TEACHING
how i teach
Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.
- Albert Einstein
student testimonials
I started piano lessons with Kelvin a few years ago. I tried another piano instructor prior to finding my way here. Kelvin is patient and forgiving. I especially like that he produces his own teaching material instead of relying on off-the-shelf music books. It’s great because this allows him to tailor the lessons to what I already knew or needed to know. All in all, I’m really happy that with the lessons — I can now deftly play my favourite pop/contemporary songs (largely Disney)!
- Emily Mah, Pop Piano student
Podiatrist
Family Podiatry Centre
Kelvin's unique "divide and conquer" approach to teaching the piano has taken me from chord-banging noob to confident keyboardist. He makes even technically-challenging skills easily achievable with simple weekly assignments (that really pay off after just a few weeks of practice).
- Kevin Lim, Pop Piano student
Copywriter
www.kevinthecopywriter.com
After researching and trying out several different jazz piano teachers in Singapore, Kelvin was by far the best option. His thoughtful and experienced approach has given me a thoroughly solid foundation in the fundamentals of jazz, covering a wide range of styles and techniques. Every question I throw at him gets answered with detail, accuracy - and patience! I would recommend Kelvin's lessons to anyone interested in improving their jazz piano
- Richard Hemming, Jazz Piano student
Wine writer, educator and consultant
www.richardhemmingmw.com
My teaching philosophy
• "生之错乃师之过", or "mistakes of a student are the teacher's fault" guides my teaching. If my students face a road block, it's on me to find a way that works.
• Creative expression within a well-defined curriculum. That's how my students develop musicianship and improvisational skill, along with deep theoretical understanding.
My take on music
Music is a deeply creative act. Attaining certificates, for instance, does not automatically make one a musician. Without scores, many a Grade 8 pianist would be hard-pressed to play a decent rendition of "Happy Birthday". Such a pianist has learnt ABOUT music, but hasn’t truly learnt music.
So what is music?
Simply put, music is a combination of sounds and rhythm. Master both and the instrument of your choice and, voila!, you're a musician.
How does one learn music?
• Theory: Learning how sounds relate to each other
• Rhythm: Coordinating fingers to produce music while keeping the beat
• Technique: Getting your fingers to play more musically, more speedily and more accurately
• LH improvisation: Ideas and patterns for the left hand
• RH Improvisation: Embellishments and fills for the right hand
• Ear training: Sharpen your aural senses
What do I help my students do?
• Re-create & improvise on their favourite songs in a variety of styles.
• Accompany themselves or another singer on the piano.
• Compose their own songs.
• Play or transcribe songs by ear.