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gavin-koh-6941's picture

Hi, here is my video for my performance at Pianovers Recital 2018 held on 28th of December. Hope you enjoy watching it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kziAGT3whg

Just wanted to share my (what I hope are) value-added comments on my experience participating in this event:

a) Playing on a grand piano has a totally different feel; it was as if I'm on cloud nine. The touch for this Yamaha piano was... See More

Hi, here is my video for my performance at Pianovers Recital 2018 held on 28th of December. Hope you enjoy watching it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kziAGT3whg

Just wanted to share my (what I hope are) value-added comments on my experience participating in this event:

a) Playing on a grand piano has a totally different feel; it was as if I'm on cloud nine. The touch for this Yamaha piano was excellent; it was tuned on the spot prior to the Recital. Make full use of any rehearsal time you have so you can appreciate the feel of the piano, if at all possible. For me, I used the time to try out the sostenuto panel just for the last measure of my song.

b) Performing in formal wear has a different feel than playing in civvies in the comfort of your home. Make sure you feel comfortable in your getup and that you have space to maneuver your arms.

c) As this was a community driven event, I felt it was OK if you don't memorize your score; you probably wouldn't do this for a professional recital. I was sight reading straight from the sheet music since I am very comfortable doing that, but I will have you know, I did practice the piece probably at least 30 times already; not enough to memorize the song in its entirety, but enough for a great performance.

d) If you make a mistake during the performance, press on as best as you can. People might not even know you made a mistake, if you play on as if it's part of the show. Glaring errors are obvious, but try to recover as best as you can and move on. You can always tell Pianovers you want your video kept private if you feel embarrassed by your performance.

e) Pick a song you can manage. While, I noticed other performers on that night chose more difficult pieces that showed off their technical prowess, I felt very happy with my choice, a lovely song made famous by Josh Groban. Dont aim for something over the top unless you are very confident performing the piece. If it's an expressive piece, play your heart out. If it's a technical piece, play to impress.

f) Don't feel pressured by the audience or get distracted by the photographer. Focus on the performance and doing a great job. It helps if you have practiced a lot at home already. Definitely never come unprepared.

g) Bow once before your performance. Bow again after the performance. I felt I probably made a minor gaffe, I picked up my score and had wanted to fold it back before bowing right at the end. I felt I should have bowed first at the end, then picked up my score to exit the stage.

Well, that's it. Thanks for reading this far.

If you like to keep updated about what I am doing, you can follow me at https://www.facebook.com/gavinkoh1970

#events #concerts

of 11
Mabel Ong

There are a few versions to The Prayer. I like the Celine Dion + Andrea Bocelli. That's actually the first version I got acquainted with.

January 12, 2019 at 10:57am
Gavin Koh

Yes, that is the best version. I heard that one right after Quest for Camelot's version sung in English only by Celine Dion. The lyrics are very meaningful, especially the Italian version, I have... See More

Yes, that is the best version. I heard that one right after Quest for Camelot's version sung in English only by Celine Dion. The lyrics are very meaningful, especially the Italian version, I have even memorized that version of the song sung by Andrea Bocelli. Bellissimo!

January 12, 2019 at 8:22pm
Linette Choo

Just watched the video. Nice, you got 100+ views!

February 8, 2019 at 4:51pm
Gavin Koh

That's a pleasant surprise! Thanks.

February 8, 2019 at 10:13pm
leanne-phay-16789's picture

The 2nd Singapore Raffles Arts and Cultural Festival – Piano Grand Finals will be held from 28th - 30 January 2019, at Singapore Raffles Music College and Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre.

This festival is organized by Singapore Raffles Music College with the key purpose of providing like-minded musical talents a golden opportunity to hone their performance skills, learn from their fellow participants across the region as well as broaden the participants’ musical horizons and... See More

The 2nd Singapore Raffles Arts and Cultural Festival – Piano Grand Finals will be held from 28th - 30 January 2019, at Singapore Raffles Music College and Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre.

This festival is organized by Singapore Raffles Music College with the key purpose of providing like-minded musical talents a golden opportunity to hone their performance skills, learn from their fellow participants across the region as well as broaden the participants’ musical horizons and networks!

Email us at event@ace99.com.sg or call us at (+65) 6368 5610 for more information.

Unleash your true potential today!

Should you have any queries please do feel free to contact our friendly staff directly for more information:

Senior Events Executive – Leanne Phay
Event Executive – Chan Siok Ting

Email: liyan@ace99.com.sg / siokting@ace99.com.sg
Tel: (65) 6368 5610
HP: (65) 9822 8496 (Do feel free to whatsapp us for a faster and more personal response!)

#events #concerts

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Linette Choo

Nice, we should have more piano competitions or piano activities in Singapore. Feel that we can still do more to promote arts and music in Singapore. Many parents still feel their kids can't... See More

Nice, we should have more piano competitions or piano activities in Singapore. Feel that we can still do more to promote arts and music in Singapore. Many parents still feel their kids can't survive with a job related to music, and must die die have a degree first.

February 8, 2019 at 4:53pm
mabel-ong-6441's picture

Might be a bit too late to share! Hahaha! It's next Tuesday! Love their youtube videos.

#events #concerts

goh-zensen-1469's picture

Keep this date free to see how ten odd participants have made use of what they’ve learnt in improvising their songs of choice. This concert is FREE, though we only have limited seats. Yong Meng and Elyn will be gracing it too! There will be a debrief at each performed piece so that the audience will be cognisant of the musical elements being infused in their improvisations. And feel free to interact and jam with them at the end of the concert, since instruments of various types will be... See More

Keep this date free to see how ten odd participants have made use of what they’ve learnt in improvising their songs of choice. This concert is FREE, though we only have limited seats. Yong Meng and Elyn will be gracing it too! There will be a debrief at each performed piece so that the audience will be cognisant of the musical elements being infused in their improvisations. And feel free to interact and jam with them at the end of the concert, since instruments of various types will be available there! RSVP your attendance by either sending me a PM or email me at acosean@yahoo.com. Hope to see you there!

#events #concerts

of 2
Adrian Huang

Nice.will be going.

August 28, 2018 at 3:17pm
Pek Siew Tin

Hope more ?luvers frens going ^+^??

September 3, 2018 at 3:01pm
gavin-koh-6941's picture

Awkward situation for a pianist #1 - What would you do if you, the pianist, attended a recital all ready to play K.467 and was caught off guard by the starting bars of K.466? Luckily, it was only a lunchtime concert (a rehearsal for the evening concert) for Maria Joao Pires. But, more luckily for her, Maria had played K.466 before and she easily switched gears to play the required piece.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v... See More

Awkward situation for a pianist #1 - What would you do if you, the pianist, attended a recital all ready to play K.467 and was caught off guard by the starting bars of K.466? Luckily, it was only a lunchtime concert (a rehearsal for the evening concert) for Maria Joao Pires. But, more luckily for her, Maria had played K.466 before and she easily switched gears to play the required piece.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n89F9YKPNOg

#events #concerts

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Mabel Ong

Woah, that will be a lot to memorise! I'm still struggling with just one or two pages! Kudos to her!

April 18, 2018 at 1:18pm
Gavin Koh

Yes, memorizing is a pain for pianists everywhere. The best I have memorized is a single piece at a time. And nowadays, I just prefer sight reading on the spot, although you can't do that with... See More

Yes, memorizing is a pain for pianists everywhere. The best I have memorized is a single piece at a time. And nowadays, I just prefer sight reading on the spot, although you can't do that with very fast pieces.

April 18, 2018 at 1:25pm
Carlyn Ng

piano teachers should be able to sight read even faster pieces?

April 21, 2018 at 9:33pm
Gavin Koh

I should think so. If you get your hands on a piece that reads greater than Allegro (eg. Vivace, Presto, and Prestissimo, etc.), you're at least going to do some music speed reading - be aware of... See More

I should think so. If you get your hands on a piece that reads greater than Allegro (eg. Vivace, Presto, and Prestissimo, etc.), you're at least going to do some music speed reading - be aware of the key and signature, glance through the score to ferret out difficult passages, note all changes to key and signature, repeats, dynamics and other special ornamentation. After that, you could theoretically play the piece at a fast enough rate on the first go, and aim to pick up speed after acclimatizing yourself to the piece.

The pain is always memorizing the piece for a performance; well, rote learning helps.

April 21, 2018 at 11:54pm
gavin-koh-6941's picture

Awkward situation for a pianist #5 - When something breaks on the piano, will you panic? Perhaps a string snaps in the middle of your performance, perhaps your score flies off, or perhaps this happens to you... your chair breaks... Ouch! Has something similar ever happened to you? Did you keep your cool and continue?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fb9NXU4yUYw

... See More

Awkward situation for a pianist #5 - When something breaks on the piano, will you panic? Perhaps a string snaps in the middle of your performance, perhaps your score flies off, or perhaps this happens to you... your chair breaks... Ouch! Has something similar ever happened to you? Did you keep your cool and continue?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fb9NXU4yUYw

#events #concerts

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Gavin Koh

Maybe, but unlikely. In an upright, the snapped string will whip around inside the wooden enclosure. But in a grand, this is likely to happen:... See More

Maybe, but unlikely. In an upright, the snapped string will whip around inside the wooden enclosure. But in a grand, this is likely to happen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCDxvLheZiY

Bottomline: Beware your eyes when a piano string snaps.

April 18, 2018 at 1:37pm
Mabel Ong

Won't have time to react if it really snaps. No?

April 18, 2018 at 5:42pm
Gavin Koh

Very unlikely that it could hurt someone though. Never heard such news before - "Man attacked by slashing piano wire". Sounds like something I would read in the tabloids.

April 18, 2018 at 7:31pm
Mabel Ong

Keke.. I also never heard of.. and certainly hope it won't happen to anyone.

April 21, 2018 at 9:33pm
gavin-koh-6941's picture

Awkward situation for a pianist #4 - Cell phones! Bleeping and blooping in the middle of the concert hall? Oh no... please don't make it awkward for the pianist. Always remember to turn it to silent mode. Please. Listen to Christen Zacharias' views on disturbed concerts. Would it happen in Singapore too? Share any experiences you have. Thanks.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAaU8yPXA1A

... See More

Awkward situation for a pianist #4 - Cell phones! Bleeping and blooping in the middle of the concert hall? Oh no... please don't make it awkward for the pianist. Always remember to turn it to silent mode. Please. Listen to Christen Zacharias' views on disturbed concerts. Would it happen in Singapore too? Share any experiences you have. Thanks.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAaU8yPXA1A

#events #concerts

gavin-koh-6941's picture

Awkward situation for a pianist #3 - Well, page turners better pay attention, because if you make a mistake, the pianist will create a blunder - big time! Maybe, it's time all pianists invest in a page-turning app.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=If6SJWoAQKE

#events #concerts

of 1
Gavin Koh

Here's a sample automatic page-turning app: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qoshc9jlHJI

Do you use something similar... See More

Here's a sample automatic page-turning app: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qoshc9jlHJI

Do you use something similar?

April 14, 2018 at 11:38pm
gavin-koh-6941's picture

Awkward situation for a pianist #2 - What happens if you had a stuck pedal problem during your recital? Here's how Brazilian pianist Eliane Rodrigues handled the issue - injecting some "underground" humor into the major hiccup (puns intended).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBbRTRBY4D4

#events... See More

Awkward situation for a pianist #2 - What happens if you had a stuck pedal problem during your recital? Here's how Brazilian pianist Eliane Rodrigues handled the issue - injecting some "underground" humor into the major hiccup (puns intended).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBbRTRBY4D4

#events #concerts

goh-zensen-1469's picture

Come support us! SUTD is next to a Downtown Line MRT Station!

#events #concerts

of 3
Mabel Ong

Wow wow wow! How did it go? How's the crowd on a Sat afternoon? ?

April 1, 2018 at 12:31am
Goh Zensen

It was a success! We were hoping to see you there!

April 1, 2018 at 8:47pm
Mabel Ong

I'd love to support you guys! I'm now based overseas, however. Keep it up! ?

April 3, 2018 at 1:11pm
mabel-ong-6441's picture

Yiruma is coming to Singapore!! Anyone planning to go? Hehe.

#events #concerts

of 7
Liew Soo Hin

Listening Live with a group of concert goers definitely feel different altogether. That said, I only attend concerts selectively.

If you're a fan of Yiruma and haven't been to one, I guess... See More

Listening Live with a group of concert goers definitely feel different altogether. That said, I only attend concerts selectively.

If you're a fan of Yiruma and haven't been to one, I guess you could take the chance.

February 12, 2018 at 1:02pm
Michael LS

Been seeing a lot of this concert's advertisement on the TV recently.

February 20, 2018 at 9:55am
Adelynn Khoo

Yup, I noticed too. What's the cheapest ticket?

February 21, 2018 at 12:36pm
Mabel Ong

Think it's $98.

February 21, 2018 at 7:43pm
gavin-koh-6941's picture

Piano Island Festival - 9th to 15th Jan 2018. Has anyone ever heard of this event co-sponsored by the Portuguese Embassy and Steinway? Is attending such Masterclasses/Lectures worth it?

https://www.pianoislandfestival.com/calendar

#events #concerts

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Goh Zensen

I have several pianist friends (who were graduates from overseas' prestigious music conservatories) who agree with me that music theory stemming from the 5-lined staff system is indeed superfluous... See More

I have several pianist friends (who were graduates from overseas' prestigious music conservatories) who agree with me that music theory stemming from the 5-lined staff system is indeed superfluous and complicating, and there is a political reason for them to stay put that way (instead of being overhauled and simplified to meet the ease of learning by the masses). The reason is to preserve their elitism and exclusivity, period.

November 24, 2017 at 9:36am
Gavin Koh

I would tend towards disagreeing. The ability to learn and read music is no more elitist than say the ability to learn and read English. I feel that the language of music is likewise imposed upon... See More

I would tend towards disagreeing. The ability to learn and read music is no more elitist than say the ability to learn and read English. I feel that the language of music is likewise imposed upon by something akin to grammar - as in rules that you must follow on how to place notes and rests properly on the staves. It is an efficient system for communicating ideas on a musical level.

You could compare a lively piano concerto to be equivalent to a suspense novel from Tom Clancy, but that is something that you don't boast to friends who don't know anything about music. To do so is to invite people to start labeling you - they may make a snide comment saying you are a "show off". But they are right, because you are actually letting boasting about your skill in knowing another "language" - the language of music. For some reason, this boastfulness may be misconstrued as a form of elitism.

Surely we do not want to regress back to the era of bards and skalds where we repeat everything to our students. But, it is ultimately your prerogative If you want others to learn by playing by ear. They can always embellish or rearrange however they wish, of course, enriching a musical piece this way - but you would have lost the original version. This is probably how songs like Greensleeves and Sakura (and a million other traditional songs) were passed down through the ages.

But in today's context, it would be silly to not use a proper music notation system to preserve and communicate your work to the next generation. Just power up Finale (or Musescore) and enter in your music, as simple as ABC.

If a person should feel that the 5-lined staff system is too complicated or elitist, there are always other music systems around - like the interesting Klavarskribo or the Lead Sheet used by jazz musicians to abbreviate the gist of a song. The most common of these alternative music notation systems would likely be the numbered musical notation system. There are reams of these scores being passed down to preserve the rich musical heritage in China, and you could always promote that as a good alternative to the 5-lined stave system. I guess looking at a page full of numbers, dots, and underlines, would deem to be less elitist.

November 24, 2017 at 12:05pm
Goh Zensen

Spot on, Gavin! It is exactly the choice of notation system I'm talking about (when the use of notation is necessary like you've rightfully pointed out). I'm advocating the use of cipher (numeral... See More

Spot on, Gavin! It is exactly the choice of notation system I'm talking about (when the use of notation is necessary like you've rightfully pointed out). I'm advocating the use of cipher (numeral) notations adopted by millions of Chinese because this is a much simpler way to understand music, read music, play music, etc., and also, like what you'd highlighted, DOCUMENT music throughout the ages. I'd in fact conducted a full Western orchestral piece using the Cipher notation system, dismissing the myth that it is too simple (i.e. not sophisticated enough) to match the needs of the Western music tradition. This IS the revolution I've been talking about!

Many who were initially unconvinced by me were encouraged to watch the movie The Time Machine (2002 film). After watching it, many became convinced!

Also explaining why SOTA admits pupils who can sight-read on any other forms (need not be the 5-lined notation system).

November 24, 2017 at 12:43pm
Carlyn Ng

So, anyone going?

December 19, 2017 at 5:03pm
goh-zensen-1469's picture

Final "Full Dressed" Rehearsal for our duet Mini-Recital on Classical Music (32 pieces in total) on music synthesizers/keyboards with audience Sng Yong Meng, Elyn Goh, Flyer Walker, Gteo Teo and Fi Ga Ro.

#events #concerts

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Mabel Ong

Where was this recital held at?

November 7, 2017 at 11:20am
Goh Zensen

My Home Studio at Ripple Bay, Pasir Ris.

November 7, 2017 at 12:13pm
Mabel Ong

Waa.. your home studio looks very well equipped!

November 7, 2017 at 12:16pm
Goh Zensen

Just moved in slightly more than a year ago. A regular venue for hosting informal jamming sessions for fellow pianovers!

November 8, 2017 at 7:16am
goh-zensen-1469's picture

Just completed the Mini-Recital on 32 pieces of classical works! In the future, would like to look for co-performers for future recitals. Genres could be Chinese Classical, New Age, Jazz and Siblings (blues, broadway, big band, ragtime, boogie-woogie), Marches & Patriotic Songs, Easy Listening, Soundtrack, TV & Jingles, Western Pop/Oldies, Asian Pop/Oldies or World/Folk/Ethnic/Traditional tunes!

#events... See More

Just completed the Mini-Recital on 32 pieces of classical works! In the future, would like to look for co-performers for future recitals. Genres could be Chinese Classical, New Age, Jazz and Siblings (blues, broadway, big band, ragtime, boogie-woogie), Marches & Patriotic Songs, Easy Listening, Soundtrack, TV & Jingles, Western Pop/Oldies, Asian Pop/Oldies or World/Folk/Ethnic/Traditional tunes!

#events #concerts

of 3
Sng Yong Meng

Maybe even original compositions! =)

May 8, 2017 at 12:02am
Goh Zensen

Yes!

May 8, 2017 at 12:05am
Pek Siew Tin

ten q Mr Sng Yong Meng - founder of thepiano.sg. thru pianover meetup i get to know lots of piano expert... Mr Zensen Goh kb skill is excellent ^+^

May 8, 2017 at 8:04am
goh-zensen-1469's picture

Was feeling gleeful and jubilant after conducting the first run of the Advanced Harmony & Improvisation workshop! Participants were so enthusiastic and participatory in this "learning through jamming" session that many didn't want to go home even when it ended!

#events #concerts

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Lim Jin Li

Yes!!! Hehehe, thanks for allowing me to crash course the workshop! As someone who went through the 'tao geh' learning, I find it very difficult to improvise and find the appropriate chords to... See More

Yes!!! Hehehe, thanks for allowing me to crash course the workshop! As someone who went through the 'tao geh' learning, I find it very difficult to improvise and find the appropriate chords to convey the right 'nuance' (like you mentioned in class). The materials mentioned in class will definitely help with my self-study and jamming in class made it real fun too! Thanks again!!

April 13, 2017 at 5:49pm
Goh Zensen

Am delighted that you enjoyed it and finding it useful! The 3rd and final session will be next Thursday!

April 13, 2017 at 6:35pm
Chris Khoo

During office hours again ?

April 13, 2017 at 7:07pm
Goh Zensen

Yes, all three are from 2.30pm to 5.30pm.

April 13, 2017 at 10:29pm
goh-zensen-1469's picture

Finally I'm able to conduct this from tomorrow, after an ultra-long wait and preparation!

#events #concerts

of 2
Lim Jin Li

Hi Zensen, any details of the above mentioned workshop?

April 6, 2017 at 2:08am
Goh Zensen

Haha I'm conducting it FOC for my cluster schools of music teachers over three Thursday afternoons. As the intermediate level workshop I did for them was well received last year, they requested to... See More

Haha I'm conducting it FOC for my cluster schools of music teachers over three Thursday afternoons. As the intermediate level workshop I did for them was well received last year, they requested to go deeper into it. PM me if keen, thanks.

April 6, 2017 at 8:08am