But of course, we all eventually leave the school environment, and go out into the industry. One might have many questions upon graduation, including “how do I connect my education with my music-making after graduation?”
In this section, we explore answers to some of these questions like the one above, from interviews with YST alumni.
“Definitely, it’s one of those things where when you look back you kind of realise how good you had it,”, Lim Jing Jie (‘20, Voice), who is an alumnus of the conservatory. He has been producing music under his alias, KEAT.
“Everybody was so passionate in what they wanted to do, immersing yourself in that environment makes you want to be a better musician; (it) makes you want to chase your own path as well”.
Certainly, one of the most valuable qualities of a school would be its ability to enable us to pursue aspirations – be it through resources, community or wider support.
Jazz flutist Rit Xu (‘15, Flute), tells us about an experience while at YST. “I’m forever thankful for that trip in 2015, where we played at the Paléo Festival in Switzerland. I was playing in the orchestra, where I got to meet musicians from different conservatories.”
“I really loved the trip – it was such an eye opener, and we had such a great time getting to mingle with the musicians from other conservatories. One very precious moment was when after the concert, we all hung out backstage and started jamming – be it playing classical or non-classical music – just enjoying music-making together.”
Perhaps a key thread running through this article would be that regardless of genre, these various pursuits all stem from a passion for music at large, and are able to inform each other.
“I started writing my own music because I felt the need to create a vehicle of an expression for me that’s meaningful to me, that combines all the influences that I had growing upI enjoy playing both classical and jazz repertoire very much, and wanted to draw together musical colours, suitable instrumentation, as well as the right balance of composed and improvised elements, to create new possibilities for the flute.” Rit expresses.
It also comes down to individuals taking charge of who they want to be, and what do they want to be presented as. Jing Jie shares with us that “As a classical baritone, I feel it comes with a particular set of assumed roles, sounds and images. Writing music was my way to show more of my own identity, aesthetic and demeanour.”
When both alumni were asked if they have any advice for musicians aspiring to create, the answers were clear and direct.
“Just do it, honestly – sometimes you just have to trust your instincts and go for it, while making sure to constantly question and reflect on the process.” Jing Jie shares with us.
Rit adds on to this by saying “Find time to practice right even if you are out of school, and find the right community of people – like-minded musicians who share your passion for music-making, whom you can jam with. It is also important to always check back with yourself about what drives you in music, because along the way there will be challenges that test you as you continue on your journey.”
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YST CONSERVATORY
National University of Singapore
3 Conservatory Drive
Singapore 117376
