I study for nothing?
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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]
in the professional philharmonic arena... doesnt mean self-taught piano can allow u to rule... because, u may be playing ur favourite song happily.
you are neglecting many things.
many things of professional teachings.. like sight reading, blablabla there are just too many.. and maybe when you encounter the words on paper. the taugays. tremble clefs the dictions and all.. u might feel discouraged and AGAIN 'so called boring'~
and also... a musician who's in an orchestra... is sometimes a puppet.
the score comes to you, and you have to intepret it accordingly.. and bring out the soul of the music. but it depends on conductors... some wants you to do their way. so you have no emotions, u are only a robot playing the music.
some wants you to have a grasp of it.. and wander ard yourself.
it's not all that glorious..
but im not discouraging you. im only telling you to venture more.. dont be like some young kid, with inspiring but unrealistic dreams( i wan to be a astronaut that goes to the sun etc.) know your limitations.
finally.
we always say, before a musician starts his career. how far he goes is already predetermined. not by his hardwork. im not saying hardwork is totally not important.
but in our field, talent plays like 80 percent... yea.
cheers..
you sound a lil extreme.. and i guess u arent thinkign clearly now.. but anyway
all the best. -
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.
you have so many else things to look after for wind instruments.
only major setback for piano will be the cost of piano though.
and to TS, what are you crying over spilled milk.
what have you been doing for the pass 6 years? haven't you joined any music- related CCAs? it helps. or maybe, you could have gotten professional help tru referral or ur music instructors. it works. you just have to ask.
you sound like you are blaming your financial status for the loss of ur passion/career. this is immature and lame. -
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? -
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?
The only thing everyone is asking you to give up is whining. -
I think TS is totally missing the mark with the last sentence.
It's poor planning, not anyone else's fault. -
So many people are doing part-time studies. They work, to finance the pusuance of their dreams.
Why cant you?
That is if you want to pursue your dreams bad enough. -
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.
But why are we finding faults? -
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 super talented.
and oh..i think u can jump grades.. probably grade 1 and 2.
Ask those muscial academy. -
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?
What do you exactly want to do? State clearly.
Is it wrong of me to insist on doing what I believe in? What do you believe? There is nothing wrong in believing in wanting to become a concert pianist. There is nothing wrong in wanting a Grade 8 cert.
WHAT do you believe?
Do you believe you can compose, make music and play?
OR
Do you believe you can play the piano?
Is it wrong of me to insist on pursuing what I want? How do you want to pursue what you want to do even though you already mentioned you don't have the financial support?
Should I give up and take up the easier path? Why should you give up when you haven't even found out the facts about entry into Music Course. Your qualification is useless because you assumed it to be. You forgot about there will be a audition which is a chance. Have you already found all avenues of entry, eg. Smaller scale Music School? Or you assume...?
Should I give up my dreams for the sake of a better future?
Nobody could promise you a good future in Music & Arts. Espcially in Classical Music.
Should you give up? It's your life, your choice. Your dream is pretty far fetched at this stage.
Should I stop my insistence? Do you believe in your skills? Do you believe in your talent? Do you love MUSIC? You will have to be brutally honest with yourself at this point.
If you believe, then send your forms to all the schools to request for a audition. Take the chance.
If you don't even believe in yourself, then forget about your dream.
Don't assume and whine.
I'm sure you haven't been to Lasalle - SIA and NAFA and personally seek assistance of entry in the course.
Go find out other Music School in Singapore.
Something for you. If only you know how 'evil' entertaining industry is.
Hope this short article will encourage you.
__________
Rain became interested in R&B and Hiphop dancing when he was in 6th grade. He was a member of a boyband called fanclub. After the group disbanded, Rain was still keen to continue his dancing career and entered many different auditions.
Despite his talent, the singer was rejected at several auditions because he was "too ugly".
In a CNN interview, he recalled one incident where he was told, "Your dancing is great, but we're rejecting you because you don't have double eyelids" (the fold in the eyelids that makes eyes appear bigger, which many Asians do not have).
Finally, Rain entered an audition for a Korean entertainment company, JYP Entertainment. Park Jin Young, JYP's CEO, became interested in the entertainer and took him under his wing. -
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]
Can easily find all these out by juz making a phone call. Whining in sgforum wont help one pursue his dreams. -
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.
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Nothing you study are applied in later studies or work... but anywho... enjoy the little bit of freedom you have without having to worry about your next meal.
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Cheer up... as long as you are still alive, your dream may still come true... If you really want to be a concert pianist, you can start today...
The bad news is... you're pretty old already (compared to the young pianists, 10 years old, grade 8 or some are awarded music scholarships overseas)... but that doesn't mean you cannot pursue your dreams... don't let people rob you of your dream...
Sign up for piano lessons on your own... save up, buy a basic 2nd hand piano (can't remember how much, possibly a couple of hundreds)...
It's a hard drive, but if you really believe in it, at least you've tried and given a good fight...
In the meantime, please choose a course in the university, and go through the planned route... you'd need that... cos professional pianists don't get discovered over night right? For now, you've got 8 grades to go...
All da best buddy... -
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. -
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. -
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.
and also...as a "guo lai ren",since you ve already knoe what you want...i will STRONGLY DISCOURAGE you to take the planned route to study in uni.(waste of time and money if you already know you want to go into the music field)
dont study in uni juz because its the "right" and "planned" route,and also juz because ppl tell you so.
maybe ppl will tell how silly you are and blah blah blah..but preserve on!
and always remember, share your dream only to those that believe in you. -
The music industry has only space for the talented, and none for the mediocrity. Talent must be nurtured young. Are you talented?
You said it's hard to achieve any higher without professional guidance. How certain are you of this? Say for instance, you have the best pianist as your mentor, do you think you can surpass him/her?
If you are sure of your talent, I don't know how anyone can help you. You're already halfway through on the wrong road. To start on a new road with half the fuel left, nobody can really say if it's a good idea, other than yourself.
If you are not very sure, chances are, you aren't half as talented you hope you were. Sorry to burst your bubble. I'd say, work hard, earn lots of money, so you'll be able to nurture your children's talents, and support their ambitions in future. Otherwise, they'll end up being disgruntled teenagers someday too.
Think about it.
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I thought you can study music in University?
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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?
Is it realistic to pursue what you want? Do you really believe that you can be a concert pianist? Because really, there are thousands of people who have had a musical background from young and would still not make it. It's not impossible, but you really need that talent and passion for it.
And if you agree that it is not realistic, give it up! You can still pursue your passion in music, just maybe not a career in one... No point lingering on lost opportunities. Instead, you probably should look out for the other opportunities in your life, and embrace them. Don't let a missed chance blind you of all the other ones in front of you. -
From the user id name that you have chosen, I guess you are a male and likely to be a singaporean .
What I can say to you now is that even though you think you can't charter or sail in the direction that you want to go in the future, I can bet with you that 2 years of national service in the army will certainly change your mindset and make you want to further your studies.
Do not despair or be despondent but work hard to get good A level results cos you might be able to get a scholarship.
I have friends who wanted to continue studies but do not have money to do so after National Service. They however kept their dreams alive by working and were earning good money by being air stewards .
After a few years of flying , some of them eventually gone off to UK , did well in their exams and today are very successfully in their career. -
qn to TS... do u have the passion for music industry?
is yes.. would u do it even it doesn't earn u for a living?
this is my question ask by my friends a few days ago.. den i realise...all the while i was doing isn't passion.
what i think is that education is a backup plan for me. just case if i fail my risk. -
What reality check? What unrealistic dreams?
Do you know how many tries did Edison took before he got the right material to make the filment for his light bulb? Do you know how 'talented' Enstein was, how 'well' he did in school? Do you know how hard it was, and how many tries it took for Sun Yet-San to overthrow the Qing government?
At the end of the day, I think it's about whether you dare to take the risk, and take the road less traveled. Make nothing stop you if you really want to be a musician. So what if you aren't that talented? So what if you're hopelessly lousy? So what if you fail? At least you die trying your best!
We live for our dreams in this overly realistic world.
And some people are right...no point whining in AA...time to see some action here.
How hard have you tried? -
ya you will need theory grade 5 before you can progress beyond practical grade 5.
sian im totally opposite to you. don't like piano, not much talent, but parents forcing me to continue taking lessons even though it's been 5 years since i first told them i didn't like it. just passed my grade 6 (100) last year.
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lol.. i duno how to feel for you, first instinct when people said this, 1 word hypocrite, but i dunno if u think it's sad, go buy 4D or work part-time
make ur own decisions -
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]
But also the world where someone who's got polio like William Tan can go on to do well and succeed in professional life and sports even though..