Ka Yan Chan
Singapore - Piano
I was born in Hong Kong and migrated to Singapore when I was ten. I graduated with a Diploma of Quality Engineering but started teaching piano as part-time work during polytechnic studies because I wanted to find out my ‘definite’ interest and I believed working as an engineer would be stressful. After I graduated, I continued teaching piano full time because I knew this is what I enjoy. After some time, however, I realized that I didn’t give myself enough time to learn more, explore and further my music learning because of my busy teaching schedule. Hence, I’ve made a big decision on my own which is to stop teaching in Singapore and study music at the Faculty of Music.
The Faculty of Music is very well-known in Australia and it’s my dream school. Firstly, I met a few colleagues at music schools in Singapore who are graduates from the Faculty of Music. Their teaching styles and performances were more outstanding and admired. In addition, my formal teacher advised me to study here as she knows the learning environment in the Faculty will be challenging and great. Lastly, I’m so excited and keen to learn more from great musicians and professors in the Faculty.
As the Faculty of Music has changed the course model to New Generation Course, we are taking more subjects in a semester. Time management is a big challenge for me as I always do things too slowly. And yes, I’ve learned much from it. I enjoy meeting students of different backgrounds because it’s a great chance for and exchange of culture and knowledge which is really invaluable in the course.
The lecturers and tutors are very helpful and willing to give their best advice to students. They usually stay for a while longer after the lectures to see if there’re any more questions from students. They will explain further until the student understands. It’s overall a very high quality of teaching. I tried to be brave and did some participation such as performing in performance class and trial exam which organized by the music society. It’s a breakthrough for me as I used to have stage fright and get nervous easily. The best thing about student life on campus is learning to be more independent, be more open to exposure and taking initiative. There’re many activities happening on campus and you’ll never know until you explore and take action!
I’m currently living in student accommodation at Arrow on Swanston. It takes about 10-15 minutes by foot to get to campus. One of the Melbourne University graduates recommended me to live in Arrow, mainly for the good location - it’s really near to the city and the University.
In Melbourne there’s extended working hours for most shops every Friday in the city and it’s unexpectedly great! I enjoy eating in the city with variety of delicious and traditional food. Also, the people here are friendly, helpful and approachable. Tourist attractions such as the Crown (casino) and the Art house are definitely interesting. Some of great music concerts are performed there.
My future career goals are to become an outstanding piano teacher with good performance skills and innovative teaching style. I also want to publish books and give seminars about piano teaching, and, if possible, open up a music school and provide students with good music education.
My advice for future students considering study at the Faculty is to be brave; be persistent and motivated to face challenges. Be positive and encouraged when receiving negative comments because you’ll learn best after you've realised it. Be outspoken, confident and welcoming to make friends and you’ll enjoy it. Last but not least, be innovative and hardworking to achieve good results. Studying at the Faculty is tough and challenging, but I guarantee that you’ll gain invaluable experience with no regrets.