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Learning to Appreciate Music and Other Success Stories
Testimony from the parent of a visually impaired child
Story from Sophie's Mum
I’ve been invited by Sophie’s music school, The Magic Fiddler, to share our experiences as how we got Sophie to perform at her first violin exam. Below is the full text of the speech:
Many people have the misconception that having a visual impairment means that the other senses, especially hearing, would be greatly enhanced, and that they are musically gifted. Unfortunately, this is far from the truth, and I know it because I work a lot with visually impaired children. You have to teach them how to listen! Well, if visual impairment equals musical talent, then it doesn’t explain why no music teacher was keen to take her on. That’s why we started her on the violin only when she was 9. Rather late, compared to most of your children here.
We had a hard time searching for a teacher. It took me nearly 4 years of searching before we found Uncle Chris here. Everyone else, had on hearing about her disability, shrugged us off, one even claimed it would be impossible to teach her since she can’t see notes!
Fortunately for us, a friend recommended that I call Chris. At that time, I didn’t even know the name of the school, nor heard of Magic Fiddler. I was just told to call Christopher, and I did. What did I have to lose? It’ll be just another rejection at the most, which by then, I was quite used to.
I was quickly fixed up for a trial, quite to my astonishment, actually. The trial day came, and Sophie was most excited and thrilled. I was a bit apprehensive. What if it would be another rejection? We’ve never come so close to signing up a class, and all previous rejections were taken by me alone. This time, Sophie would have to bear the hurt of a rejection. There was a lot of anxiety, and I prayed that my child would not be hurt by a rejection. The trial ended, and Uncle Chris came out. I had almost wanted to apologise for wasting his time, when he said he’ll try her out!
Chris admitted openly he’s never taught anyone with a visual impairment, and is not sure how he should do it. His openness and honesty warmed my heart. Not many people can claim they’ve taught visually impaired children the violin, and there isn’t a fool-proof method either. But Uncle Chris was prepared to give it a try. I don’t believe it, Sophie’s actually going to learn the violin after all. She was elated! And so was I!
But it was not easy. It has taken a lot of patience and trial and error, but Chris was willing to work together with us to come up with something that would work for her. Well, it did!
You may think also that my daughter is one of those highly motivated and disciplined learners. Well, she’s quite your normal child, fun-loving, and dreading hard work. She’d rather watch Disney Channel than practise on her violin. Before you go on to think I’m a ’super-motivator’ mum, I’m not! I’m your regular nagging, scolding mum. Sophie will attest to it. But one thing I did, which on hindsight, probably helped her was that I backed off. I didn’t pressurise her to practise, but I did remind her that she would disappoint Uncle Chris and Teacher Nilda if she did badly in the exams. I guess she was aware of all the hard work they had put in to help her, and she felt bad if she didn’t show some appreciation.
I guess credit for success undoubtedly must go to Chris and Teacher Nilda, and all at Magic Fiddler, for making learning music such an enjoyable experience. And I am so glad I found just the right place for Sophie to continue enjoy music making. And I hope that she’ll also continue to work hard and do us all proud! From Madam Lee Lay Hong
My children love their music lessons at Magic Fiddler. Teachers are very friendly and patient and the kids enjoy their classes, which are a combination of practical and theory lessons. Magic Fiddler is also the only music school in Singapore offering “SPECIAL BEGINNERS CLASS”, where the children can try two instruments out of a big range in 5 trial lessons each in order to see whether they like the instrument or not. This was in particular convenient to us as given the young age of our kids, we did not want to spend money or purchasing of expensive instruments before knowing for sure they would enjoy the class and continue with the chosen instrument. From Karin Kupzok
Holistic Music Learning program is unique and distinctive as it provides a holistic approach towards music, allowing a child to learn about other instruments and great composers apart from the the instrument that he is learning. It also helps to build a child's confidence by allowing a child to perform in front of an audience termly. From Carrie Ho
Magic Fiddler has helped to bring out the potential in my daughter April. After learning violin for 2 years, she has blosssomed into a confident performer on stage. She has learnt many skills from her instructor. She learnt to listen for beat, collaborate others in an ensemble, perseverance and discipline through playing the violin. She has become self-motivated to practice playing the violin until she gets the music piece right, especially when practicing for a performance. All these skills has carried over to her other areas of learning and positively influence her attitude and towards school work. April enjoys violin lessons with Christopher at Magic Fiddler, as he is very patient, kind, caring, encouraging and wonderful teacher. I'm very grateful for all that Magic Fiddler has done for April. Thank you MAGIC FIDDLER! From Joanne Goh
Great Lessons. My son enjoys his drum classes. He has learned quite well. The teacher is also very patient. From Kalyani We would like to thank Magic Fiddler for patiently teaching our child. She has improved. We have seen from Maria that she diligently do and focused on the things that the teacher taught her. Thank you also that Maria was given opportunities to perform in different places here in Singapore. She had been given performance exposure thus building up her confidence. Thank you very much MAGIC FIDDLER! From Eduardo S. Erese
My daughter has been with Magic Fiddler for nearly five years. I am glad that the instructor is extremely patient with her. My daughter enjoyed learning the violin and she is doing well. I thank Magic Fiddler for nurturing her. From See Toh Kok Leong
Magic Fiddler has nurtured my daughter Inez's music potential and interest in music. Under the wonderful care of teacher Christopher and teacher Seven, Inez shows immense motivation and interest to learn to play the violin and now piano. She enjoys and looks forward to her piano lessons because she is always learning new skills . Magic Fiddler has nurtured Inez's desire and interest in piano and has taught Inez to be patient and persevere in practicing her music pieces and has made her want to perform to show what she has learnt. Inez and April love the Music talent-time to showcase their learning and the holistic lessons which makes learning so interesting! Both my daughters love learning music at Magic Fiddler. Thank you MAGIC FIDDLER! From Joanne Goh
Positive Feedback for Magic Fiddler's Charity Concert 2010 Testimonies from parents who have attended the fun-filled charity event
We've really enjoyed all the practices and excitement leading to a wonderful event for an excellent cause! It's so great to see everyone progress which is only possible with a great team that has a heart for music and children! Keep going like this! From Parents of Caroline, Marlene and Kristine Excellent experience for the kids. Great fun and entertainment for the whole family! TWO THUMBS UP! From Parents of Ivan Teng
This has been a fun, eye-opening experience for my girl. She is less shy performing in front of people now. RWS is a nice venue for concert. Thanks Magic Fiddler! From Parents of Sabrina
Excellent concert! This year's concert is wonderful! From Parents of Wen Bin
My daughter said that this was her most fun day! It's most encouraging that the concert was an inclusive one, whereby students of all proficiency levels were able to participate. Anonymous
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