Mandeville Music School - Discussion

[Supersmart]

Hello I am a P3 student who is in mandeville learning the violin. My mother is also thinking of changing schools because the teachers there always have MC and we always need to arrange for replacement class. Also, their ensemble classes are quite a waste of money as it is actually one lesson each(you have to pay the same money for the ensemble classes and it lasts fot the same time) . And sometimes there could be some people who are slower there at the ensemble who could waste time so it is not worth it.

[sautille]

My children are with Mandeville and this is what I understand:


Mandeville’s ensmeble classes are categorised into elementary, primary, intermediate, advanced and diploma levels, catering to students of different standards. e.g intermediate ensemble comprises students at ABRSM Grades 6 & 7 levels.

The ensemble classes are conducted by the same teachers. They have 2-3 teachers for each ensemble (depending on size of the class).

[hamster]

Hi Parents


Need your feedback on this Mandeville Music School, the teacher qualification? will you put your child in this music school?

Thanks!

[MummyThreeStreams]

Hi hamster,


My sons (3 and 6 yo) are studying music at Mandeville. How old is your child?

DS1 started about 2 years ago (when he was 4), and went straight to individual lessons. He had no prior piano lessons. He has had 2 teachers so far (the first quit due to medical problems). His development has been quite excellent, particularly in the past year.

DS2 started a group baby music class at 2 and has now graduated to a more advanced class where he actually gets to learn to play notes. (He’s 3 now). I haven’t had experience with other schools so I can’t really compare. He’s having fun and learning at the same time. Of the batch that started out with him, only one child dropped out, but I think that was more to do with personal reasons than with the school.

What I like about the school is that they spend quite a bit of time on performance and broader music learning. So, there is a monthly group class where students come together to learn about music in general, and perform a piece to the rest of the students. (Some parents complain that this is a waste of time and money, but I think this is an excellent programme). There are a few school performances and recitals every year at various levels and individual teachers may also organise mini-recitals for their students. This means that a good number of students, not just the very best, get performance experience. As a result, DS1 is quite confident when playing in front of an audience. It’s no big deal to him. Much better than me at the same age!

Based on my experience, the teaching staff are not bad. The school posts the exam results of the students with the names of their teachers on the notice board. So that’s one way of gathering "market intelligence". I think the progression of each child will also depend on how the teacher connects with the child. The school allows you to have trial classes with various teachers, so if you’re not sure you can always do the trials.

Hope this helps!

[corneyAmber]

Previously, if I am not wrong, Mandeville was known as Mandeville School of Music. However, they have recently renamed themselves on the signboards as Mandeville Conservatory of Music, can anyone advise if anything has changed to warrant the name change? :? Any changes in their services offered?

[sautille]

If I’m not wrong, Mandeville is starting to offer its own certificate programme.

[sautille]

hamster:

Hi Parents


Need your feedback on this Mandeville Music School, the teacher qualification? will you put your child in this music school?

Thanks!

The challenge is not so much about finding a paper-qualified teacher but the best match to suit your child's
- learning style/personality (e.g. child needs lots of positive strokes or is very driven even facing criticism, etc)
- stage of musical development (e.g. beginner, advanced student)
- motive/expecation of learning the instrument (e.g. recreation, certification, etc)

I don't think Mandeville lacks qualified teachers. A check on their website shows that their string faculty comprises mainly ex-SSO musicians, Yong Siew Toh grads, even ex-faculty from Russian and Vietnamese conservatories. The question is which one, if any, of them can best meet the needs of your child.

Many music schools offer trial lessons. You might want to consider taking some before committing to one.

Just my $0.02-worth and hope it helps

[psmissyou]

My kids went to Mandeville for group lessons. I like their groups classes for young kids as the music teacher was very good in terms of building up the confidence and had a way with them.


However, we have left the school already as another teacher killed my child’s confidence level.

Think what is really important is to get a teacher that not only able to teach but must enjoy teaching young children. I guess it will not only bring the kids’ confidence but also enjoy music, whichever instrument they are playing.

[briskcross]

Would someone whose child has gone through the Preschool Music Exploration Course, and subsequently Group Piano Class, share your experiences? My son is 4 1/2 already and I’m wondering if he should start from exploration, or go straight to group lesson.

Also, who are the ‘better’ piano teachers at the school?

[MummyThreeStreams]

briskcross:

Would someone whose child has gone through the Preschool Music Exploration Course, and subsequently Group Piano Class, share your experiences? My son is 4 1/2 already and I'm wondering if he should start from exploration, or go straight to group lesson.

Also, who are the 'better' piano teachers at the school?

Have you considered going straight to individual classes?

My kids didn't do the preschool music exploration or group class. DS1, who started lessons at 4 went straight to individual class. DS2 went to Baby Music at 2 and just graduated at 3.5 y. He's now on individual lessons. Didn't bother with group coz baby music gave him a good foundation.

I suppose the preschool music exploration is more to stoke the kids interest and teach them fundamentals in a fun way. But progress will be slower than in an individual class. if you're quite sure you want your child to learn an instrument, I think you can go straight to group or individual.

As for the 'better' teachers, you can gauge from the different fees or from the exam results which are posted on the notice board...but I believe 'better' is relative, as it depends on the fit between teacher and student. You can ask the receptionist coz they have a good idea about the different teaching styles of the teachers.