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LOGINField(s) of study : Violin, Viola
Born : Vietnam
Degrees : Bachelor of Music (Viola), Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, National University of Singapore; Bachelor of Music (Violin), Hanoi Conservatory of Music
Biography : A member of the Yong Siew Toh Symphony Orchestra. Active member of the Singapore Festival Orchestra and Philharmonic Orchestra. Invited numerous occasions to Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, Russia and Australia as an orchestra member.
Faculty : Faculty since July 2007
Field(s) of study: Violin
Born: Vietnam
Degrees: Bachelor of Music, Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music
Biography: South Vietnam born, Mr Dang Thanh Trung began his violin studies at the age of five and was granted annual scholarships at the Ho Chi Minh City Conservatory of Music, where he studied with Professor Nguyen Hoang Cuong and Ha Dinh Tuong Vi. Graduating with the highest award for excellence in violin performance offered him the perfect opportunity to participate in Ho Chi Minh City Ballet and Symphony Orchestra. Since then, he has been frequently invited to perform and record with the orchestra for the national broadcaster.
In 2000, he formed his own string quartet and had performed for literally hundreds of performances throughout the country and recorded radio recitals for most of the major radio stations in Vietnam. He has received master classes with acclaimed artists such as French violinist Maryvonne le Dizes and T’ang Quartet.
In 2003, he was granted a full scholarship to further his violin studies at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music – National University of Singapore. There, he studied under Professor Alexander Souptel and received the Bachelor Degree with honours. In 2007, he was granted a full scholarship to take part in the Asian Youth Orchestra with which, a number of concert tours have been given in Hong Kong, China and Japan under well-known conductors such as Okko Kamu, Richard Pontzious, Federico Cortese. Within the same year he was accepted under a full scholarship, into the Australian International Symphony Orchestra Institute in The State of Tasmania, a two-week intensive program regarded nationally for its innovative structure and professional delivery.
Since 2008, being an active chamber musician and orchestra player, he is a member of The Metropolitan Festival Orchestra and Singapore Lyric Opera Orchestra which has performed and collaborated with well-known conductors such as Arnie Roth, Justin Freer, Joshua Kangming Tan, to name a few. In 2017, he joined the Beautiful Mind Charity, a philanthropic organization that serves the community by caring for the underprivileged, especially nurturing musical talents in children with disabilities.
In 2016, Mr Trung spearheaded the chamber group in Mandeville Conservatory of Music, gathering high caliber student performers under his tutelage. They have since participated and performed in various concerts and recitals both in house and also in performance venues such as the Esplanade.
Faculty: Faculty since January 2010
Field(s) of study : Violin & Viola
Born : Singapore
Degrees : MMus (Performance Teaching), University of Melbourne, Australia; Licentiate Trinity College of London (LTCL in Violin)
Biography : Born in Singapore, Ms Annette’s musical journey commenced when she was 4 ½ years old. This interest in the Performing Arts, fuelled by her mother’s instructional background formed the basis for her talent in music. At a tender age, Ms Annette played at charity fundraising events such as at the St. Luke’s Hospital, the Church of St. Ignatius and Caritas Humanitarian Aid & Relief Initiatives, Singapore (CHARIS). While studying at the Singapore Chinese Girls’ Primary and Secondary Schools, she was part of the choir which attained Gold awards at the Singapore Youth Festivals. To further her musical passion, she joined the Singapore National Youth Orchestra (SNYO) when she was 11 years old and represented Singapore at the 34th International Youth and Music Festival in Vienna, winning the First Prize in the Symphony Orchestra category.
Ms Annette pursued a musical degree at an undergraduate level and obtained a Bachelor of Music Degree (Viola Performance) from the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music – National University of Singapore. She furthered her studies and completed a Masters of Music Degree (Performance Teaching) from the University of Melbourne. During her academic years, she had the opportunity to study under renowned musicians such as Zhang Manchin, Principal Violist of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, Fiona Sargeant, Associate Principal Violist of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and Lionel Tan, Violist of the T’ang Quartet. These artistes not only continued to inspire her to excel in her field, but also to teach and give back to the next generation of musicians.
In order to attain professional accreditation in her field of interest, Ms Annette completed her Licentiate Diploma in Piano Performance. She also obtained an Associate Diploma in Viola Performance and a Licentiate Diploma in Violin Performance. She continues to play with a fully-independent professional orchestra, namely the Metropolitan Festival Orchestra and the Chamber Orchestra ‘Re:Sound’, so that she remains active in the Performing Arts scene.
Although Ms Annette has been teaching music in Singapore and Australia since she was 15 years old, she now extend her instructional role on a full-time basis. Her experience extends to both pedagogy and andragogy, with students ranging from 3 ½ to 45 years. Her institutions of instructions includes both local and overseas schools such as St. Margaret’s Secondary School, Shuqun Primary School, Singapore Chinese Girls’ School, International Schools and at Melbourne’s Grammar School – Grimwade House and St. Catherine’s School. During these stints, she conducts string orchestra, sectionals and teaches music in a classroom setting.
Ms Annette has a passion to teach children as young as 3 ½ years old and she has undergone training for Suzuki Book 1-4 and SAVE (Systematic Approach Violin Education) conducted by Prof. Lan Ku Chen, a certified violin teacher trainer of Asia Region Suzuki Association. She believes in making learning fun for young children by teaching them small steps and details, hence they can get the bigger picture and play with good technique and tone in years to come. Her aim is to spread her love of music to them so that they will continue making music till later years in life.
Most of her students have achieved ‘Distinctions’ and ‘Merits’ awards in the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) and Trinity Diploma Examinations. As a testimony of her effort and instruction, several of her outstanding students have clichéd award-winning medals at the Mandeville Medallion Festival in 2017.
In her free time, she enjoys cooking, singing in with her choir, swimming and running in marathons.
Faculty : Faculty since 2014
3Field(s) of study : Piano
Born : Philippines
Degrees : Diploma for Creative and Performing Arts, University of the Philippines
Biography : A teacher of smiles and boundless joy, Ms Teresa began her foray into music at the age of 7 years old and graduated with a Diploma for Creative & Performing Arts in the University of the Philippines Conservatory of Music in 1988. In 2014, she achieved a Grade 8 Piano ABRSM with Distinction in Singapore.
After her graduation, she continued to study Music Education and proceeded to teaching young children in her alma mater as part of the conservatory’s extension programme. The teaching stint set the tone as a music educator for the rest of her career, having understood the importance of the different emotional developmental stages of children in order to fit the right approach.
Apart from having taught students of a wide age range, Ms Teresa has extensive experience teaching children with special needs, particularly down syndrome and autism. In fact, she had an opportunity to coach a child with autism to take a grade 3 piano exam. She firmly believes that every child, regardless of any physical or mental disabilities, has the right to learn any musical instrument. This belief translates to teaching full of compassion and love for her students.
This tenderness has also translated in her students’ piano exam results, where many of them scored merits and distinctions under her tutelage. Some of these students have also achieved Gold in the Singapore Youth Festival. Furthermore, she has experience as a piano accompanist in numerous events: the National Music Competition for Young Artists (NAMCYA) Festival of Winners (choral category), and the Trinity Exam for pupils playing other instruments.
In 2009, Ms Teresa was featured in the Singapore Parent magazine, Young Parents, where she shared her experience of raising three boys and its positive impact in molding her as an educator for other children.
Outside of music education, she has also been regularly volunteering as a pianist for numerous church choirs in the last 30 years, first in the Philippines then in Singapore.
A highly enthusiastic and cheerful individual, Ms Teresa also enjoys taking morning walks and cooking healthy meals for her family at home when she is not at the piano inspiring children.
Faculty : Faculty since November 2013
Field(s) of study : Piano, Music Theory
Born : Malaysia
Degrees : BContempMus (Hons), UCSI University, Malaysia
Biography : Mr. Genesis started his musical pathways at the age of 7 and graduated with a Bachelor of Contemporary Music (Hons.) in UCSI University, Malaysia. While studying, he was under the tutelage of the head of contemporary music program, Mr. Justin Lim.
Given his great passion for music, Mr. Genesis has been active in the music performing scene both in Singapore and Malaysia. Currently the appointed keyboardist for local radio station 96.3 Hao FM, he has been performing in numerous events and occasions both in a band settings and as a solo pianist (pop and jazz music).
With his knowledge and interest in music arrangement, he has worked with the founder of Inner Voice Productions, Mr. Ken Hor for several short films. He has also worked with different jingle studios (2PM Studio, Canang Studio), writing and composing music for TV commercials.
Having his own YouTube channel, Mr. Genesis has worked alongside with singer Cecilia to produce music for thousands of audience. His music is mainly inclined towards jazz, pop, rock, EDM etc.
Mr. Genesis has been teaching since 2014 and has an extensive experience working with students of all ages from 4-50, in both classical and contemporary music. He has prepared students for music exams in ABRSM and Trinity board, and has consistently produced good results for his students scoring mostly distinctions and merits. He enjoys working with young children, to inspire and nurture their interest in music, and also working with teenagers and young adults, to introduce a different side of music to his students.
Mr. Genesis believes that each student has their own ways of learning. Thus, he personalizes his teaching method to suit his students’ learning capabilities to produce best results. He also believes that music has no age limit; it’s never too late for each person to start their musical journey as long as they have the interest.
Mr. Genesis teaches both classical and contemporary music, music theory, contemporary compositions and performances.
Faculty : Faculty since December 2015
Field(s) of study: Violin, Viola
Born: Singapore
Degrees: Bachelor of Music, Peabody Institute of John Hopkins (USA)
Biography: Performed extensively with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra before deciding to pursue teaching as a career. Awarded a Singapore Public Service Commission scholarship.
Faculty: Faculty since 2001.
Field(s) of study: Violin, Violin Group
Born: The Philippines
Degrees: Associate Diploma in Violin from Trinity College London
Biography: Ms Marinela started learning the violin at the age of 11 and attained her Diploma in Violin from Trinity College of London. Her performance repertoire includes overseas stints in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines accompanying internationally acclaimed artistes such as Kit Chan and Anita Abishiganaden. Ms Marinela has also performed for the late President Ong Teng Cheong for charity and former President Tony Tan at the Singapore Parliament. She also had the opportunity to perform for the late Prime Minister Lee Kwan Yew on two separate occasions and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
Ms Marinela has been actively teaching in Mandeville Conservatory of Music from 2003 till present. With her experience, she is able to teach students as young as 3 years old onwards. Ms Marinela enjoys working with different age groups as it is always an enriching learning experience with the different demographics. She will tweak and adjust her teaching style to adjust to the learning capabilities of her student as she understands that every student is different. Under her guidance, her students achieved mostly merits and distinctions for their music exams.
Ms Marinela’s love for performing translates to her encouraging and engaging her students to performing, and not just playing for exams. Ms Marinela is part of the teaching faculty who trains the Violin Stars, a performance violin group. In Violin Stars, students are focused in training for performances which helps them build their confidence and in turn, they enjoy the music that they play. The Violin Stars have performed extensively in various countries like Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam and playing for the diplomats in Jakarta, Indonesia during the Bulgarian National Day. They have also performed in Vienna, Austria in December 2016 together with the Vienna Boys Choir and also in Taiwan in December 2017 for the BoAi Music Festival.
Ms Marinela is also a member of the Suzuki Association under Suzuki Violin Teacher Training and has participated in Suzuki Early Childhood Education (SECE).
Faculty: Faculty since 2002
Field(s) of study : Violin
Born : Singapore
Degrees : Master of Music, Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, Bachelor of Music with Honours (Distinction) in Violin Performance, Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music
Biography : Neville obtained his bachelor’s with honours (Distinction) and his Masters of Music from the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music. His previous teachers include Associate Professor Zuo Jun, Head of Violin at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, Singapore Symphony Orchestra Fixed Chair Violinist, Chan Yoong Han and Concertmaster of The BBC Symphony, Igor Yuzefovich.
As an active orchestral musician, Neville freelances with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. He also actively leads and perform with other local groups such the Metropolitan Festival Orchestra. ReSound Collective, Red Dot Baroque and the Wayfarer Sinfonietta.
In his younger days, Neville spent 8 years in the Singapore National Youth Orchestra. Through this national programme, he had the opportunity to perform abroad in cities such as Aberdeen and Berlin. He emerged as the winner in the 2014 SNYO Concerto Competition and made his solo debut with the Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto. He was also selected to participate in the 30th Toyota Youth Orchestra Camp in Tokyo where he collaborated with musicians of the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra.
Earlier in 2018, a formal invitation was extended to him to lead the Jungli Youth Orchestra from Taoyuan City, Taiwan, for a performance in Korea at the KBS Hall. Other notable posts include principal violinist with orchestras such as Musicians Initiative, Yong Siew Toh Conservatory Orchestra, Singapore International Festival of Music Orchestra and the International Festival Chorus Singapore Orchestra.
Between June to August 2022, Neville attended the Aspen Music Festival under scholarship. Subsequently, he attended the World Orchestra Forum in Shizuoka, Japan, as an invited guest speaker. During the forum, he gave a presentation about the impact of music in the lives of young people to an audience that included Japanese Royalty, Princess Takamado. As an invited guest, he was also given the opportunity to perform for the Princess as well.
Faculty : Faculty since January 2024
Field(s) of study: Viola, Violin
Born: Singapore
Degrees: BMUS (Hons) in Viola Performance, Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music; Diploma in Music Performance, Viola, Licentiate of Trinity College London; Diploma in Music Performance, Viola with Distinction, Associate of Trinity College London
Biography:
Jakin Chang is a violist from Singapore. He obtained a full scholarship to study Viola Performance at Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music (YSTCM), National University of Singapore (NUS), to study under Ms. Zhang Manchin, principal violist of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, and graduated in 2021. He has since played in masterclasses with Huang Hsin-Yun, Charles Castleman, Csaba Erdelyi, Roger Tapping, Mazumi Tanamura, Shlomo Mintz and Basil Vendryes among others.
Jakin is also well versed in chamber music, and has studied under members from the T’ang Quartet, London Haydn Quartet, Sitkovetsky Trio and Kronos Quartet.
Playing in numerous orchestras around Singapore even before entering music conservatory, Jakin has a rich Orchestra experience, serving as Principal Viola and Section Viola in orchestras such as Musicians Initiative, Orchestra of the Music Makers, International Festival Chorus, and Metropolitan Festival Orchestra among others.
In musical pedagogy, Jakin is a believer in patient guidance to encourage steady progress. His approach to teaching is a mixture of imbuing a true passion and love for music, and creating a firm technical foundation for his students to grow. He regularly draws from life experiences to inspire his students as he believes that there should be real experiences behind every musical lesson.
Faculty: Faculty since May 2023
Field(s) of study : Viola, Violin
Born : Singapore
Degrees : Master of Music in Viola Performance, Longy School of Music of Bard College, Boston
Biography : A classical violist by training, Mr Jeremy is an adjunct lecturer with the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) where he engages students frequently and encourages partnership-building between them and the communities at large.
Mr Jeremy also maintains his educational ties by coaching school string ensembles and students at the secondary and tertiary levels such as Raffles Institution, St. Margaret’s Secondary and the Singapore National Youth Orchestra, volunteering also as a viola coach at Beautiful Minds Charity, where he applies Alexander and Dalcroze techniques in his classes while serving children with special needs.
His recent years saw Mr Jeremy take on leadership, creative programming and administrative positions with different performing arts groups and non-profit organizations, and is familiar with the various grants available. He is the current Assistant Artistic Director and General Manager of New Opera Singapore.
Faculty : Faculty since March 2023