Chapter 12: Enjoying the musical career

As a music teacher, I must ensure that I keep myself updated with the latest technologies, updates of new methods of teaching and keep up my playing as well. That was just what I did.

When I began as an amateur teacher, I ensured I had an hour in between my classes to keep up my practices because I knew that I would be too exhausted to do any more practices at the end of the day. I also ensured that I kept up with the latest news and reports about teaching, classical music, music literature, etc. Those were the pre-internet days. Keeping up with all the latest happenings in the music world gave me great pleasure in my work and my journey as a musician. I was aware of many music teachers and performers who burned themselves out quick and left the career with no intention of returning. That is sad!

I also strived to ensure that I was fresh in my thoughts and ideas. My prayer ministry that began recently through my music ministry saw the surge of new power and new areas flowing for me. Being willing to learn, to share and to give, great gifts and ideas poured in abundance and I found myself totally immersed in the world of music with such intense joy, gratification and contentment. I knew it was totally a gift from God I had used rightly for Him and all His plans for me! I enjoyed my entire journey and will always do so with greater intensity as each day passes by.

Dr. Geraldine Law-Lee, Tue 05/08/2008

Step By Step The Fun Way Series
Step By Step Piano Course The Fun Way Step 1
Step By Step Piano Course The Fun Way Step 2
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Step By Step to Piano Lessons The Fun Way Master Series 1
Step By Step to Piano Lessons The Fun Way Master Series 2

Chapter 11: Harvesting the fruits of labouring in the field of music

Quite many years ago, music as a career in Malaysia seemed to be only for those who couldn’t achieve higher academic levels, besides being a field totally for the artistic. Music has taken the world by storm in the field of performance, especially in the area of pop and jazz. The classical arena has narrowed, due to the emergence of world music, gospel music, contemporary music and folk music. Technology has opened up the world of music production through digital recording media and computer music. The creation of amazing music software has lead to a whole new world of composition, arrangement and production.

I was again in luck to hit the wave for the music world I was in. I started a higher learning academy for music students to pursue their degrees, and this opened up all the areas of education, technology and opportunities for me. I wanted a place of music making, teaching, performing, enjoyment, a place where music teachers can enjoy being together, working together and excelling in music.

Again, when all that was achieved, I sought to fly higher. This made me realize that God was really empowering me. With this realization of God’s love for me, all things faded in comparison with His plans and His love for me. I had found my goal. I had found an oasis with a lifetime abundance of satisfaction, of joy, of immense wealth, of the joy of sharing. Indeed, discovering that one derives great satisfaction in one’s daily work, and to discover one has a truly rewarding career is indeed like having found the world’s greatest treasure.

Dr. Geraldine Law-Lee, Sat 19/07/2008


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Chapter 10: The fruits of my music career and sharing it

I now realized everything was placed in my path to allow me to be an empowered musician since my earliest days! As a piano teacher, my dream to establish a music academy was realized with the great contribution from my diploma students who worked with me upon graduation to build the International Music House. We began with only 3 of us teaching piano and electronic organ. Today, the IMH comprises a junior music school and a full-fledged academy, enabling students to complete their degrees in music twinning with Australian, UK and local universities. It was an amazing dream come true!

Today, I realized God had called me for a purpose. When He asked me to take up music instead of medical science, I obeyed. My passion, my dreams, my hope of a good career and future was all in His hands. I did not realize it then but never gave up because I served in my church music ministry since I was 12 years old. His voice was always prompting me, giving me the directions. I followed my Masters’ voice, and today, He has led me to streams overflowing with abundant blessings for my career in His vineyard.

What I’m trying to say is that, from a piano teaching career, God has really placed in my path, springs of branches into new territories. One by one, the gates opened, the bridges came forth and I am truly blessed and rewarded with abundant fruit and harvest.

Since my realization, I have been sharing all I had with those in need like; scholarships for talented children who have no opportunities to learn music, for the talented who wish for a career in music, for the disabled (we have just started to help the blind and the mentally retarded), charity shows for the various charitable organizations, for our own staff, for single mothers, for orphans, etc. Through this, I hope that all may know the wonders of God’s greatest miracle of love and salvation, and that through His gift of music, anyone can be a powerful instrument to share this message of love.

Dr. Geraldine Law-Lee, Tue 06/05/2008

Chapter 9: New pastures in the music career

Music careers here in the past used to be only instrumental teaching or performing. Never did I realize then that my involvement in other music activities could also contribute greatly to my career and experiences.

Besides being a piano teacher, I was a church pianist and eventually the church choir conductor. These experiences became huge assets for me when I was appointed as the State Choral Conductor for our State choir and orchestra. I was involved in writing tunes for certain special occasions, and doing musical arrangements for musicians and singers. The experience also involved the inclusion of various folk-tunes from ethnic groups from Sarawak to ensure a multicultural variety. As secretary and later Music Director of the Sarawak Music Society, I learnt organizational skills. I also helped my former school in whatever way I could with their band and choir. All these experiences and skills were instrumental when I later set up my school and was invited to take up new roles besides teaching. I found that experiences in all the various fields I had assisted in were instrumental in providing me the abilities and confidence to undertake new and challenging tasks in the music field.

It was then that I realized, everything I put in to help the community and anyone in need, was returned to me many times over. God, the giver of gifts, especially musical gifts, tells me that if I am generous with all my gifts and use it to share with the world, then He, in return, will give me much more, and prosper me beyond my understanding, and indeed He did! My career from a simple piano teacher flourished to one beyond my imagination!

Dr. Geraldine Law-Lee, Tue 06/05/2008

Chapter 8: The ‘plateau years’ and ‘dry seasons’ of one’s career

During the early years of my career as a music teacher, teaching music was always exciting as there was so much to do and learn each day; new repertoire, trying out new ideas, achieve excellent exam results, etc to gain recognition as a full-fledged music teacher. What excitement!

Once that was attained, my excitement and enthusiasm began wearing off. My musical journey had brought me to an arid desert! I started looking for greener pastures, as I was feeling dry of ideas, losing my zeal and enthusiasm that I once possessed. Nothing seemed to satisfy me and there was even a point when I considered a total change of career. This came as a result of too much exhaustive teaching and practicing.

I tend to work long hours giving extra lessons willingly. I felt it was gratifying. Nevertheless, having too many extra practices, concerts, charitable shows, etc to work continuously on, slowly burnt out the initial passion and desire to love and enjoy music. Soon, it became meaningless and there was no longer time to enjoy and appreciate my art.

Musicians need space and continuous musical exchange and interaction to preserve the passion of the art. One day, after an enlightening seminar at church, I realized my shortcomings and began to prioritize things I needed to do to improve. My excitement began all over again. After that fall into stagnation, I am today; totally aware of never ever allowing myself to get into such a state, so that I can cherish and always appreciate to the fullest, the life and career I have been blessed with.

Dr. Geraldine Law-Lee, Tue 25/03/2008

Chapter 7: In to the face of adulthood and a music career

When I returned from the UK, I was eager to begin my music career and found a teaching job at a ‘commercialized’ music school where free lessons were provided for pianos purchased. Sadly, instruction in that school was not what I genuinely felt that serious music lessons should be! No one bothered about technique or the art of music making. I did not feel good about that and took the courage together with my dad to begin a proper music specialist school.

From that day since, I have never looked back. It has been such a tough and winding road with trials and tribulations along the way, but it showed me that deep and sincere passion for music would prove fruitful.

A music career is ideal for a person like me who also has family responsibilities to keep. I had flexible work hours and being in education has also taught me parenting skills. My kids benefited most being in an environment with an educated lot of music enthusiasts and educators.

Among the many things that music taught and/or developed them was humility, seeking perfection, artistry, patience, hard work, imagination, individuality, etc…the list seems endless!

I did wonder what my character would have been like if I had chosen another career. Music certainly has taught me patience, perseverance and dedication. It has heightened my awareness and sharpened all my coordinating skills. Through teaching, conducting, arranging, composing and performing, music has given me gratification. My interaction with my friends, staff and family has benefited from my interaction with parents, customers and students. It has been an exciting and educational journey for me, and with God’s grace, I have managed to keep my career in music flourishing.

Dr. Geraldine Law-Lee, Fri 29/02/2008

Chapter 6: The brave and passionate decision to study music

Turning down offers to study Medicine and Biochemistry for Music was one of the bravest choices I have ever made in my life. In hindsight, I have no regrets about that decision but it was no easy task.

Battling with remarks about it being a job with unstable income and being a course for people who were less academic, among others, I was undeterred about my decision. I did not know how a career in music was going to turn out for me. All I had was total passion and love for music. Though advised against it, I vehemently pursued a career in music when I received a British Council Scholarship to study in the UK.

During my early school years, I often excelled in Science and after completing my Victorian HSC at Taylors College; I was at cross roads with my decision. To those of you in a similar situation, my advice is to follow your heart’s desire and face any difficulty with courage and perseverance.

At that time, the only career options was either being a Performer or a music teacher. Nothing else was available! It must have been God’s choice and calling that I become a musician. After all, I believe God is the provider of talent.

Today, there are much more career opportunities in Music. Options include being a producer, lecturer, researcher, early childhood music specialist, music therapist, instrumental teacher, arranger, composer, sound engineer, etc. With degrees offered in Media art linking music to photography, graphics, visual arts, fine arts, digital technology, etc, there is a huge world for a music or music-related career out there waiting to be discovered!

With all that available, one just has to ask oneself this question:
What is it that I genuinely dream of becoming?

Once you have decided, pursue your dream career fervently and be successful with it.

Dr. Geraldine Law-Lee, Tue 19/02/2008

Chapter 5: Teenage musical experiences to be shared

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

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

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

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

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

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