Yee Hong Shyan's Testimonial
Meet 12-year-old Yee Hong Shyan. Hong Shyan recently participated in ChildAid 2023 and here is what Mr. & Mrs Yee have to say.
Our son Yee Hong Shyan (12) had an opportunity to participate in the recent ChildAid 2023 concert, performing his original composition at the fund-raising event. It was a special experience for Hong Shyan to contribute in a small way through his music, towards the worthy cause of supporting children from disadvantaged backgrounds to achieve their dreams.
Hong Shyan’s journey in the Yamaha Music education system helped him grow into the student musician that he is today. We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Hong Shyan’s Yamaha teacher, Mr. Rido Yanto.
Mr. Rido took Hong Shyan under his wing in 2017 when Hong Shyan entered the Yamaha Junior Special Advanced Program (JSAC) at the age of 6. In Hong Shyan’s journey through JSAC, SAC, and now SSAC, Mr. Rido has helped Hong Shyan develop all-round musical skills as a composer and performer. Mr. Rido always encourages Hong Shyan to stretch himself, achieve higher levels of excellence in his performing techniques, and broaden his music composition style across different genres. In the midst of the COVID-19 years, Hong Shyan even ventured to compose a piece where he added lyrics and sang while playing the piano accompaniment. It was an experience that definitely stretched him! Mr. Rido looks out for opportunities for Hong Shyan to gain exposure on a wide range of platforms – Yamaha International Highlight Concerts, Yamaha Singapore Junior Original Concerts, music composition competitions, Yamaha Electone Festivals, jazz piano masterclasses and the recent ChildAid concert where Hong Shyan got to play alongside a professional band. These experiences help Hong Shyan better appreciate the wider creative and music world, giving him inspiration to find his own musical style.
Besides being an incredible music teacher, Mr. Rido is also a mentor who shows dedication and care for his students. When Hong Shyan was preparing for the ChildAid concert, Mr. Rido gave up his personal time to attend key rehearsals to ensure Hong Shyan’s electone parts and sounds were properly balanced with the arrangements for the band. He was also there to support Hong Shyan through the final rehearsal runs in case there were technical issues that needed attention. When Hong Shyan faced inevitable setbacks and disappointments in his music journey, Mr. Rido’s empathy and unwavering support helped Hong Shyan pick himself up and keep going. Mr. Rido’s mastery and passion for music, and his commitment to guiding his students to achieve their best, make him a truly inspiring teacher. Hong Shyan is very fortunate to have Mr. Rido as his teacher and guide.
Hong Shyan has been a student at Yamaha Music School Singapore from the age of three, starting in the Music Wonderland Program and then going on to the Yamaha Junior Course (YJC) at four. Yamaha teachers are excellent at making classes lively and engaging for young children. We would like to call out and also thank Hong Shyan’s wonderful YJC teacher, Mrs. Wu Ee Lin. Mrs. Wu’s classes were always filled with warmth and joyous music, her thoughtful nurturing brought out the best in every child. Hong Shyan was quite introverted when he first started at Yamaha, but he slowly gained confidence and flourished in Mrs. Wu’s class. We feel Yamaha’s music education is holistic, and fun and inculcates in children a love for music. Hong Shyan is learning music skills and life skills, building wonderful memories with his SSAC classmates, the Fearless Ten. We are very heartened to see him continue to grow and mature as a student musician. Thank you Mr. Rido and the Yamaha team for enriching our lives with the joy of music.
Hong Shyan’s journey in Yamaha Music School
Hong Shyan, beginning his music journey at three, with Yamaha Music Wonderland and then Yamaha Junior Course.
Hong Shyan with his teacher Mr. Rido Yanto, 2017 and 2023
