The Hui brothers perform at SJOC 2018
Brothers Isaiah Hui and Timothy Hui were among the 26 composers featured at SJOC 2018. We spoke to their parents Mr. and Mrs. Hui ...
| Q1. Timothy performed his composition 'Energizing Rock', and Isaiah 'Distant Land' at SJOC last night. How did you feel as parents seeing both your sons selected for SJOC? |
| A: We were very excited and extremely delighted! When Timothy was also selected to join Junior Special Advanced Course, we have been longing for the day when both Isaiah and Timothy could perform on stage for the same SJOC. This is the moment we have waiting for the past 5 years. |
| Q2. Please share with us about the boys' weekly schedule - how do they cope with school and music lessons? |
| A: They normally practice the piano/electone for about 30 minutes daily. However, when the workload from school is heavy, like during tests and the exam period, we will try to have them to practice between 30minutes to an hour every alternate day. |
| Q3. What are your opinions of Yamaha Music Education system? |
| A: Both our boys started with “Music Wonderland” course when they were 3.5 years-old. My husband accompanied Isaiah for the class while I accompanied Timothy for nearly 2.5 years. They were both selected to join JSAC when they were 6 years-old and that’s when they began their independent music learning journey. We really cherished those wonderful bonding moments where we accompanied the boys to their music lessons. In my opinion, Yamaha Music Education system has been designed to cater for kids of all age groups. The program is enriching and interesting, and certainly brings out the students’ enthusiasm in music. It allows the kids to have an enjoyable learning experience where they will grow to love music along the way. With the parents around during the initial stage, it gave us a chance to monitor the child’s learning habits and we could intervene early should we discover any undesirable behaviour (e.g. not focused or not participative). As they progressed further, the course brings out their creativity and allows them to coordinate with other children to create music and perform collectively or individually. It really develops young musicians holistically! |
| Q4. Timothy's 1st choice instrument is electone, Isaiah's was piano and now turning to electone. Did you influence their choice of instruments? |
| A: No, we did not influence their choice of instruments. Isaiah and Timothy have made their choice according to their own preference. As parents, we give them our full support and respect the choices made. |
| Q5. Any tips for other parents on how to nurture kids interest in music? |
| A: To nurture kids’ interest in music, we believe it is important to enrol them in a course with an interesting curriculum, taught by dedicated and passionate teachers. Give the child time to explore and freedom to experience. Whenever they meet obstacles, we must stay by their side and encourage them to persist. Always acknowledge their good efforts and celebrate all their successes. It would also be beneficial for them to attend concerts and seize opportunities to perform for others. We must help them to build their self-confidence and allow the child to learn and grow at his/her own pace. |