Experienced Vocal Coach | 12 years of experience | Vocal Lessons and Singing Performance Skills | Trinity Guildhall

Find out more about Stephanie

• When did you first develop a passion for music and your favourite instrument?

  It all started when I was but a little two-year-old! My entire family is musically oriented, especially my mother, father, godmother, and my late grandmother. They taught me how to sing, appreciate music and embrace my passion for music in the wee days of my life. Before I knew it, I was belting Celine Dion hits and playing the piano the moment I was old enough to go for lessons. Every day since then, I play the piano and sing every day - somehow my day just doesn't feel complete without it.

• Is there a particular type of music or artist that you listen to on a loop without it driving you crazy?

  Honestly, I couldn't say that there's just one genre of music I listen to, as I love so many different types of music! Trust me, if you took a close look at my everyday Spotify playlist, you can find pop, rock, country, R&B, opera... it's a chaotic compilation of everything that inspires me as a musician. As of June in the year 2023? I haven't been able to stop listening to "Save Your Tears" by the Weekend and Ariana Grande. It drives my husband crazy though, but he's slowly coming around.

• Explain to us the most difficult or riveting course you could personally give to a student of music.

  For piano, jazz improvisation is quite a tricky little challenge! You've really got to have an ear and a knack (skill-wise) for it!
  For singing, harmonizing can be quite an adventure! You go through lots and lots of pitch and ear training to be able to harmonize on the fly - it's a breeze for some lucky ones but can be a little challenging for some too.

• What do you think is the most complicated instrument to master and why?

  I think any string, brass, or woodwind instrument can be quite a challenge to master, but if I had to choose one... it's definitely got to be the Saxophone. Why? Because of Kenny G, that's why! I do think playing the piano is a challenge as well - all that hand-eye-right-foot coordination... it's a lot to handle!

• What are your keys to success?

  Music in general is a very personal and emotional aspect of a person's life, and with something like that, it can get very overwhelming, very easily. My advice is to always take a step back and look at the bigger picture when things seem like they're too much. (Grade 6-8 students will agree with me, I believe!) Everyone's journey is different and it's super important to go at your own pace, taking things step by step. Secondly, practice does indeed make perfect! With playing the piano, it is definitely an understatement! Thirdly, don't ever be afraid to speak your mind and chase your passions. Life does feel great if you do what you love, and love what you do!

• Name three musicians you dream of meeting in your favourite bar in the early hours of the morning. Explain why.

  Oh, that's an easy one. Celine Dion, Lady Gaga, and Josh Groban! Didn't I tell you my taste in music is varied?
  Why though... Celine Dion because she was the first music icon I've had in my life, (my entire family are HUGE fans) Lady Gaga, simply because she is Lady Gaga and oh my days, I've cried listening to her songs just because she truly projects her emotions in her music, and lastly, Josh Groban because "You Raised Me Up" changed my life musically - I heard it once, bought all his albums as a teenager (and adult) and I never stopped listening to them! Plus, it doesn't hurt that Celine and Josh both produced two of my favorite Christmas albums 🎄

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to music or your days at music school.

  Here's one that most people don't know about me. When I was about 10 years old, I almost quit learning the piano... that is until a few months later when I discovered that I could play the piano by ear. No notes, just listening. As I got older, I realized that I just knew where the notes were supposed to be on the piano, even though I'd never played that song ever before. Had my mum not encouraged me (albeit a little forcefully, haha, thank you, mum!) to not give up and continue learning, and I gave up when I did, I would not be here today. It's something I think about all the time, and I am so grateful for it because now, my students get to benefit from my play-by-ear experience as well! Several of my kids are on their way to playing the piano effortlessly by ear now! #proudteacheralert

• What are the little touches that make you a Superprof in music?

  Having been a piano (and design!) student for most of my life, I've learned that "connection" is the most important thing in a student's (and teacher's) journey! I aim to first connect with all my students, and then create a comfortable, safe space for their learning. Music, whether you are playing an instrument or even singing, can make a student vulnerable - making mistakes and singing the wrong note, all their errors on display - it can be a daunting experience. Having a supportive and relatable tutor in anything you do, is key. Teaching has always been my passion, even after a Master's in Art & Design, I still found my way back to teaching, though now, lecturing at one of Malaysia's most prestigious higher learning institutes, and I've never been happier. Again, I suppose it is easy and comes naturally to me, simply because music and teaching are two of my greatest passions, and I do indeed do what I love, and boy, do I love what I do!