Piano Teacher Ms Puah
Qualifications
1997: Awarded Grade 8 Piano (Distinction) by ABRSM
1999: Awarded Grade 8 Theory (Merit) of music by ABRSM
2002: Awarded ATCL (Associate level at the Trinity recital diploma, piano) by Trinity Music College
2002: Awarded Grade 5 Violin by ABRSM
2003: Awarded ALCM (Diploma in Associate, performance, piano) by London College of Music & Media
2010: BA (hons) (Nanyang Technological University)
2016: Master of Arts (Nanyang Technological University)
Past Performances
1994-1998: Choir member and accompaniment pianist of Foon Yew High School Choir
1995: Awarded distinction prize in school’s piano performance competition, junior middle section
1997: Represented the school in National Secondary School Chinese Chorus Singing Competition and emerged Chorus Champion
1998: Piano Accompaniment for Inter-school art song singing competition/Awarded second prize in school’s Music Quiz
2000-2006: Piano Accompanist (violin candidates in ABRSM music examination)
2003: Performed at the Trinity Awards & Concert, Johor
2005: Performed at Concerto Music School Annual Concert
2006: Piano Accompaniment for Erhu in Foon Yew Chinese Orchestral Concert
2009: Piano Accompaniment for Erhu in Malaysia National Chinese Instrument Competition
Teaching Experiences
Over 15 years of teaching experiences. Lessons can be conducted in either English or Chinese.
1997-1999: Piano teaching in several music schools in JB
1999-present: Private piano instructor
1999-2000: Choir instructor, Children Choir of South Front Music School, JB
2000-2002: Choir instructor, Children Choir of Cantonese Association of JB
2003: Music teacher at Tzu Chi Kindergarten JB
Teacher Puah started learning piano at the age of 6. She obtained ABRSM piano Grade 8 with distinction at the age of 17 under Ms Sarah Tay, who is currently pursuing her music teaching career in Sydney. Two years later, she obtained ABRSM theory Grade 8 with Merit. In 2002 and 2003, she obtained her ATCL Diploma and ALCM diploma respectively under Mr Miles Choi, the principal of Concerto Music School in Johor Bahru. Teacher Puah has also been taught by renowned pianist Ms. Hau Ping Ping from Johor Bahru and Singaporean pianist Mr Ong Lip Tat.
Beside piano, Teacher Puah plays the violin and has ABRSM grade 5 practical certification. She has also completed NIE percussion modules during her study in NTU. Her instructor is Mr Lim Meng Keh who is from Singapore Symphony Orchestral. She is currently preparing for her LTCL diploma.
Teacher Puah has over 18 years of experiences in teaching piano, teaching students aged 4 years to adults, from beginner to grade 8. Beside preparing students for graded examination as short term goal, she organised annual/bi-annual/mini/family concert to let students have the chance to perform to an audience. She even co-organised piano concert with Fine Art Music School in Johor Bahru.
Beside teaching piano, Teacher Puah is an experienced accompaniment pianist for choir, vocal soloist, erhu and violinist for examinations, concerts and competitions. She had experiences in coaching children’s choir and kindergarten’s music class as well.
Teaching philosophy
Her teaching combines aspects of product- and process-oriented approaches. Both technique and musicality will be trained in the lessons. Technical works by Czerny, Hanon etc. will be selected according to students’ need. A wide range of repertoires from nurseries to masterpieces by famous composers (including solos, duets etc.) will be taught according to students’ interest.
Her teaching method and materials are tailored to meet students’ strengths, limitations and potential. The expectations of parents and students are considered in her curriculum as well. One of her primary goal is to promote students’ love for music and music-making. A realistic goal is to teach concepts and skills that are necessary for students to continue playing as adults, that is, to promote independent learning and to train students to be musically independent. These are all the important elements for students to learn to play the piano for long-term enjoyment.
