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MIM Students Success Stories 4 

 

We continue our feature on students whose dedication and discipline have brought them success in their musical journey.

 

Today we present Fong Jean Ann, who started her musical journey at age 2, currently in the SMART and RISE program of the school. 

 

 

 

 

Below are the pieces she played in the NAC National Piano & Violin Competition 2015 Finals:

 

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Here are some sharing by Mr Fong on Jean Ann's musical jorney :

 

1. Jean Ann has started with Playtime classes with Seimpi since she was 2 years old. In what ways has MIM helped her to grow into the budding musician she is today?

 

Mr Fong: As a toddler, Jean Ann enjoyed going for MIM lessons with Teacher Shiely. She loved the fun activities, meddling with different musical instruments and swaying to the music. It was fun to have other children participating as a group, dancing and singing together. She learned basic music theory through flash cards and began to show her interest and enthusiasm in playing simple pieces when digital keyboard was introduced. She would listen attentively to her elder sister Jean Ying playing her pieces, and started playing the same tune without looking at the scores. 

 

 

2. Can you tell us about Jean Ann's experience participating in competitions? How does she feel about competing with others and performing in front of a crowd?

 

 

Mr Fong: Jean Ann experienced her first piano competition when she participated in MIM Festival in 2013. She was really nervous when she looked at the big stage and the large audience sitting in the performance venue. However, once she sat in front of the piano, she could forget her fears and was able to play naturally. Since then, she has participated in various festivals and competitions, both local and overseas. She would share with us that she's both excited and nervous. It helps that her elder sister Jean Ying is always by her side, as she has a positive influence on Jean Ann, spurring her on to put in her best in every performance. The National Piano and Violin Competition 2015 is by far the toughest for Jean Ann as she has to prepare a repertoire that clocks a minimum duration of 15 minutes. It's a test on her stamina and her state of mind, as she needs to adjust her mood and technique of playing as she runs through the sequence of 6 pieces from different periods. Moreover, she was competing in the Junior Category, meant for children aged 11 years and below. She was the youngest semi-finalist and finalist at the competition. The dedication of Teacher Rado and his confidence in her ability helped to put her at ease. Competitions aside, Jean Ann enjoys watching other children perform during such occasions and she will pick out pieces that interest her and would want us to check with Teacher Rado if she can also learn to play them. 

 

 

3. Can you let us know how Jean Ann usually practices at home? How much time does she spend on piano daily and how she balances her practice time with her other commitments?

 

Jean Ann practices between 1 to 2 hours a day, clocking more hours when her practical exam, performances or competitions are near. Being just 7 years old, it's not easy for her to have self-discipline and sometimes, her love for reading will take priority over piano practices! When she started Primary 1 this year, we told her to arrange her homework and break time before her piano practice in her daily schedule. This became a routine that she has since comfortably settled down to. Jean Ann's mom usually accompanies her during her piano practises, to give her support and to remind her of the points that Teacher Rado touched on during lessons. When she's tired, she'll take a break before continuing.

 

Photo taken at the performance at Paris Opera Bastille, Grand Prize Virtuoso", Paris

Jean Ann (L) with her sister Jean Ying (R)