My experience as a Music student
Shadrach Johanan Yankaya
Music, Year 3 | 25 March 2022
I did not always see myself pursuing music. As a child, I took piano lessons despite not enjoying them; I found the music as a chore and did not find joy in it. However, I joined my school’s Concert Band in Primary 3, and that sparked my interest in percussion and developed my passion for music. When I visited the Open House in 2018, I was attracted by the variety of programmes offered at SOTA, including its extensive Music curriculum. I was also captivated by the prospect of immersing myself in music and interacting with others who shared the same passion. However, preparing for the Talent Academy (SOTA’s Direct School Admissions programme) was challenging. Knowing that my skills as a percussionist were lacking in comparison to my peers, I took it upon myself to train and prepare well. To my surprise, I was accepted and I began my new journey at SOTA!
A typical school day in SOTA can be quite long, starting at 7.45am and sometimes ending at 5.00pm. In addition to the usual academics lessons, I also take three artform lessons a week including an Integrated Music Studies class and Composition class. During my first two years, I found it challenging to balance my time between lessons, homework, and my artform. However, I have since learned to better manage my time by keeping a timetable. It’s important to keep track of time and keep a healthy work-life balance!
One of the biggest differences coming from Primary School is how the lessons are carried out. Lessons tend to be more interactive at SOTA, and teachers often use activities to make them more interesting and enjoyable. I heard from friends that learning History would be very boring and mundane. However, my experience is very much the opposite as our teachers incorporate presentations, role playing activities, and investigations. In fact, History is one of the subjects that I’ve most enjoyed through my three years at SOTA.
Another aspect of SOTA that I really appreciate is its welcoming school culture. The close-knit community is always very warm and friendly regardless of age, class, or artform. Personally, I adore my classmates despite only being together for a single school term, and we’ve managed to form close bonds and develop strong relationships with each other. At SOTA, we are given many opportunities to collaborate and get to know each other better. For example, cohort level events like the Borderless Learning Units (BLU) programme help us build teamwork and form new friendships, while artform-related events like the Chamber Music Ensemble bring together students sharing a similar passion and encourage us to learn from each other.
My parents were very supportive of my endeavours as they wanted me to pursue my dreams, and I am extremely grateful to them for continuing to support me till this day. I’ve not yet made concrete plans for after I graduate; however, I’ve always wanted to help others using the talents that I have. Regardless of whether I choose to pursue a career in the arts, I will be satisfied as long as I strive with this goal in mind.
To those considering SOTA:
My advice for students considering SOTA is to have fun! Many people think of SOTA as very stressful and taxing. While that may be true sometimes, it is important to take a step back and enjoy the process as you embark on this artistic journey.
Students specialising in Music will experience the spectrum of music, from voice and instrumental study, to music theory and analysis, and composition. They will discover music from around the world and examine the development of music across traditions and history. They will also develop craft, perspectives and dispositions of a musician, which will enrich their journey in any field beyond SOTA.
Find out more about SOTA at our e-Open House, held online from 9 April to 17 May 2022 HERE.