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Archives: Faculty Members

Samuel Chee

Field(s) of study : Electric Guitar, Acoustic fingerstyle and pop guitar, Jazz guitar, Classical guitar, Bass guitar, Ukulele

Born : Singapore

Degrees : Bachelor (with honors) of Performing Arts (Music), Lasalle College of the Arts

Biography : Beginning as a regular multi-instrumentalist performer in the Singapore gigging scene, teacher Sam has been teaching and coaching music learners since 2006. A former sessionist, he specializes in speed learning and performance training, and is passionate about nurturing students to freely and meaningfully express themselves through their choice of instruments.

A fun, lively, and responsive teacher, Sam appreciates every student and takes time to know them. An alumni of the Singapore Gifted Education Programme, he combines both intellectual and emotional approaches, and has repertoires of teaching styles and syllabuses adaptable to every student’s unique needs, character and temperament.

With the popularity of social media and the opportunities and career options it brings for modern musicians, Sam is currently working with existing students to grow and establish their YouTube channels.

Faculty : Faculty since May 2011

Zac Du

Field(s) of study : Folk & Classical Guitar / Ukulele

Born : China

Degrees : Bachelor degree from Nanjing Arts Institute. Trinity LTCL guitar diploma(UK).

Biography : Taught extensively as a guitar teacher in China and Singapore.

Faculty : Faculty since August 2012

Christine Octaviani

Field(s) of study : Piano, Aural & Theory

Born : Indonesia

Degrees : Bachelor of Chemical Engineering, NUS (Singapore); Masters of Music Performance, Trinity College of Music (London); Fellow of the Royal Schools of Music (Distinction); Fellowship Diploma in Piano, Trinity College London; Fellowship Diploma in Piano, London College of Music; Licentiate in Music Theory (Distinction)

Biography : Ms Christine Octaviani was born in Jakarta, Indonesia. She holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) degree from National University of Singapore and a Master in Music Performance (Piano) from Trinity Laban Conservatory of Music and Dance. Her teachers at Trinity Laban include Elena Riu, the late Simon Young and Margaret Fingerhut. Her interest in academics led her to obtain a distinction in the L(Mus)TCL diploma for music theory. In the following years, she gained the FLCM and her research paper, Understanding Beethoven: His Maladies and Creative Genius, led her to attain a distinction for the FRSM.

As a pianist, Ms Christine has collaborated with instrumentalists for examinations and recitals. Recently she appeared with Joyeux Sinfonietta, performing Poulenc’s Piano Concerto at the Victoria Concert Hall (Singapore). She was also invited as a guest artist for the 11th Flute Festival in Singapore. In her younger days, Ms Christine was a percussionist with the Raffles Girls’ School and Raffles Junior College Symphonic Bands. She was also an active member of the National University of Singapore Piano Ensemble, frequently appearing in piano duo recitals.

Ms Christine is formerly the head of piano department at Mandeville Conservatory of Music, where she was responsible for developing music curricula for the Creative Musicianship Classes. She dedicates much of her time to teaching; her students have had successes in music examinations, competitions and college auditions.

She is an associate professor with Joyeux Music International, regularly adjudicating music festivals and conducting masterclasses. She is also an examiner with ABRSM and was recently invited to co-present in the Piano 2025-26 Syllabus Seminar.

Faculty : Faculty since September 2011.

Grace Sia

Born: Malaysia

Field(s) of study: Piano, Aural Training, Theory

Degrees: Bachelor of Music, University of Melbourne (Australia)

Biography: Has more than 15 years of teaching experience in Malaysia and Singapore. A popular and passionate teacher, highly effective as a masterclass clinician. Trainer of several high-scorer pianists in the ABRSM examinations.

Faculty: Faculty since 2000.

Sylvia Khoo

Field(s) of study: Violin Group

Born: Malaysia

Degrees: Masters of Music, Southern Illinois University (USA)

Biography: Studied with John Kendall. Ex-member of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. A regular clinician at Suzuki institutes in Tennessee, Utah, North Carolina, Australia and Singapore. Trainer of many top-scorers of music examinations and prize-winning young violinists in local and international violin competitions.

Faculty: Faculty since 2000

Tatyana Todorova

Born: Bulgaria

Field(s) of study: Violin, Violin Group

Degrees: Masters of Music, Southwestern University Neofit Rilski (Bulgaria)

Biography: Has taught extensively for over 20 years in Bulgaria and Singapore. Under her tutelage, many of her students have won awards in national and international violin competitions. Trainer of numerous high-scorer violinists in the ABRSM examinations.

Faculty: Faculty since 2001

Lynn Kang

Field(s) of study : Piano

Born : Malaysia

Degrees : Masters of Music, Royal College of Music (UK)

Biography : Born in Malaysia, Ms Lynn started playing the piano at the age of 5, and the flute when she was 8. She was a regular performer in local concerts and festivals, culminating in the Sarawak Young Musician of the Year Award 1999. In 2002, she furthered her musical education abroad by entering Wells Cathedral School as a special exhibitionist musician.  Following that, Ms Lynn entered the Royal College of Music where she completed her undergraduate and postgraduate studies under John Byrne, Leon McCawley, Gordon Fergus-Thompson, and Simon Lepper. Competition successes include prizes in Sevenoaks Young Musician of the Year, Brant International Piano Competition, HSBC Classics Piano Competition (Malaysia), and the RCM English Song Prize (Accompanist Prize).

Ms Lynn has performed in many internationally renowned performance venues such as Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, St Martins-in-the-Fields, Steinway Hall (London), the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Pump Rooms in Bath.  She has also participated in many masterclasses, notably with the likes of Menahem Pressler, Leif Ove Andsnes, Bernard d’Ascoli, and Sergei Dorensky.

Ms Lynn has been teaching at Mandeville Conservatory of Music in Singapore since 2012. As a teacher, Ms Lynn supports her students by catering to their individual personalities and needs. With over 10 years experience teaching piano and theory to students of all levels, she has successfully prepared students for conservatoire entrance auditions, graded and diploma exams, as well as numerous local and international music festivals and competitions. Passionate about chamber music, Ms Lynn enjoys collaborating with other musicians, and encourages her students to play in duos and other larger ensembles. She is also an experienced accompanist, having played for young musicians in Singapore International String Conference, Singapore Flute Festival, diploma exams, masterclasses and music festivals.

Faculty : Faculty since January 2012

Chiang Wei En

2Field(s) of study : Contemporary Piano

Born : Malaysia

Degrees : Bachelor Of Music (Hons.) Contemporary

Biography : Ms Chiang holds a Bachelor of Music (Hons) Contemporary from UCSI University, majoring in Piano. She has also received an award in Diploma of Associate from London College of Music. Her teaching journey kicked off by her teaching in Cempaka Performing Arts Company in Malaysia and subsequently migrating and relocating in Singapore.

The age range of her student varies from children to adults, however she is more in tune with coaching and working with kids, especially those in the Beginner levels. Ms Chiang emphasizes that a strong inlay of foundation for young beginners will reap beneficial rewards to their music journey in the future, thus her aim is to help strengthen the foundation of her students. She has also previously headed junior group classes in music appreciation.

Ms Chiang affirms that with the proper guidance and encouragement, any child can achieve greatness. Parental involvement is in line with this philosophy as it is essential in ensuring the child’s progress.

Given her care and support towards her students, Ms Chiang’s students have achieved 100% passing rate in their ABRSM examinations with a number of them attaining Distinction. These students had the opportunity to perform in the Conservatory’s prestigious High Scorers Concert. Ms Chiang also believes that performance exposure is advantageous, thus she has sent her students to perform in the Conservatory’s piano departmental recitals and the Biennial concert as well.

With the many events that music schools organize, Ms Chiang was nominated as the concert master in her previous employment where she had to plan and facilitate the school’s concerts. She currently uses this experience to help out in the various concerts held in Mandeville, where she is part of the concert committee.

On top of her teaching profession, Ms Chiang had a memorable experience performing in front of royalties in a Royal Banquet of Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. When she is not teaching, Ms Chiang spends her time reading novels, creating arts & crafts and café hopping.

Faculty : Faculty since January 2017

Stefan Popov

Field(s) of study : Piano, Aural

Born : Bulgaria

Degrees : Masters of Music, State Academy of Music, Pancho Vladigerov (Bulgaria)

Biography : Mr Stefan Popov has a Masters degree in Piano Performance from “Pancho Vladigerov Academy of Music” Sofia, Bulgaria and also graduated with a Bachelor of Sound Engineering. During his studies he was exposed to other instruments like flute and digital piano. As a soloist and accompanist he has performed at numerous recitals and competitions in Bulgaria, Germany and Norway and has recorded for the Bulgarian national radio and television.

Mr Stefan has more than 15 years of teaching experience, devoting his time in teaching piano, aural and theory. Apart from being sought after as our students’ accompanist, he is also active on the chamber stage having performed at various venues in Singapore. Through the years, his students have achieved high results taking graded and diploma exams. They are currently active in participating at schools concerts as soloists and accompanists as well. Having taught students of various age groups, Stefan believes that everyone has the potential to discover the joy of music. He teaching style stands on an individual approach to every student based on patience, motivation and pursuing the goals set. Apart from his job, Mr Stefan likes outdoor activities like swimming, cycling and trekking.

Faculty : Faculty since 2003

Mary Tran

Field(s) of study : Piano Solo, Duet & Chamber Music

Born : Vietnam

Degrees : Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance, NUS – Full scholarship by Keppel Corporation

Biography : Ms. Mary teaches individual student from the age of 5 with fun and creative methods while building a strong musical fundamentals.

Her dedication and commitment in teaching led her to become a very popular teacher in Mandeville. And many of her students achieved Distinction in ABRSM Graded Exams and are prized-winners in local and overseas competitions.

 

Achievements :

  • International Music Instructor Champion Award – Hong Kong Global Arts, Sports and Culture Association (2023)
  • Favourite Music Teacher Award – MediaCorp Symphony 924 Contest (2022)

Faculty : Faculty since 2011