Faculty Members Archive - Page 2 of 7 -

Amir Khalid

Field(s) of study: Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Drums

Born: Singapore

Degree: Grade 8 Guitar – Trinity College London

Biography: Despite picking up the guitar at a late age of 12 years old, Mr Amir diligently self taught himself the acoustic guitar playing mainly pop and rock songs. Given his deep rooted interest in the instrument, he eventually upgraded to playing the electric guitar at the age of 15.

Mr Amir graduated to learning the guitar at Yamaha music during his NS years under the tutelage of his teacher, Mr Rosli Mansoor who is now touted as one of the best guitarist in Singapore.

In his formative working career, Mr Amir gained experience with music in working in a major musical instruments franchise – SWEE LEE for a couple of years where he interacted with professional musicians in Asia.

Mr Amir’s calling to teach came later in life when he encountered interested parties who requested to take up guitar lessons with him. As a result of this, he changed his line of work from sales to teaching. His initial job as a music teacher started off with him becoming a private teacher for a few years where he was also part of a music school Music Ensemble. He was later employed in an international school as an enrichment guitar teacher.

To back up his teaching venture, Mr Amir decided to sit for the ABRSM Grade 5 classic guitar exam in which he passed. With this obtained credential, Mr Amir was promoted to work on a different post in the international school as an Instrumental teacher in the High School department where he taught for 15 years.

Throughout the years, Mr Amir had immeasurable experience teaching students ranging from 4 years old to 65 years old, both in a group setting of 15 students and also individually where the students had different goals setting. Mr Amir also actively organized concerts for his students outside school premises in YMS every year.

To experience a different set of challenges, starting from 2015, Mr Amir moved from the international school to private institutions which cater to more exam oriented students. In these institutions, Mr Amir sent his students for the ABRSM exams where they achieved merit and distinction for their results. He also has students who learn the guitar for leisure.

Being someone who constantly upgrades his skills, he has self taught himself to learn the drums. In his free time, Mr Amir actively composes his own original instrumental tracks. His original compositions can he purchased online and he has presently amassed a gathering of 55 fans worldwide who loves his music.

“I can’t separate music in my life. It has always been a constant facet in my life. Music is a universal language without words which the whole world understands” – Amir Khalid

Faculty: Faculty since March 2018

Samuel Chee

Field(s) of study : Electric Guitar, Acoustic fingerstyle and pop guitar, Jazz guitar, Classical guitar, Bass guitar, Ukulele

Born : Singapore

Degrees : Bachelor (with honors) of Performing Arts (Music), Lasalle College of the Arts

Biography : Beginning as a regular multi-instrumentalist performer in the Singapore gigging scene, teacher Sam has been teaching and coaching music learners since 2006. A former sessionist, he specializes in speed learning and performance training, and is passionate about nurturing students to freely and meaningfully express themselves through their choice of instruments.

A fun, lively, and responsive teacher, Sam appreciates every student and takes time to know them. An alumni of the Singapore Gifted Education Programme, he combines both intellectual and emotional approaches, and has repertoires of teaching styles and syllabuses adaptable to every student’s unique needs, character and temperament.

With the popularity of social media and the opportunities and career options it brings for modern musicians, Sam is currently working with existing students to grow and establish their YouTube channels.

Faculty : Faculty since May 2011

Zac Du

Field(s) of study : Folk & Classical Guitar / Ukulele

Born : China

Degrees : Bachelor degree from Nanjing Arts Institute. Trinity LTCL guitar diploma(UK).

Biography : Taught extensively as a guitar teacher in China and Singapore.

Faculty : Faculty since August 2012

Christine Octaviani

Field(s) of study : Piano, Aural & Theory

Born : Indonesia

Degrees : Bachelor of Chemical Engineering, NUS (Singapore); Masters of Music Performance, Trinity College of Music (London); Fellow of the Royal Schools of Music (Distinction); Fellowship Diploma in Piano, Trinity College London; Fellowship Diploma in Piano, London College of Music; Licentiate in Music Theory (Distinction)

Biography : Ms Christine Octaviani was born in Jakarta, Indonesia. She holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) degree from National University of Singapore and a Master in Music Performance (Piano) from Trinity Laban Conservatory of Music and Dance. Her teachers at Trinity Laban include Elena Riu, the late Simon Young and Margaret Fingerhut. Her interest in academics led her to obtain a distinction in the L(Mus)TCL diploma for music theory. In the following years, she gained the FLCM and her research paper, Understanding Beethoven: His Maladies and Creative Genius, led her to attain a distinction for the FRSM.

As a pianist, Ms Christine has collaborated with instrumentalists for examinations and recitals. Recently she appeared with Joyeux Sinfonietta, performing Poulenc’s Piano Concerto at the Victoria Concert Hall (Singapore). She was also invited as a guest artist for the 11^th Flute Festival in Singapore. In her younger days, Ms Christine was a percussionist with the Raffles Girls’ School and Raffles Junior College Symphonic Bands. She was also an active member of the National University of Singapore Piano Ensemble, frequently appearing in piano duo recitals.

Ms Christine is formerly the head of piano department at Mandeville Conservatory of Music, where she was responsible for developing music curricula for the Creative Musicianship Classes. She dedicates much of her time to teaching; her students have had successes in music examinations, competitions and college auditions.

She is an associate professor with Joyeux Music International, regularly adjudicating music festivals and conducting masterclasses. She is also an examiner with ABRSM and was recently invited to co-present in the Piano 2025-26 Syllabus Seminar.

Faculty : Faculty since September 2011. Team Lead of Department for Piano Studies.

Grace Sia

Born: Malaysia

Field(s) of study: Piano, Aural Training, Theory

Degrees: Bachelor of Music, University of Melbourne (Australia)

Biography: Has more than 15 years of teaching experience in Malaysia and Singapore. A popular and passionate teacher, highly effective as a masterclass clinician. Trainer of several high-scorer pianists in the ABRSM examinations.

Faculty: Faculty since 2000.

Sylvia Khoo

Field(s) of study: Violin Group

Born: Malaysia

Degrees: Masters of Music, Southern Illinois University (USA)

Biography: Studied with John Kendall. Ex-member of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. A regular clinician at Suzuki institutes in Tennessee, Utah, North Carolina, Australia and Singapore. Trainer of many top-scorers of music examinations and prize-winning young violinists in local and international violin competitions.

Faculty: Faculty since 2000

Tatyana Todorova

Born: Bulgaria

Field(s) of study: Violin, Violin Group, Mandeville Stars

Degrees: Masters of Music, Southwestern University Neofit Rilski (Bulgaria)

Biography: Has taught extensively for over 20 years in Bulgaria and Singapore. Under her tutelage, many of her students have won awards in national and international violin competitions. Trainer of numerous high-scorer violinists in the ABRSM examinations.

Faculty: Faculty since 2001

Eliza Kwok

Field(s) of study: Piano, Theory, Aural

Born: Singapore

Degrees: LTCL in Piano Performance, Royal College of Music, London, LLCM in Piano Performance, Royal College of Music, London

Biography: Ms Eliza studied piano with Mr. Angus Morrison at the Royal College of Music in London.

Ms. Eliza has been actively involved in both teaching and performing for many years. She has accompanied vocalists, violinists, and flutists in concerts both locally and in neighboring regions. Throughout her extensive career, she has taught at music schools such as Yamaha Music School and the Methodist School of Music. Additionally, she served as the pianist for Wesley Methodist Church for 20 years.

With over 40 years of experience, Ms. Eliza has been conducting piano, aural, and theory classes, sharing her expertise and passion for music with her students.

She has successfully prepared students for music exams in ABRSM and Trinity boards, consistently achieving excellent results for her students. Her dedication to their success is evident in their achievements.

As a teacher, Ms. Eliza is known for her patience and empathy, believing that music is a lifelong journey to be treasured and enjoyed. She instills this philosophy in her students, nurturing a love for music that extends beyond the classroom.

Ms. Eliza’s teaching prowess extends to students of all ages, starting from as young as 4 years old. Her patient and nurturing approach ensures that each student receives personalized attention and guidance tailored to their specific needs.

With her unique teaching methods and unwavering dedication, Ms. Eliza cultivates a supportive and enriching learning environment where students thrive and develop a profound appreciation for music. Her passion for teaching shines through in every lesson, inspiring her students to unlock their full potential and embrace the joy of music.

Faculty: Faculty since January 2020

Lim Zhi Ru

Field(s) of study : Piano and Theory

Born : Malaysia

Degrees : Master’s in Piano Performance and Literature, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (USA), Licentiate Trinity College of London (LTCL with Distinction)

Biography : Ms Lim was a receiver of University Trust Scholarship and completed her Bachelor in Classical Music at University College Sedaya International (UCSI). Upon graduating, she became the valedictorian of Institute of Music. Later on, she received teaching assistantship from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to pursue her Master in Piano Performance and Literature, under the tutelage of Prof. Timothy Ehlen. She received distinction results in both ATCL and LTCL diploma exams.

Ms Lim has performed extensively. She was part of Illinois Modern ensemble and has premiered new compositions under the baton of Stephen Taylor and Carlos Carrillo. She was also the selected pianist of KLPAC Orchestra. She has performed for countless venues, including MPO, KLPAC, SOTA, Roosevelt University. Her most interesting experience was to perform in a prison in Illinois. She has participated in numerous masterclasses, including with Dr. Julie Bees, Dr. Peter Amstutz, Dr. James Miltenberger, Graham Caskie and many more. She also joined Oversea Malaysian Winter Piano Academy which was held in the prestigious Yehudi Menuhin School.

As a music theory teaching assistant, she taught university students music theory and aural skills, receiving a teaching evaluation of 4.8/5. She has 3 years of piano teaching experience with students ranging from beginner to diploma. Her teaching emphasizes on good musicality and right technique. She believes that music is not just about playing the right notes.

Faculty : Faculty since September 2018.

Lynn Kang

Field(s) of study : Piano

Born : Malaysia

Degrees : Masters of Music, Royal College of Music (UK)

Biography : Born in Malaysia, Ms Lynn started playing the piano at the age of 5, and the flute when she was 8. She was a regular performer in local concerts and festivals, culminating in the Sarawak Young Musician of the Year Award 1999. In 2002, she furthered her musical education abroad by entering Wells Cathedral School as a special exhibitionist musician. Following that, Ms Lynn entered the Royal College of Music where she completed her undergraduate and postgraduate studies under John Byrne, Leon McCawley, Gordon Fergus-Thompson, and Simon Lepper. Competition successes include prizes in Sevenoaks Young Musician of the Year, Brant International Piano Competition, HSBC Classics Piano Competition (Malaysia), and the RCM English Song Prize (Accompanist Prize).

Ms Lynn has performed in many internationally renowned performance venues such as Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, St Martins-in-the-Fields, Steinway Hall (London), the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Pump Rooms in Bath. She has also participated in many masterclasses, notably with the likes of Menahem Pressler, Leif Ove Andsnes, Bernard d’Ascoli, and Sergei Dorensky.

Ms Lynn has been teaching at Mandeville Conservatory of Music in Singapore since 2012. As a teacher, Ms Lynn supports her students by catering to their individual personalities and needs. With over 10 years experience teaching piano and theory to students of all levels, she has successfully prepared students for conservatoire entrance auditions, graded and diploma exams, as well as numerous local and international music festivals and competitions. Passionate about chamber music, Ms Lynn enjoys collaborating with other musicians, and encourages her students to play in duos and other larger ensembles. She is also an experienced accompanist, having played for young musicians in Singapore International String Conference, Singapore Flute Festival, diploma exams, masterclasses and music festivals.

Faculty : Faculty since January 2012