Hi! Hope my reply isn’t too late, I used to be a student of Nafa for 9 years and am currently a piano teacher. With my experiences in the program, I’ve helped numerous students get through the auditions. Do feel free to PM me if you need any help or questions.

I’ll also like to share… As an ex-student there, I had many positive experiences of my music learning journey. Of course there are many ups and downs, due to the stress and pressure from every masterclass, internal/external exams, concerts, competitions, but at the end of the day all these are learning experiences and opportunities I wouldn’t have gotten if I was in another music school. The teachers and principle are very dedicated to helping you excel in your playing.


It’s true that the school emphasize a lot on technique; it’s the most crucial period - right from the beginning to pick up all the good habits of playing the piano. In my many years of teaching, I’ve met many transfer students who picked up various bad habits and many can’t change even though years of repetitive advices and solution to correct. So it’s better to learn it right, from the start.

So parents if you think that your child has the potential, don’t give up the chance to try for the audition as it’s really one of the best schools around to learn music.

Both instruments have it’s own difficulties. Piano is an easier instrument to pick up as it’s more "visual" compared to the violin. But it’s not easy to play it well, you need good techniques to have a nice tone and such must be emphasized right from the beginning. The violin is difficult to pick up but once you master good bowing techniques and finger memory of the position, the instrument is a natural singing instrument compared to the piano.


For 5-6 year old, music classes in a group setting will be more fun and encouraging for the little ones. At least a variety of musical activities can be done from singing, music & movement, playing percussion instruments, keyboard, basic theoretical skills. It is definately more age-appropriate for young children at this age to explore various activities rather than to sit or stand still for 30mins to learn an instrument. That being said, every child is different, if you feel your child has the maturity and musical aptitude to start an instrument earlier, why not?

Hi Kopipeng,


Your daughters are so talented! Yes, unfortunately it’s sad that one of our most talented piano teacher around Mr Ong Lip Tat have passed on and it’s really a lost for Singapore’s music scene.

Was their teacher Mr Kwok? As I remembered Mr Ong mentioned during a lesson in the past they were good friends.

Male teachers, I will suggest either Dr Thomas Hecht, Albert Tiu from the YST conservatory, or Mr Boris Kraljevic from NAFA.

Check out Music Together. This is a very popular early childhood music program in the US.

myvirtualife:

Hello! Any recs for good toddler classes (2.5 years up) offering music appreciation with early intro to instruments (keyboard, violin)? So far, I'm only aware of Seimpi but location a bit tough for us. TIA

Oops, forgot to mention I used to be a student there. I’m now a piano teacher myself and have helped students get into the program so am quite familiar.

I’ve heard quite bad things about the school frankly. People I know who learnt from that school told me their teachers come and go and change frequently. In the end 2 of their kids failed their piano and violin exam.

Hi! Realised there are a lot of curious parents wanting to find out about the audition. I was in SYT for 9 years and can say I’ve been through quite a bit inside.


In order to audition to enter as Grade 1, your kid has to be 6 or younger. He/she would need to be able to play some basic piano, have about Grade 1 standard sight reading skills and superb ears for aural. The other grades, you’ll need to be able to play whatever grade pieces you’re auditioning for and in addition, the other components in that grades’ standard.