My teenage years, as I recall, was a time in my life that was filled with the most enjoyable and moving music. It was a time when I could already play reasonably well, having completed my Grade 8 and already begun playing diploma pieces. I could sight-read almost anything I wanted, buy pop / gospel pieces to play and sing, and it was a time when I could play any music I enjoyed besides what was assigned by my music teacher during lessons.
This new key of discovery in my music world facilitated my own self-expression, as there were moments of frustrations and sadness that couldn’t be expressed or told to anyone else. This was where music composition began for me. I sat and wrote my heart’s overflowing emotions in songs, in instrumental pieces, even in satirical pieces about people who hurt me! What a great gift God had given me! I was able to pen my musical thoughts and emotions into songs that spoke more than a million words! Besides, I felt so consoled! I had found my vehicle of inner expression in music!
I also served in the church music ministry and reflecting back, those were moments of joy. Church activities include among others, choir and caroling practices, working with other youths who were musical and enjoyed music, small ensemble groups, soloists etc that helped improve my sight-reading tremendously!! I remember my piano teacher asking how I could just sight read so easily, and I told her that it was because I had to play all the pieces given to me at my church choir as accompanist! And they were doing "Handel’s Messiah" and stuff like that!
Now, in hindsight, my musical skills were put to good use in serving the church ministries, in discovering my emotional expression, in finding solace, in enjoyment during my own exploration of other pieces never taught to me.
In performance, I discovered that my awareness and own rhythmical energy, drive and musicality, were all treasures I discovered with the gift of music from God and from my parents that I must be eternally grateful for.
Dr. Geraldine Law-Lee, Tue 29/01/2008
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Chapter 4: My childhood musical experiences!
Many people pursue a music career simply from their love for music, from their desire to perform and to compose music. One’s success depends on the musical skills of the individual. However, the heart of the musician must first begin with a passion for music. This is a basic ingredient for success in a music career. Hopefully, these values are instilled into the young student from the start.
This brings to mind the many childhood memories I had. Childhood musical experiences are deeply etched into our minds and hearts. The most memorable being the musical evenings that some of my teachers organized. Such activities bring together other students where we participated in singing and performing. This is when I get to dress up and perform to an appreciative audience who applauded, and that set my heart ablaze with excitement and pride. It was very encouraging and it made me want to perform more. Those feelings were moments of affirmation and confidence building. As my teacher prepared me well, there was no nervousness or apprehensions on my part. We only get nervous when ill prepared.
My parents were my greatest supporters. The musical environment at home was nurturing and this where it all began. There were duets with my sister, solo singing and performances that included all my cousins. We announced the pieces we were to perform and from here, we found performing for an audience became joy and excitement.
I recalled little gifts received if I have met my teacher’s expectations. It was in the form of a snack or something suitable and serves as incentives for me to excel all the more. I even simulate performing my music on tabletops while waiting for my lesson!
Occasionally, I would get to visit the British Council to view concert footage in the evenings. Being part of the children’s choir during Christmas where we sang our hearts out was something I looked so much forward to annually.
From one’s childhood experiences, good or bad memories stay on forever. Bad memories may kill and good memories may build. However, bad memories can be used positively to improve us to reach greater heights. Let it be a catalyst that drives you to achieve excellence.
Dr. Geraldine Law-Lee, Mon 10/12/2007
This brings to mind the many childhood memories I had. Childhood musical experiences are deeply etched into our minds and hearts. The most memorable being the musical evenings that some of my teachers organized. Such activities bring together other students where we participated in singing and performing. This is when I get to dress up and perform to an appreciative audience who applauded, and that set my heart ablaze with excitement and pride. It was very encouraging and it made me want to perform more. Those feelings were moments of affirmation and confidence building. As my teacher prepared me well, there was no nervousness or apprehensions on my part. We only get nervous when ill prepared.
My parents were my greatest supporters. The musical environment at home was nurturing and this where it all began. There were duets with my sister, solo singing and performances that included all my cousins. We announced the pieces we were to perform and from here, we found performing for an audience became joy and excitement.
I recalled little gifts received if I have met my teacher’s expectations. It was in the form of a snack or something suitable and serves as incentives for me to excel all the more. I even simulate performing my music on tabletops while waiting for my lesson!
Occasionally, I would get to visit the British Council to view concert footage in the evenings. Being part of the children’s choir during Christmas where we sang our hearts out was something I looked so much forward to annually.
From one’s childhood experiences, good or bad memories stay on forever. Bad memories may kill and good memories may build. However, bad memories can be used positively to improve us to reach greater heights. Let it be a catalyst that drives you to achieve excellence.
Dr. Geraldine Law-Lee, Mon 10/12/2007
Chapter 3: Preparing oneself for a music career
Little did I know that when I pursued music for a career, I was putting myself into the competitive world of performance and musical artistry. The complete musician requires academic and leadership skills, creativity and discipline to persevere.
A career in music during my time meant being a performer or a teacher only. Today, careers in music are much more diversified.
A career as an instrumental performer focuses strictly on the world of musical performance. This would mean many hours of practice, watching and listening to top performers and having sufficient funds to study at the world’s top conservatoires. Besides developing such discipline, acquiring technical, virtuosic skills, and managing one’s emotions and thoughts are most vital for a performing career.
In the world of teaching, all one needs is dedication, love, passion, care and discipline. Good communication skills and being a ‘people-person’ is certainly required.
In my time, I wanted only to be a professional teacher who could also perform well. All I needed was the keenest dedication, passion and knowledge. One also needs a lot of self-discipline and organizational skills.
Whatever it is that one chooses to do, the mind must be set up to succeed, to win, to achieve. These, above all, are the major tools for success. However, once I set my heart and passion for music, many doors were opened for me, and I truly believe, with God's blessings, I found myself being an entrepreneur, a conductor, composer, arranger, lecturer, consultant, etc. I believe we can choose our destiny once we have given our best. Many options will arise!
Dr. Geraldine Law-Lee, Thu 01/11/2007
A career in music during my time meant being a performer or a teacher only. Today, careers in music are much more diversified.
A career as an instrumental performer focuses strictly on the world of musical performance. This would mean many hours of practice, watching and listening to top performers and having sufficient funds to study at the world’s top conservatoires. Besides developing such discipline, acquiring technical, virtuosic skills, and managing one’s emotions and thoughts are most vital for a performing career.
In the world of teaching, all one needs is dedication, love, passion, care and discipline. Good communication skills and being a ‘people-person’ is certainly required.
In my time, I wanted only to be a professional teacher who could also perform well. All I needed was the keenest dedication, passion and knowledge. One also needs a lot of self-discipline and organizational skills.
Whatever it is that one chooses to do, the mind must be set up to succeed, to win, to achieve. These, above all, are the major tools for success. However, once I set my heart and passion for music, many doors were opened for me, and I truly believe, with God's blessings, I found myself being an entrepreneur, a conductor, composer, arranger, lecturer, consultant, etc. I believe we can choose our destiny once we have given our best. Many options will arise!
Dr. Geraldine Law-Lee, Thu 01/11/2007
Chapter 2: The early steps of the musical journey
My early days as a piano student were fun. I had a wonderful teacher who loved me dearly. It is important for teachers to understand that all kids need to be loved. This made me look forward to lessons.
When I passed Grade 2, it was imminent that I have a piano at home but my parents had difficulty finding one that matched their budget. After much saving, they finally bought me an old ‘honky-tonk’ piano for RM500. It was a really old piano with yellowish keys that was practically falling off! It was my piano and I made the best out of it. I never complained despite the fact that my cousin had a brand new Broadwood piano. I simply loved my piano and it was not the state of the instrument that mattered that much compared to the music that I can create from it. I was just thankful for I knew that my parents had made a huge sacrifice for me.
I had a different teacher during my higher grades because my first teacher left for London. This new teacher also made me feel special. As a young student, it wasn’t just the music lessons that interested me. It was the ‘play-time’! All music teachers need to know that the right environment will make their music lessons much more attractive. My teacher would reward me for having practiced well and showing her the results during the next lesson.
My early music years when I had a piano were always filled with entertainment time at home. My parents were my best audience. They were always supportive and would encourage my sister and I to perform for them in the evenings. They would applaud and were so proud of us. My grandmother often demanded of us to play well as she was a piano teacher herself. My sister and I used to play duets for her; hence music-making was a part of our lives. This built my confidence and I was never worried about playing for people. This was because my home was always a ready stage! Performance can be trained from the home!
Dr. Geraldine Law-Lee, Sun 05/08/2007
When I passed Grade 2, it was imminent that I have a piano at home but my parents had difficulty finding one that matched their budget. After much saving, they finally bought me an old ‘honky-tonk’ piano for RM500. It was a really old piano with yellowish keys that was practically falling off! It was my piano and I made the best out of it. I never complained despite the fact that my cousin had a brand new Broadwood piano. I simply loved my piano and it was not the state of the instrument that mattered that much compared to the music that I can create from it. I was just thankful for I knew that my parents had made a huge sacrifice for me.
I had a different teacher during my higher grades because my first teacher left for London. This new teacher also made me feel special. As a young student, it wasn’t just the music lessons that interested me. It was the ‘play-time’! All music teachers need to know that the right environment will make their music lessons much more attractive. My teacher would reward me for having practiced well and showing her the results during the next lesson.
My early music years when I had a piano were always filled with entertainment time at home. My parents were my best audience. They were always supportive and would encourage my sister and I to perform for them in the evenings. They would applaud and were so proud of us. My grandmother often demanded of us to play well as she was a piano teacher herself. My sister and I used to play duets for her; hence music-making was a part of our lives. This built my confidence and I was never worried about playing for people. This was because my home was always a ready stage! Performance can be trained from the home!
Dr. Geraldine Law-Lee, Sun 05/08/2007
Chapter 1: Making a decision
I had to make the biggest decision of my life when choosing a career. I turned to God to help me make the bold decision of a totally different choice just after consulting a lady doctor about pursuing a career in Medicine and Science. Of course, my parents were disappointed but I assured them I would try to make a huge success out of Music. From that day on, I was out to live my promise and my dream. I sought divine blessings from God, the giver of talents, for my choice of career and above all, more talent and confidence for success in the field of music.
It was certainly no easy task. As with all decisions in life, once made, there was no turning back. If undecided and confused, we must ask ourselves: What is it that we really want to do? What are we passionate about? What do we see ourselves doing in 10 years? Against all odds, leave out financial considerations when making emotional decisions. After which, find a solution to problems and take the best step after careful considerations. Financial problems must never cloud the genuine feel of the heart. That was just what I did! Though I did not have enough funds to study abroad then, it never deterred me. That was just me; always positive, always optimistic, always full of faith.
A decision should be based on genuine love, passion and desire. So was mine and nothing was going to change it. I was eager though I felt somewhat helpless at that time. But there was one thing I knew. Nothing was going to stop me then. There were no other requirements for the decision. I only had passion, desire, love, confidence and commitment. No costs, no plans, no tools for the journey. It will all come.
Dr. Geraldine Law- Lee, Fri 20/07/2007
It was certainly no easy task. As with all decisions in life, once made, there was no turning back. If undecided and confused, we must ask ourselves: What is it that we really want to do? What are we passionate about? What do we see ourselves doing in 10 years? Against all odds, leave out financial considerations when making emotional decisions. After which, find a solution to problems and take the best step after careful considerations. Financial problems must never cloud the genuine feel of the heart. That was just what I did! Though I did not have enough funds to study abroad then, it never deterred me. That was just me; always positive, always optimistic, always full of faith.
A decision should be based on genuine love, passion and desire. So was mine and nothing was going to change it. I was eager though I felt somewhat helpless at that time. But there was one thing I knew. Nothing was going to stop me then. There were no other requirements for the decision. I only had passion, desire, love, confidence and commitment. No costs, no plans, no tools for the journey. It will all come.
Dr. Geraldine Law- Lee, Fri 20/07/2007
Introduction
This is a journey of love, passion and faith. It is a journey that tells how I used all my God-given talents to the fullest; to reach out, to enjoy, to touch, to move, to share, to learn, and finally to appreciate “All the wonderful things God, the Almighty is doing for me”!
I never thought of a career in Music. It was the last thing on my mind as I was more focused on academic excellence. Music, in my parent’s and my mind, was only a relaxing, additional extracurricular activity a girl should learn. I never knew what I had in store. I was given the usual piano lessons and always seemed to have excelled in my lower grades in exams, always my teacher’s best pupil. But it meant nothing to me. It was all about certificates, papers, exams and performance. I was the youngest pupil to be awarded a diploma in my secondary school days. I started serving in the church choir, playing the organ at the age of 12. It was a challenge for me, as the choir often sang Handel’s Messiah and other challenging choruses and I had to be the accompanist. Again, it was just fun to be playing challenging stuff. My journey in music was always easy, fun, and enjoyable.
After my college days, while waiting to begin medical studies in Australia, my dad brought me to consult a doctor friend about my choice of a career in medicine. Somehow, during the conversation, it dawned on me that perhaps my calling was not in the medical profession. That was when I decided that music is where my heart and passion lies, and that is what I want to do for the rest of my life. That very night, my musical journey began.
Dr. Geraldine Law-Lee, Fri 20/07/2007
I never thought of a career in Music. It was the last thing on my mind as I was more focused on academic excellence. Music, in my parent’s and my mind, was only a relaxing, additional extracurricular activity a girl should learn. I never knew what I had in store. I was given the usual piano lessons and always seemed to have excelled in my lower grades in exams, always my teacher’s best pupil. But it meant nothing to me. It was all about certificates, papers, exams and performance. I was the youngest pupil to be awarded a diploma in my secondary school days. I started serving in the church choir, playing the organ at the age of 12. It was a challenge for me, as the choir often sang Handel’s Messiah and other challenging choruses and I had to be the accompanist. Again, it was just fun to be playing challenging stuff. My journey in music was always easy, fun, and enjoyable.
After my college days, while waiting to begin medical studies in Australia, my dad brought me to consult a doctor friend about my choice of a career in medicine. Somehow, during the conversation, it dawned on me that perhaps my calling was not in the medical profession. That was when I decided that music is where my heart and passion lies, and that is what I want to do for the rest of my life. That very night, my musical journey began.
Dr. Geraldine Law-Lee, Fri 20/07/2007
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