OUR STUDENTS (A laidback chat with Swee Hock, a third-year finance major at Singapore Management University)
How’s undergrad life in SMU?
For one, learning in SMU requires a very pro-active mindset. You are pretty much responsible for your own learning. That makes independent learners
and thinkers of us all. But life here is quite competitive – grade-wise, that is. And the fact that SMU emphasizes participation, up to 25% of a module’s
grade is awarded for participation, means students actually fight to talk during seminars.
I imagine that can get quite frenetic! But I believe studying in SMU so far has been rewarding?
Yes, especially the one-month exchange programme to St. Gallen University in Switzerland during the summer of my second year. Our course,
“Entrepreneurship in Europe”, instructed us on the workings of commerce in the EU. There were visits to prominent corporations like BMU, DuPont and
EADS (European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company), the company that builds Airbus. To top it all off, we did a business case study for BMW.
For one, learning in SMU requires a very pro-active mindset. You are pretty much responsible for your own learning. That makes independent learners
and thinkers of us all. But life here is quite competitive – grade-wise, that is. And the fact that SMU emphasizes participation, up to 25% of a module’s
grade is awarded for participation, means students actually fight to talk during seminars.
I imagine that can get quite frenetic! But I believe studying in SMU so far has been rewarding?
Yes, especially the one-month exchange programme to St. Gallen University in Switzerland during the summer of my second year. Our course,
“Entrepreneurship in Europe”, instructed us on the workings of commerce in the EU. There were visits to prominent corporations like BMU, DuPont and
EADS (European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company), the company that builds Airbus. To top it all off, we did a business case study for BMW.
It seems you’re enjoying an enriching experience in SMU. What brought you to Play by Ear?
Well, I used to learn classical piano until I was about 10 years old. I reached grade 4 but I’ve “returned” all that I’ve learned to my teacher. (Laughs) My interest is in pop music and to
play the piano for fun and enjoyment. I’ve never liked reading scores anyway, especially those really high notes. So there’s common ground with Play by Ear’s emphasis on
improvisation, rather than playing exactly what you read off a musical score. Besides, the school is really near SMU, like only 2 bus stops away. So that’s another good reason.
I understand you’ve been at Play by Ear for 8 to 9 months now? What have you learnt thus far?
I started with standard pop tunes, but I’ve recently embarked on jazz. I find it most intriguing, especially the rhythm which doesn’t work with straight beats. It’s more abstract
compared to pop since there’s quite a bit of room for your personal interpretation. Also, jazz soloing means you can play whatever you want. I enjoy the freedom jazz affords to
express myself.
Yes, jazz does have quite a carefree nature about it, doesn’t it? But I imagine it can be a little imposing for the uninitiated. Which tunes helped you start your
foray into jazz?
Autumn Leaves and Blue Moon are among the first jazz songs I started on. I began by playing just the jazz comping (accompaniment) rhythm. That really helped me to get into the
groove of playing jazz. So now I can play the song proper in the correct style.
Does playing the piano occupy all your free time then?
Not at all. I’m actively involved in Sambiesta, a Brazilian percussion band of 15. I play the tambourine and sometimes the surdo, which is a bass drum of sorts. We go busking in the
Orchard area, and have even played in corporate gigs and at the Istana.
Wow! You’ve certainly got quite a few things going in your life. So what does the future hold for you?
I’m definitely looking for a position in the finance sector, perhaps something to do with corporate banking. And of course it helps to get one with high pay. (Laughs)
Well, I used to learn classical piano until I was about 10 years old. I reached grade 4 but I’ve “returned” all that I’ve learned to my teacher. (Laughs) My interest is in pop music and to
play the piano for fun and enjoyment. I’ve never liked reading scores anyway, especially those really high notes. So there’s common ground with Play by Ear’s emphasis on
improvisation, rather than playing exactly what you read off a musical score. Besides, the school is really near SMU, like only 2 bus stops away. So that’s another good reason.
I understand you’ve been at Play by Ear for 8 to 9 months now? What have you learnt thus far?
I started with standard pop tunes, but I’ve recently embarked on jazz. I find it most intriguing, especially the rhythm which doesn’t work with straight beats. It’s more abstract
compared to pop since there’s quite a bit of room for your personal interpretation. Also, jazz soloing means you can play whatever you want. I enjoy the freedom jazz affords to
express myself.
Yes, jazz does have quite a carefree nature about it, doesn’t it? But I imagine it can be a little imposing for the uninitiated. Which tunes helped you start your
foray into jazz?
Autumn Leaves and Blue Moon are among the first jazz songs I started on. I began by playing just the jazz comping (accompaniment) rhythm. That really helped me to get into the
groove of playing jazz. So now I can play the song proper in the correct style.
Does playing the piano occupy all your free time then?
Not at all. I’m actively involved in Sambiesta, a Brazilian percussion band of 15. I play the tambourine and sometimes the surdo, which is a bass drum of sorts. We go busking in the
Orchard area, and have even played in corporate gigs and at the Istana.
Wow! You’ve certainly got quite a few things going in your life. So what does the future hold for you?
I’m definitely looking for a position in the finance sector, perhaps something to do with corporate banking. And of course it helps to get one with high pay. (Laughs)
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
