Time passes quickly and we are now at the end of the year. Thank God that there were no further nation-wide lockdowns since October 2021 and all lessons were resumed in normalcy. Though the WHO have yet to declare the end of the pandemic, but the severity of the Covid situation had lessen, which allowed the society to move forward as a whole.

Anyway, as what I do and hope to do every year end is to be writing to you all just to shed light with a summary of the happenings in L & J within the year - where we were, where we are and where we hope to be.

It was truly good news to the students and the teachers that the face-to-face exam was resumed by ABRSM and the Trinity College London, which gives those students who prefer this mode of practical exam an avenue to be graded in the “traditional” way. But despite this, we see many having a preference over the digital performance grade exam. As part of the music education community, I believe we are blessed with varieties of options of grading and/or benchmarking students' progress. Speaking of exam types and approaches, some of you couldn't draw a comparison between the different types of exams. I'll leave this write up for some other day and if any of you want to learn more, please speak to your respective teacher or me directly.

Putting exam matters aside, music education is truly not just exams or benchmarking. Exams are part of the curriculum, but it shouldn’t be just the essentials. Rhythm, note recognition, coordination, synchronization, harmony, communication, interpretation, discipline, focus, cultivation of “if you want to achieve something you have to clock-in-the-hours” mantra, breaking of non-effective practice habits, understanding of history, analysis – summing up as the construction of individual character with an independent thought structure and a framework of a discerning and sophisticated mind. This is what structured music education is intended to be and will be.

Student Concert 2022

We had completed the Student Concert 2022 (on 27th November 2022), kudos to all the student performers and the teachers who had contributed to this wonderful event. We truly hope that it leaves a meaningful and a memorable experience to those who have participated. Do also forgive us for any areas which we've overlooked, every crew is as good and frail as a human. Anyway, for those who wish to order printed photos and videos, please don't forget to look at the previous posts on how to place the order. The YouTube Students' Corner is still open. Those who are ready to present is most welcome to contribute to that space. L & J will have a few specialized mini recitals lined up for next year as well. More information will be posted as and when these recitals are organized.

As for the availability of the stocks of music instruments, I would anticipate an increase of efficiency in the global supply chain beginning next year (abreast with the easing of the zero-covid policy in mainland China). I know some are waiting eagerly for their new instruments to arrive, sadly the circumstances which caused the delay is truly beyond the grasp of any individual. All I can say is, if there is a need, when the stocks are available, at your margin of affordability, just buy it. Because we have no idea when the next batch of supplies will come (and at what price point).

Well, when 2022 sunsets, we do hope to have a progressive year 2023. As the nation moves forward with GE15 behind, having installed the 10th prime minister of Malaysia, L & J too will move forward as an academy, developing skillful young talents, productive and responsible people who can contribute to the up building of our beautiful country, Malaysia.

We in L & J wishes all a very Merry Christmas and a fruitful New Year 2023 ahead. Make good music, don't make fuss. Rest well, celebrate and travel safe. Till we meet again next year.

Cordially,
Max Lam
Head of Operations