KEYS
SMU Ivory Keys is SMU’s very own piano ensemble club that unites students from diverse backgrounds who share a passion for music, regardless of genre. We play solos, accompaniment, 4-hand duets, trios, concertos and many more! SMU Ivory Keys aims to provide its members with a platform to refine their skills, enhance their showmanship and promote a greater appreciation for piano music within the SMU community.
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IVORY
Since its founding in 2007, SMU Ivory Keys has been organising piano concerts with occasional collaborations with other clubs and instruments, such as Symphonia Strings in 2018. In 2019, SMU Ivory Keys was invited by NParks to perform at iLight Singapore and also initiated a music outreach at Ng Teng Fong General Hospital. In 2020, SMU Ivory Keys held its annual production at the Esplanade Recital Studio. SMU Ivory Keys also organises beginner training classes, open to all SMU students who wish to learn the piano.
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The club’s current coach is Ms Yeong Lan-Ing, who is a part-time lecturer with the National Institute of Education/Nanyang Technological University (NTU), an instrumental tutor at German European School Singapore and is the piano ensemble instructor for NTU, Raffles Institution (Junior College), SMU, and Singapore Polytechnic.
Date, venue and timing of regular meetings/trainings per week:
Basement Studio (LKCSB)
Friday 3:30 - 5.30pm
"Ivory Keys offered me the opportunity to sharpen my skills and bolster my confidence in my piano playing. Performing in Klaviesta 2020 Appassionato! was nothing short of a dream come true, and I’m truly grateful for the friendly people and safe environment that allowed me to grow as a pianist." - Dabria Yiong, Member, LKCSB, Year 2
"I am grateful to be part of the Ivory Keys family. Prior to entering SMU, I always thought that my passion for music will have to take a backseat. However, being part of IK has helped me keep my passion for music alive and also forge bonds with like-minded people." - Pearlie Peh, Vice-President
School of Law, Year 2
FAQ
Q1: What piano facilities do SMU Ivory Keys members have access to?
A1: There are two upright pianos in the Basement Studio at LKCSB and one baby grand piano in the Arts & Culture Centre at SOE/SOSS. SMU Ivory Keys also has 2 keyboards in storage.
Q2: Do you guys only play classical music?
A2: Nope! We play everything from Bach to Marasy8!
Q3: How do I become an SMU Ivory Keys member?
A3: Simple! Just pay a one-time membership fee of S$10.
Q4: Is coaching provided? And is it affected by COVID-19?
A4: Yes, coaching is provided for productions and competitions for ensemble works. Coaching is provided by our coach, Ms Yeong Lan-Ing. There are no additional charges for coaching.
For Beginners, mentoring will be provided by SMU Ivory Keys members. There will be a deposit of S$20 which will be returned on course completion.
However, due to COVID-19, all coaching and mentoring will be held online until further notice.
Q5: Do I have to be super-duper good to join? What if I’m not that good?
A5: That's why we have training! Our coach and music director will help you out. Remember that good music doesn't necessarily have to be very complex and that extremely difficult music can be played badly too. What we are looking for is a love for music, and a willingness to practice and learn. Even if you don't have paper qualifications, that’s ok!