OUR STUDENTS (A endearing exchange with Daleth Foo, a Business Development Executive)
I hear you’re a church musician now. How long have you been playing for your church?
Since April of last year, so it’s been about a year plus now. I’m glad I can serve in church but it’s not that spectacular. I improvise a bit during the
introduction and the interlude, but the rest I play simple chords and accompaniment.
Playing music live still does require a bit of talent and training, doesn’t it? How did you start off in music?
I started off as a 7-year-old learning the organ at Yamaha. Eight years later, I stopped with a grade 6 certificate in organ. During my poly days, I started
playing up the piano for about a year or two before embarking on the classical grades again. This time I began at grade 3 and stopped at grade 5.
Since April of last year, so it’s been about a year plus now. I’m glad I can serve in church but it’s not that spectacular. I improvise a bit during the
introduction and the interlude, but the rest I play simple chords and accompaniment.
Playing music live still does require a bit of talent and training, doesn’t it? How did you start off in music?
I started off as a 7-year-old learning the organ at Yamaha. Eight years later, I stopped with a grade 6 certificate in organ. During my poly days, I started
playing up the piano for about a year or two before embarking on the classical grades again. This time I began at grade 3 and stopped at grade 5.
Play by Ear is centrally located and so starting lessons here at first was a relief. I could spend my time more productively now that my traveling time is reduced. Also, I feel I learn so
much more here than I have before. For example, the voicings I’ve learnt have opened up a great deal more harmonic possibilities in my playing. Also, I know now that certain scales
match the characteristics of certain chords very well and are perfectly suited for improvisation over those chords.
It’s great to know you’re growing as a musician and are able to apply your talents during your weekends and your leisure. What’s your day job like?
I’m doing business development for Travelex Singapore Pte Ltd, a financial institution specializing in commercial foreign exchange. My job basically involves building up my company’s
customer base by visiting clients and getting them to trade currency through our firm.
Any particular reason for opting for such a career?
Well, I think I’m cut out for it. I was previously with a bank for about two and a half years. So I’m very comfortable in the commercial, financial environment. My current job also has
somewhat flexible working hours and allows me to move around. I guess these are perks that differentiate my job from a typical desk-bound one.
Do you envisage yourself doing the same thing in the near future?
I don’t think so. I’m in the midst of a part-time postgraduate degree in accounting. I’ve always been a firm believer in self-development and I think this course will equip me with other
skills to take up new challenges, but I’m unlikely to do something involving too much operational work like auditing.
Looks like you are a very career-minded person. So what would you ideally be doing?
It's probably wishful thinking but (laughs) I'd rather be a tai-tai!
(Laughs) Don’t we all! But how would you spend your time then?
I like to watch DVDs, but preferably shows that make me think or give me valuable insights. Only recently I watched “Border Town” starring Jennifer Lopez as a journalist investigating
the plight of certain factory workers who had been abducted, tortured and even killed and buried secretly. Such shows can open your eyes to happenings around the world which
are filtered from the mainstream news channels. But I enjoy thrillers and action-packed shows as well for their entertainment value.
much more here than I have before. For example, the voicings I’ve learnt have opened up a great deal more harmonic possibilities in my playing. Also, I know now that certain scales
match the characteristics of certain chords very well and are perfectly suited for improvisation over those chords.
It’s great to know you’re growing as a musician and are able to apply your talents during your weekends and your leisure. What’s your day job like?
I’m doing business development for Travelex Singapore Pte Ltd, a financial institution specializing in commercial foreign exchange. My job basically involves building up my company’s
customer base by visiting clients and getting them to trade currency through our firm.
Any particular reason for opting for such a career?
Well, I think I’m cut out for it. I was previously with a bank for about two and a half years. So I’m very comfortable in the commercial, financial environment. My current job also has
somewhat flexible working hours and allows me to move around. I guess these are perks that differentiate my job from a typical desk-bound one.
Do you envisage yourself doing the same thing in the near future?
I don’t think so. I’m in the midst of a part-time postgraduate degree in accounting. I’ve always been a firm believer in self-development and I think this course will equip me with other
skills to take up new challenges, but I’m unlikely to do something involving too much operational work like auditing.
Looks like you are a very career-minded person. So what would you ideally be doing?
It's probably wishful thinking but (laughs) I'd rather be a tai-tai!
(Laughs) Don’t we all! But how would you spend your time then?
I like to watch DVDs, but preferably shows that make me think or give me valuable insights. Only recently I watched “Border Town” starring Jennifer Lopez as a journalist investigating
the plight of certain factory workers who had been abducted, tortured and even killed and buried secretly. Such shows can open your eyes to happenings around the world which
are filtered from the mainstream news channels. But I enjoy thrillers and action-packed shows as well for their entertainment value.
PLAY BY EAR MUSIC SCHOOL (SINGAPORE) - SPECIALISING IN POP PIANO & JAZZ PIANO IMPROVISATION COURSES FOR ADULTS
ADDRESS: 245A / 245B VICTORIA STREET, BUGIS VILLAGE, SINGAPORE (188032) | TEL: 63387939 | EMAIL: INFO@PLAY-BY-EAR.NET
ADDRESS: 245A / 245B VICTORIA STREET, BUGIS VILLAGE, SINGAPORE (188032) | TEL: 63387939 | EMAIL: INFO@PLAY-BY-EAR.NET
