Originally posted by mahawarrior:sorry to burst ur bubble.
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]
actually piano is so much more easier to pick up than woodwind or brass.Originally posted by TYING: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.
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 is asking you to give up your dreams. Everyone is suggestin you ways and alternatives.Originally posted by mahawarrior:Is it wrong of me to insist on doing what I want to do?
Is it wrong of me to insist on doing what I believe in?
Is it wrong of me to insist on pursuing what I want?
Should I give up and take up the easier path?
Should I give up my dreams for the sake of a better future?
Should I stop my insistence?
If it is poor planning, then that is definitely someone's fault.Originally posted by CoolMyth:I think TS is totally missing the mark with the last sentence.
It's poor planning, not anyone else's fault.![]()
Is it wrong of me to insist on doing what I want to do?Originally posted by mahawarrior:Is it wrong of me to insist on doing what I want to do?
Is it wrong of me to insist on doing what I believe in?
Is it wrong of me to insist on pursuing what I want?
Should I give up and take up the easier path?
Should I give up my dreams for the sake of a better future?
Should I stop my insistence?
Originally posted by Isis:Yes, one can jump grades, but i forgot which grades already.
Do u know u can take piano and theory exam as a Private candidate? Just paid the exam fee only, bought the book and practise the music on your own. Since you mention that you self-taught urself and think that ur standard is grade 5. It shouldn't be a major problem for u to get a cert up to grade 5 then.
After u had acheived grade 6, can start teaching private piano lessons to recoup some monetary investment u had earlier on.
mm i can't really remember but u need to pass the theory exam for grade 5 or 4 to progress onto further grade.
ahh i think singaporean keep having this mindset.. died died also must have certs to succed. Ahh to succeed also depends on many factors and also on luck.. my ang mo fren told me that in her country, people work and save money to study the course that they want. It is really up to you whether are you dared enough to take the path less-travelled (in singapore).
u can try working urself throughthe right connection to get urself something related to a musical job and somehow have the luck to get urself noticed for ur musical talent.
To be a professional concert pianist.. You must be [b]super talented.
and oh..i think u can jump grades.. probably grade 1 and 2.
Ask those muscial academy.
[/b]
Yes, take up her suggestion!Originally posted by Pommes frites:all things r possible!
i think you should go and take your grade 5 practical exam.
for your info, you will need @ least a grade 5 to take higher grades examinations.
and if you r diligent enough,you can actually get a grade 8 certificate in 1-2 yrs time.
buying a piano : you can get a second hand piano from as low as $250
what ill advise you :
1) take grade 5 exam (ABRSM or trinity)
2)find a teacher and work towards grade 8
( in the meantime, can find work to finance your music fees,i would advise you to find a private teacher as their timing r more flexible)
3) practice, practice, practice
4)you can go look for uni that offer music degree programs...or even overseas..some even have sponsorship program.
its really how much you want to attain your dream.dont give excuses like...you won have time to practise if you work...you can still find time to practice...even in the night.
all the best.![]()
yes...he will need a grade 5 theory and you wont need 1 yr.if you study hard.i believe you can take the exam this yr.can try for the Nov ABRSM theory exam in Nov.(you have to register in August)Originally posted by Isis:Just to remind u that there is also a pre-requisite to take the theory exam for a certain grades in order to progress onto a certain grades for practical exam..
It could be better that you can find out what kind of path that you need to take clearly so as to plan properly.
Studying isn't really bad. Studying time is perhaps one of the best time to relax and to make new friends.
if you are in a uni or poly, u can take up some really interesting general elective such as perhaps "management with humour, musical appreciation etc to broaden up your perspective. Take up some cca to build up your character and personality.
Ok I think you need a reality check.Originally posted by mahawarrior:Is it wrong of me to insist on doing what I want to do?
Is it wrong of me to insist on doing what I believe in?
Is it wrong of me to insist on pursuing what I want?
Should I give up and take up the easier path?
Should I give up my dreams for the sake of a better future?
Should I stop my insistence?
Originally posted by mahawarrior:Welcome to the real world. The real world where if you've got money, you can talk.
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]