbs. To internalize one aspect of the coordination in time itself takes awhile, so this is actually great effort by A for learning it in a short period!

Thoughts:

This lesson taught me a few things as well - in music, timing is not just about keeping a beat; it's about creating a foundation upon which creativity can flourish. When a drummer is consistently accurate, they provide a stable framework that allows other musicians to experiment and push boundaries within a structured context. This stability enables improvisation and dynamic changes, as everyone knows they can rely on the drummer to maintain the underlying pulse.

That being said, it also teaches us to be responsible as people, for the sake of others, to do what we need to do. Being committed to practicing diligently is an extension of this sense of timing, the understanding that we all have a role to play and put in our best efforts to do it well. In essence, accuracy in timing as a drummer exemplifies the broader principle of responsibility in any role. It underscores the importance of being reliable and dedicated to one's responsibilities. By investing time and effort into perfecting our skills, we not only enhance our own performance but also support the success of the entire group. The commitment to practicing and being precise is a reflection of respect for both the art form and our fellow musicians, ensuring that the music we create is both compelling and cohesive.

[noteachernomasternoguru]

Teaching progress of one of my students, A. Part 1

During my internship, I managed to watch students improve and learned some of the things that help people practice efficiently. In this example, my student, A, a hardworking and dedicated student managed to learn a drum song with no prior experience.

First week:

Learning the rudiments related to it, learning to coordinate. Rudiments are the building blocks of drumming technique. They provide a structured approach to mastering basic rhythms and patterns, which are the cornerstone of more complex drumming skills. By mastering rudiments, drummers develop a solid technical foundation that supports more advanced playing. Rudiments help drummers develop better stick control, which is vital for achieving precision and consistency. Exercises like the single stroke roll, double stroke roll, and paradiddles train the hands to move with agility and accuracy, which translates into more controlled and dynamic drumming.

A's progress video:

In this example. my student A is practicing single strokes in 8th notes, with accents changing from the upbeats to the downbeats - something fundamental that needed to be worked on as the song he was planning to learn had a lot upbeats and downbeats in 8th notes, and he needed to be comfortable switching them around.

The exercise that we created together, to get better at feeling upbeats and downbeats in 8th notes. As shown in the picture, we created a simple exercise that switches accents on the upbeats to downbeats in 2 beats, to get used to the different feelings via comparison and contrasting.

For this particular example, I wanted him to feel the transition and the switching of accents (the black square in the picture), as most new drummers have difficulties when transitioning two different types of rhythms - overlooking the importance of feeling solely the transition as well.

Thoughts:

Every class I have also serves as a reminder for myself, and in this case, the importance of having good and strong fundamentals. Every "complex" musical skill came from a simple idea, and from there it was grown from. This reminded me to not forget about the process, and that the final outcome of things are often not the point of doing things but rather, the process and journey behind it - which is often simple to do, but difficult to master.

[noteachernomasternoguru]

Introduction

I will be embarking on an internship at Music Shed Pte Ltd amongst other projects, as a drum teacher and as an assistant to the manager of the branch; to understand how to run a music school!

Some of the things that I will be covering and learning are:

Teaching

Scheduling & Marketing of a music school

Personal Gigs & Projects

This documentation will be a reflection of the various things I have learned under the music school, and some other projects that I have participated in.