SMU Ivory Keys is our university's vibrant piano ensemble, welcoming students from all backgrounds who share a love for piano music. Our repertoire spans a wide range, including solo performances, accompaniments, four-hand duets, trios, and concertos, among other arrangements.
We strive to provide members with a platform to hone their skills, cultivate their stage presence, and foster a deeper appreciation for music within the SMU community.
Since its founding in 2007, SMU Ivory Keys has been organising piano concerts with collaborations with other clubs and instruments, such as with Guitarissimo on Patron’s Day 2022. In 2020, SMU Ivory Keys held its annual production at the Esplanade Recital Studio, and its online fundraiser concert ”From Struggle to Victory”. In 2021, SMU Ivory Keys released its 9-part Reminiscence video performance series on YouTube, involving 20 performers playing pieces across pop, classical and anime music.
The club’s current coach is Ms Yeong Lan-Ing, a part-time lecturer with the National Institute of Education/Nanyang Technological University (NTU), an instrumental tutor at German European School Singapore and the piano ensemble instructor for NTU, Raffles Institution (Junior College), SMU, and Singapore Polytechnic.
Trainings
Friday​
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3:30 pm - 5:30 pm
(tentative by booking)​
LKCSB Basement Studio
Do you guys only play classical music?
Nope! Our repertoire thus far includes classical, jazz, pop, movie, anime and video game music – we are looking to expand into new genres as well!
What is the commitment level like at SMU Ivory Keys?
SMU Ivory Keys organises biweekly training sessions on Friday afternoons to build members' musicianship, proficiency in the piano, and performing confidence. These sessions are led by our coach, Ms Yeong Lan-Ing, where members gather and tinker at the piano while engaging in discourse on the music they enjoy playing. Active members must attend at least 50% of these training sessions held each calendar year.
In addition to training, Active members are required to participate in at least 50% of showcases, monthly recordings, or other major events organized throughout the year as a performer, student mentor, or student helper. New members of SMU Ivory Keys start as Active members for their first academic year with the club and will be required to fulfill these requirements to maintain Active membership;
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Fees: $20
Are auditions required to become an SMU Ivory Keys member?
Nope! However, all new members will need to pay a one-time membership fee of S$10, and you may be required to audition separately to take part in certain school-wide events or represent SMU at external showcases and competitions.
What piano facilities do SMU Ivory Keys members have access to?
There are three upright pianos and one digital piano in the Basement Studio at LKCSB, and one baby grand piano in the Arts & Culture Centre at SOE. SMU Ivory Keys also has 4 keyboards in storage.
Do I have to be super-duper good to join? What if I’m not that good?
That's why we have practice and training! Our coach and music director will help you out, especially for productions and competitions for ensemble works.
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Members can also seek advice from their peers, seniors and Exco when they head down to practice as well - all part of our vision to create a community of pianists that help one another improve their musicianship.
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Remember that good music doesn't necessarily have to be very complex. Even if you don't have paper qualifications, that’s okay! What we are looking for is a love for music, the willingness to practice and learn, and the desire to express yourself through music.