[quote]Pirate wrote:

After 1 year outside SYT, she can now sight read post G8 pieces! Apparently it was more a confidence problem than lack of practice problem. The confidence problem alas takes more than a year to fix and is still a work in progress.[/quote]That's the main reason If I had to start all over again, I might not go to NAFA at all.

[quote]pirate wrote:

It's a test of the parents' perseverance more than the kid's. :faint:

I must say that in the 5+ years at SYT, sitting in during lessons and masterclasses has been an education for parents too. I learnt about pulse, tempo, tone, touch, dynamics, texture, shape, voices, character, musicality etc. All these just from pressing little black and white keys and stepping on pedals. Sorry, I still know nuts about music theory.

I also learnt that SYT is not that harsh, unforgiving place for tiger parents that we may get to hear about outside. Our kids do not necessarily have to practice 2+ hours every day. It is ok even if they seem to always have to go poop or drink water the moment the piano cover is open. Heck, it is alright even if they occasionally watch TV and practice at the same time!

And Madam Fang does crack jokes.[/quote]I must say I agree with what pirate wrote. I learnt a lot when my children were at NAFA SYT. My son got his first diploma from NAFA. My son is very musical and when he plays you can feel the music. But the training is simply about using proper technique to perform exam pieces and some concert pieces ( because he was selected to perform in some concerts) but his sight reading was very very weak. He could play by ear and not by sight :stompfeet:

My daughter finished her Gr 8 and left. Since my kids were very musical they still loved playing the piano. So I auditioned them with Mr BL at Bukit Timah Rd and my son got his FTCL and my daughter passed her LTCL with distinction and they still play the piano with so much passion. Some of my children's friends who went to NAFA with them, I heard, do not touch the piano now. That is sad. If I had to start all over again, I might not go to NAFA at all.