Twins Jarius and Javier Zhou perform at SJOC 2018

We spoke to Mrs. Zhou after SJOC 2018, and here is our conversation ...

Q1. Both Javier and Jarius were selected to perform their compositions at SJOC last night. How did you feel as parents seeing both sons on the SJOC stage?

A: Seeing both our boys on stage definitely made us very proud of them indeed. The boys had worked very hard for their compositions and to be able to see them perform their pieces at SJOC last night was really very heart warming.

Q2. Share with us about the boys' weekly schedule - how do they cope with school and music lessons?

A: My boys are currently in Primary 3. As with all typical Singapore schools, school work is hectic with lots of CCAs and school activities ending at 4.30pm almost every day. Aside from their busy weekday school schedule, boys will attend their individual music lessons every Saturday and their group lesson on Sunday. With these jam packed schedules, there is actually little time left to spare. With the limited time, boys need to squeeze in time to ensure daily half to 1-hour practice on their piano without affecting too much on their school work. At the end of the day, I think it’s really a matter of instilling self-discipline. Together with boys’ love for music, they are able to juggle between school work and music.

My boys love music and it makes a great difference. They perceive music as a form of relaxation. Boys love to play music together and will sometimes hold mini ensembles at home to play the piano with different instruments and this makes their practice sessions more enjoyable instead of a boring routine.

Q3. What are your opinions of Yamaha Music Education system?

A: Being a former Yamaha student myself , I truly understand and value the enriching music curriculum that Yamaha has to offer. The ear-training, improvisation, harmony and ensemble skills developed are life-long musical skills which are truly invaluable. With these skills, I am very happy to see that my boys have developed a life-long love for music.

Q4. Any tips for other parents on how to nurture their kids' interest in music?

A: Learning together and make music fun!! Parents involvement is very important. Give constant encouragement and instil confidence. Our roles should not be just drop-off and pick up. Incorporate joy and fun to the learning process and the rest will naturally follow.