I have been observing a trend where parents are requesting for their children to ‘skip grades’, and this might be why OP asked on the importance of sitting for a grade 1 exam. From prior experience, sitting for a grade 1 exam has the potential to give a new learner a confidence boost and encouragement, to make them feel like they have ‘achieved something’ early on in their music development. Of course, there are other factors at play, but it does have its merits. While it is not a pre-requisite for the higher grades, sitting for the grade 1 exam can bring about the previously mentioned benefits. Hope this helps


Jonathan Lim
LRSM (piano performing, distinction), Grade 8 Theory (distinction)
website: jonathanlimguanrong.wixsite.com/music

Hello everyone,


I am full-time music teacher who teaches both piano (recreational to diploma level) and music theory (grade 1-8).

Some of my notable musical accomplishments include:
1st prize winner of the 2001 National Piano & Violin Competition (Junior category) at age 10
obtained grade 8 (with distinction) in music theory at age 11
obtained LRSM (with distinction) in piano performing at age 14
performed as a concerto soloist with Singapore Symphony Orchestra at Esplanade Concert Hall at age 15
served NS as the keyboardist and arranger for the String Ensemble and Band at SAF Music & Drama Company
was the official pianist for National Day Parade 2012, recording backing tracks, and performing the national day theme song and and solo segments in Acts I and IV at the Marina Bay Floating Platform, in front of a physical and TV audience

I teach from my spacious and purpose-built air-conditioned music studio in Upper Serangoon, fully equipped with:
2 pianos - an upright piano and a full length grand piano
a table for music theory work
a bookshelf with music reference books
a large couch for students' parents who choose to sit in for the lesson
a comfortable waiting area for students who arrive early for their lessons, or students waiting for their parents

Free parking is available just outside the premises and NEX shopping mall/Serangoon MRT is just 800m away

For more information about me, please refer to my website: http://jonathanlimguanrong.wixsite.com/music

I can be contacted via private messages here or (preferrably) via the contact form on my website

Thank you for reading and have a good day!

Kind regards,
Jonathan Lim
LRSM (piano performing, distinction), Grade 8 Theory (distinction)
website: jonathanlimguanrong.wixsite.com/music

I am a piano teacher who took A-level music at H2 level. I would like to add on that a DipABRSM holder would be well equipped to tackle the requirements of A-level music, for both the practical and written components


While I did not take MEP at secondary school level (ex-ri student here) I have a sec 3 MEP student in ri preparing for his LTCL qualification under me (he passed his ATCL last year, which is offered here as an alternative to DipABRSM) and it is a breeze for him and he is having a lot of fun, so this would somewhat corroborate Dreamaurora’s answer that DipABRSM would be of a higher standard than O level music.

Having said that, there will be other issues that are less obvious, for example if your child were to be at a lower level of proficiency, and the other students in his/her MEP group are mostly diploma holders, he/she might feel pressure or left out (this is likely to be more pervasive in IP schools).

Jonathan Lim
LRSM (piano performing, distinction), Grade 8 Theory (distinction)
website: jonathanlimguanrong.wixsite.com/music

If you would like, I can refer you to the piano tuner I have been using for the past decade. PM me for details.


Jonathan Lim
LRSM (piano performing, distinction), Grade 8 Theory (distinction)

I’m based in the Upper Serangoon area, but I conduct intensive (meaning every day) 1-to-1 crash courses for both theory exams as well as specific components such as sight reading and aural around exam season. Do contact me if you would like to explore this further.


Jonathan Lim
LRSM (piano performing, distinction), Grade 8 Theory (distinction)

The most important thing is to try out the piano by playing it, as well as have the cover removed and examine the insides for signs of rust and extent of wear/tear. It is hard to explain through words but you should know what you are looking for in a piano before hunting for pianos


Jonathan Lim
LRSM (piano performing, distinction), Grade 8 Theory (distinction)

intruder:

What is the right age (for kids) to start learning piano?

In my opinion, 4 years old is a good age to gain exposure to music appreciation (clapping in rhythm, singing along to a piece of music, etc). This would build a good foundation for them to embark on piano studies when they are about 5-6 years old.

Jonathan Lim
LRSM (piano performing, distinction), Grade 8 Theory (distinction)

LDmom:

hello! I'm yet another mum with no piano background and looking for a piano for my kid who's just started learning piano since a yr ago. Deliberating between getting a brand new one (U1J perhaps, as this model was intro by his piano teacher - but cost abt 6K) or 2nd hand, as I'm kinda concerned about the interest sustainability.


Was looking around and was offered 2.6k for Yamaha E116 (20yrs old). Did some Googling but can't seem to find much information about this model in Singapore.

Hoping to seek out some good advices here from the more knowledgeable lot.

Thanks!

If you are worried about whether or not your child will be able to sustain interest, you can consider a 2nd hand piano or even a weighted keyboard first (gumtree, craigslist, carousell). The latter option is cheaper, but know that if your child wants to develop better playing techniques, you will eventually need to upgrade to a 'real' piano (I would say around grade 3 onwards).

Jonathan Lim
LRSM (piano performing, distinction), Grade 8 Theory (distinction)

double post, please delete

It really depends on the level/experience of the teacher. The usual range would be anywhere from $30-60 per session, but beginner classes are usually 30-45 minutes long, although I would recommend getting your child started on 1 hour lessons straight away as I am a firm believer of building discipline - if a primary school student can sit for 3 hours of non-stop back-to-back lessons at school, they should be okay with 1 hour at piano lessons too!


Jonathan Lim
LRSM (piano performing, distinction), Grade 8 Theory (distinction)