I study for nothing?
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Depends on which course.Originally posted by Pitot:I always thought nafa was easier...
Music and Drama pretty ok. And they're modules are different from NAFA.
My friend graduated from Laselle not long ago. She's now enjoying her career in Music and Drama industry. From her, i know that Lim Yu-Beng and Hossan Leong was their resident guest Lecturer. -
Like what my dad says
If you want to do something you like , you secure the job which will allow you to save for that dream. Then when you have money , you do whatever you want. -
Originally posted by mahawarrior:
you life... you play with the cards that you are dealt with....
I'm currently studying in a JC, year 2 this year. Meanwhile, it's also time for me to start deciding which course in the university I want to take up, should I clear my A'levels.
I took a look at most of the courses provided by our local universities, yet, almost none of the courses interest me at all. Physical science, chemical engineering, aero-physics, law, etc etc. All boring courses.
But of course, I'm not without an aim or a goal in my life. I had actually decided on the one thing I really want to do even before I took my O'levels. I want to be in the music industry (as in like professional concert pianist...not like 5566 or S.H.E that kind)
I went to take a look at the entry requirement for the local music/arts schools such as Yong Siew Toh or NAFA or La Salle. It was to my greatest and deepest disappointment that my A'level cert. is not going to help me much in entering such instituitions at all!
Instead, I must have a 'professional musical background' to enter such schools. Meaning, I should have a music diploma or at least a grade 8 in music.
And the most regretable thing is, my family do not have such financial means to support me a music lesson at all. We could hardly come out with the money to pay for the house, much less piano lessons, or a grade 8 cert.! I self-teach myself piano...but I must say it's really difficult to reach a certain standard without professional guidance and help.
So at the end of the day, it boils down to one thing.[b] I can't enter the music industry in Singapore because I don't have money. Worst thing is, it does not matter how hard I study for my A'level, it does not matter how well I score...at the end of the day it all means NOTHING for me!
What then, is the point of studying so hard?
It suddenly dawned on me that the so call meritocracy does not really exist in Singapore at all. We are still living in an elitist state after all. I'm so sad.[/b]
there is no point complaining over things you cannot change. think of things you CAN change and work on them...
continue with you stutdies and when you have money go and indulge in your love of music by learning and playing....
lamenting about this and that isn't going to help you at all... -
You certainly doesn't look like you're starving from your avatar....?Originally posted by alexkusu:how u know im starving
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It is possible for one to start acting late in life, but to be a concert musician... I don't think that's possible - for a good physical reason - one's limbs will not be soft and flexible enough to go to the rigors of the training that a young person can go through.
get a grip, kid.... at JC2, you have already missed the boat if you want to be professional concert pianist.
I believe that with hardwork, determination and the passion, no physical obstacles cannot be overcome. Besides, I started self-teaching when I was like in primary school and would say I'm of around grade 5 standard now (yes, I know I'm slow, thank you)...so I'm not entirely without foundation.
folks doing that as a career had their training as young as maybe 2 yrs.
actually, I don't know what you are complaining about.... you obviously have some intellect and have acquire some level of academic success, what's wrong with developing those?
I really don't understand what the problem is.... on one hand you blame your lack of money and then you complain about meritocracy.... these two things are not related.
what we dream we want to be, we may not get it - that's part of life.
instead of crying over spilt milk, instead channel your energy towards what you can achieve.
And I don't believe in the so call pragmatisim. Why should I take the easy way out and get an engineering course or something at the university when I don't even like it in the first place? Why should I give in to my 'destiny' instead of fighting for my dreams? I think it'll be no different from living like a zombie, for we all should live on our dreams.
I don't see why lack of financial support and meritocracy aren't connected. I dare say I work and practise as hard as my peers who learnt piano professionally. But had they choose to, they could had enter a music school easily with their certificate. But because of my lower skills (from lack of professional guidance) and absense of cert, I get no such chance at all! So where is the meritocracy here?
This is what anger and depress me most...I can fight all I want for my chance, but if nobody bothers to give it to me, what use would it be?
I see my other friends who are, say, both talented and passionate in science, math, language, IT, etc. Lucky them...they get plenty of chance to develop their passion. What about me? The best I can do is to join some CCA!
Mainly, I don't see a purpose to education anymore. At the end of the day, it's leading me to somewhere I don't want to go at all. Worst...it's leading me further and further away from my dreams and aspiration. Meanwhile all I can do is to focus on my A'level, and like what some teachers might say, forget about the less important stuff such as music.
Like what some other forumers mention, perhaps the only thing I can do now is to work hard and get into the university (though I may hate it), get a stable job and start pursuing my dreams from then on.
But wait...how old will I be then?
Just some meaningless ramblings from another teenager. -
you self-taught, took exams and passed grade 4?Originally posted by mahawarrior:I believe that with hardwork, determination and the passion, no physical obstacles cannot be overcome. Besides, I started self-teaching when I was like in primary school and would say I'm of around grade 5 standard now (yes, I know I'm slow, thank you)...so I'm not entirely without foundation.
And I don't believe in the so call pragmatisim. Why should I take the easy way out and get an engineering course or something at the university when I don't even like it in the first place? Why should I give in to my 'destiny' instead of fighting for my dreams? I think it'll be no different from living like a zombie, for we all should live on our dreams.
I don't see why lack of financial support and meritocracy aren't connected. I dare say I work and practise as hard as my peers who learnt piano professionally. But had they choose to, they could had enter a music school easily with their certificate. But because of my lower skills (from lack of professional guidance) and absense of cert, I get no such chance at all! So where is the meritocracy here?
This is what anger and depress me most...I can fight all I want for my chance, but if nobody bothers to give it to me, what use would it be?
I see my other friends who are, say, both talented and passionate in science, math, language, IT, etc. Lucky them...they get plenty of chance to develop their passion. What about me? The best I can do is to join some CCA!
Mainly, I don't see a purpose to education anymore. At the end of the day, it's leading me to somewhere I don't want to go at all. Worst...it's leading me further and further away from my dreams and aspiration. Meanwhile all I can do is to focus on my A'level, and like what some teachers might say, forget about the less important stuff such as music.
Like what some other forumers mention, perhaps the only thing I can do now is to work hard and get into the university (though I may hate it), get a stable job and start pursuing my dreams from then on.
But wait...how old will I be then? -
I did not take any test. But I can play songs that are around grade 5 difficulty.
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well, if you have reached grade 5, 3 more grades to grade 8!
why you feeling so hopeless? -
if you feel that what you lack is a cert, why dun you juz take the tests?Originally posted by mahawarrior:I did not take any test. But I can play songs that are around grade 5 difficulty. -
you can always enrol as a private candidate; its just that it would be easier to pass with proper guidance i believe.Originally posted by red_amoeba:I dunno if there is any certification tests that you can take without any lessons, if so, get it. If not, try to apply for some job that plays the piano, either at a lounge or hotel lobby, usually they will ask for on-site demo, charm them with your skills and you can play and earn some keep. When there is opportunity, ask company to sponsor your further education in music.
anyways its kinda surprising that an a level student is still so "ignorant"; those acadamy is obviously for training people with music background, just like you do your other subjects to get into uni, unless you do music in A's. I mean if you've no formal training since a child of course you cant get into those academies. DUH.
if you still wanna pursue you can go get a job, and support yourself for basic music lessons (i.e. start from Grade 1 in normal music schools, NOT those academies.....gee......you didnt have basic training and you wish to pursue higher learning in that field???) there are adult students but it is usually harder to be as good as those who started training from a young age. -
if i am u i would like to study law or medical thing
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Lasalle will give you a chance for an audition. Go for it.
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ah... i must agree...
JC...seriously doesnot prepare for worklife.
Not at all...
It s only a stepping stone to university...
I am a JC student Once myself.
And i found out that in working life, college maths, physics etc is totally inapplicable.
*Gomenasai to all people who disagree with my views, its just the 10 cents of my thoughts
Verdict: A certs is important, its importance probably fooled many people into entering JC. But since you already have a goal, you can try private schools. Financially, get a part time jobs to help. work for your goal, dun give up. -
i agree that the theory we learn will eventually be useless. but the friends you make there and the bitter and sweet experiences you have there more than makes its worth it.Originally posted by metalizechicken:ah... i must agree...
JC...seriously doesnot prepare for worklife.
Not at all...
It s only a stepping stone to university...
I am a JC student Once myself.
And i found out that in working life, college maths, physics etc is totally inapplicable.
*Gomenasai to all people who disagree with my views, its just the 10 cents of my thoughts
Verdict: A certs is important, its importance probably fooled many people into entering JC. But since you already have a goal, you can try private schools. Financially, get a part time jobs to help. work for your goal, dun give up.
to topicstarter... just study and do well lar. you never never never know what u will end up doing in the future. -
Lasalle SIA music is quite easy to get in.
last time got a lecturer told me that they will even accept a Grade 3 standard... -
Come on la, the arts industry is a growing and booming industry not only in Singapore, but in China too. People in the music industry( not dancers but classical musicians) are filthy rich by just giving lessons.Originally posted by pinkish purple papayas:Dude, the government says we are gonna be a trading hub, financial hub, logistic hub, shipping hub, IT hub, medical hub, retail hub and starhub. They did not say we are gonna be a music hub.
Didn't mediacork dramas also stereotype musical-artistic people as homeless, rebellous and poor people?
better listen to the goverment lah...after study A level do ur ns, after ns go continue your study and then can work in some hubs.. We shall progress together and no one will be left behind!
Mahjulah Singapura!!
And TS, u can try other instruments instead of just piano. Wind instruments are easy to pick up although mastering it perfectly takes time. However, this invsestment will eventually pay off.
oh yes, it will really help if you get to know those conductors. Just go for the concerts and ask them qns. Once you get to know them, they will sort of pave the road for you. Dont undermine their music contacts. -
No one force you to go Jc. Its not like you are so poor and hopeless that you got no choice but to end up in Jc.
Fact is Music/Entertainment is as much about Natural Talent and Luck as Hardwork. You may work harder, have a greater desire and passion but if you do not have the luck or the talent then sadly the Music/Entertainment field is not for you.
I feel that this is in no way related to meritocracy. The fact that you say you are poor and yet study in Jc, hoping to make it to Uni is meritocracy in itself.
If you are really good in music then qualifying for a music school will not be that difficult for you. You have to prove your worth first. Sadly thats Singapore.
What more do you think that the system can do for you? -
lasalle is easier to enter as compared to nafa.
but dont bother coming to lasalle. the lessons are like crap. and from what i heard, the music courses arent very good. basically you pay school fees but you dont learn anything from the school.
some people are absent like almost the whole semester but still can pass.
the so-called 'celebrity' lecturers are waste of time and money.
there's a local celebrirty lecturer who is always late for class, and instead of teaching, he plays his own compositions and ask the students what they think of it, and just show off. -
you're from nafa? what course?Originally posted by Pitot:I did abit of research for you on my sch website. and came up with this.
After your A lvls u can apply for fast track.
Diploma in Music
Students who have taken 'A' level (not necessarily in music) and have either 'O' level in Music or ABRSM Grade 8 practical and theory (or its equivalent) may, subject to audition / interview, be granted advanced standing and will commence the course from Year 2.
Applicants will be required to attend a portfolio / audition interview and a special panel will assess each applicant's eligibility.
Although its a long shot, afterall in the arts scene, we tend to look more at your talent. If you have what it takes, it shouldnt be a problem at all. -
Dreams are useless. Let me tell you the story my friend told me. It's about his former chinese teacher's friend. That guy was a good student, but he was very interested in chinese opera. In fact, he was so interested that in the end he went to China to study about chinese opera. Guess what? He came back and now he's a struggling artist, who regretted taking his path.
Stop blaming Singapore and Meritocracy, do you really think it will be any different if you were living in another country? -
dreams are what that keeps you going... without dreams, one is just a lifeless person with no taget in life. i believe you are one.Originally posted by nonameguy:Dreams are useless. Let me tell you the story my friend told me. It's about his former chinese teacher's friend. That guy was a good student, but he was very interested in chinese opera. In fact, he was so interested that in the end he went to China to study about chinese opera. Guess what? He came back and now he's a struggling artist, who regretted taking his path.
Stop blaming Singapore and Meritocracy, do you really think it will be any different if you were living in another country?
about chinese opra... it cant succeed here, its too westernised here. he should have stayed in china. if he really wants to stay in sinagpore, change a path, or he has got to find a way to break through to appeal to the general audience...
to ts: i tot ntu has a music tech degree? u might wanna check up that 1....
and to say that u self thought yourself paino till grade 5, u r wonderful. go for auditions, if u have the financial support, go for the tests( tests were what put me off learning the piano... test 4 wat?) anyway, keep it up, i have a friend who self taught himself the paino and drums. and he was performing during our school's graduation day... so... its not impossible... -
To be a performing musician, you need many years of practices and training... It's not something that you'll gain overnight, unless you're a talent like Mozart.
Unfortunately, acquiring musical skills is indeed a heavy investment. Not only you need to invest a lot of money, you also need to invest a lot of time. (Musicians often train every day and every night...) The musical instrument itself is already very expensive...
There are many times when we dream of something but in the end we cannot get what we what. But life still has to go on. It's always to good to have "back-up plans" and "alternatives" in life. Have you considered what you can do besides music?
You are still young and you still have some time to decide what to do in life. You're better than many of my friends, who are regretting after spending 3 or 4 years in university... -
TS, unfortunately, you'll have to readjust your dream. Professional concert pianists start training at a very early age and not only is hard work needed (5hrs or more per day practising is the norm), talent is essential too.
But fret not, you are still on the right path. In Singapore, the cert is a basic necessity. You can carry on studying, get into a uni and after you graduate, get a job and finance your music studies.
You may not be able to be a concert pianist but you can join a band and enjoy the music. Or you can be a music teacher or church pianist.
I myself am studying in uni and i'm also generally not very interested in the subjects I am studying now. Physics, chemistry, econs, electronics etc are rather boring in my opinion. But I plan to get a job after graduation and use the money to furthur finance my musical studies.
Ultimately, I plan to be a music teacher
Good luck! Not all hope is lost! -
Just my two cents worth.
Sometimes it's one thing to have a career and another to have a passion / interest to pursue. It is not always exclusive. Ideally, both coincides but it isn't always the case and you can still enjoy both. For example, I have a career in science and research, but in my free time, I love dabbling in music. I once was kinda in the shoes of TS with no formal music background, but I really liked it and even wanted to perform. So in JC I started learning piano by myself - it's not that impossible if you really want to do it. I mean, honestly, even after getting up to grade 6, I knew I wouldn't be concert pianist level without the formal training. But yeah, I still enjoying playing the piano a lot, and thinking back, as much as i loved it, it probably wasn't practical to head for a career in performance with my background. Sure it was cool, but yet very unlikely.
Okay, after all that ranting. I think my advice is: if you are considering a career, be practical. definitely go for something you will like, but sometimes your passion may not be the best career move for you. if you really want to pursue it as a career, make sure you consider all the other things you are willing to give up for it. As always, passion clouds our judgement, so whatever you want, make sure you are not ignoring other options. -
TS: you own a piano?
