The processes of studying music, pursuing a passion and forging an identity are not linear in nature. Over the course of the journey, ups and downs are inevitable, and new paths can emerge as interests and curiosities from one’s life experiences come to the forefront.
Fang Po-Yu (BMus.3, Double Bass), who recently started writing simple arrangements said “As a double bassist, we don’t have as large a repertoire as some other instruments so it’s very natural for the double bassist to do some interesting transcriptions.” From popular songs to transcribing solo pieces originally written for other instruments, Po-Yu aims to extend the possibilities of bass repertoire beyond mostly providing the harmonic root in chamber music settings. These arrangements are usually dependent on who plays with him, whether it is a pianist or violinist, but he does mostly for the double bassists.
Po-Yu shares with us that he has faced different challenges, leading to some of his arrangements sounding awkward at times, but believes this is but a process in which he would only learn and get better with continued practice.
Tai Yun Ming (BMus.3, Composition) is another student here at the conservatory has recently ventured into film. “I’ve always been a movie person. When I was younger I was even more absorbed in stories and I started paying attention to the music and realized how important it is.”
Because of this, Yun Ming aspires to eventually join a team of producers, to continue writing music for various multimedia, sharing with us that “being in a team is what I’ve always wanted.”
For these students, exploring other modes of music-making has enhanced their educational experience in the Conservatory. But how does their learning here connect with and better enable their aspirations?
Po-Yu feels that music theory classes, which are based largely on compositional assignments, have helped him familiarise himself with the rudiments of arrangement.
While Yun Ming, a Composition major, is familiar enough with these techniques, she has found that her studies at YST that have exposed her to softwares such as Sonic PI, and deepened her current perspectives on music- writing. “How the music comes to mind? To me it’s imagination, sensation, association.” – an apt statement for both students as they explore new ways to further their creative expression and inspiration.
View Stories by Themes
YST CONSERVATORY
National University of Singapore
3 Conservatory Drive
Singapore 117376
