by on 26/09/2024 175
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Established in 1990, Pastorale Conservatoire of Music is a stalwart of the Malaysian classical music scene. Founded by the passionate and dedicated Ms. Yim Soi Chee, the academy has steadily grown from a small-scale music school into a renowned conservatoire spanning two branches, in OUG and Bandar Puchong Jaya.
Today, the academy offers something for everyone – including children’s classes, individual lessons, adult courses, and professional courses. Some of the instruments that students can choose to learn include the piano, violin, viola, cello, classical guitar, and flute.
Pastorale’s ethos, “We teach from the heart”, is evident in every aspect of the school’s approach to musical education. “We can impart musical knowledge, but at the end of the day, what we want them (our students) to walk away with is good character,” Ms. Yim reflects.
Ms. Yim’s journey into music began early, teaching the piano when she was in secondary school while pursuing her music diploma. After graduating in mass communication and political science from her university, she could have pursued a career in marketing or advertising – but fate and a passion for music and teaching drew her to music education. A friend who was leaving for the UK entrusted her music students to Yim, and that was the moment her teaching career fully took off.
Over the years, the school has grown from a handful of teachers to over 20, with most of them being former students who have returned to teach. Members of staff are highly qualified, many having studied abroad in countries like Germany, Australia, and the UK. Beyond qualifications, Ms. Yim stresses the importance of passion and alignment with Pastorale’s teaching philosophy of building strong, personal relationships that transcend music.
She recounts how one of her former students, who studied law in the UK, returned to help with Pastorale’s charity concerts. “She was with me from the age of six to 18, and even as an adult she’s still a part of our journey,” Yim says, beaming with pride.
Such stories are common at Pastorale, where students are nurtured to become not just musicians, but fine young men and women with discipline, a deep appreciation for music and life’s greater values.
Pastorale’s courses start as early as two years old with a toddler music class. “At that age, reading is not their forte, so it’s all about hearing and movement,” Ms. Yim explains. “We want children to feel the rhythm and respond to music naturally.”
With small classes of around two to six students, these early lessons focus on rhythm, pitch recognition, and imitating simple melodies using percussion instruments, setting a strong foundation for children to learn instruments and help in their physical and cognitive development. Parental involvement is also key.
“When parents come to us to enrol their children, I always ask to meet the child first. Can they press my hand? How strong is their grip? Are their bones developed enough?” she says, emphasising the importance of waiting until children are physically ready to handle certain instruments. “It’s not just about teaching music – it’s about understanding the child’s growth.”
For younger children aged three to four, classes are flexible, and tailor made to their needs. Each session may range from 45 minutes to an hour, with children participating in activities like singing, recognising musical notes by ear, movement, and playing simple instruments.
When they reach the age of six, students start on a more structured path of musicianship, involving theory learning and improvisation, as well as introduction to various orchestra instruments. They may then take individual lessons.
Ms. Yim strongly believes that music education goes beyond teaching notes and scales. She cites how music teachers are often with a child for many years, much longer than most schoolteachers. This long-term bond allows teachers at Pastorale to shape not only the musical abilities of their students, but also their character.
An example of this can be seen with Pastorale students who enter music competitions. Ms. Yim points out that how a child handles defeat is just as important as how they celebrate victory. “If you lose, it’s okay. What matters is that you tried your best, and you congratulate the winner for doing better,” she says.
This mindset, focused on personal growth rather than accolades, is integral to the conservatoire’s philosophy. Students are encouraged to be disciplined, manage their time well, and commit to their craft, while enjoying the learning process. “We have students who are now doctors, engineers, lawyers – they don’t need to continue with music professionally, but the lessons they’ve learned here stay with them,” Ms. Yim adds.
Pastorale Conservatoire organises masterclasses and annual recitals. Internationally renowned musicians are invited to hold workshops and masterclasses, exposing students to different teaching styles and techniques.
Of course, certifications do still matter. Pastorale is a Trinity College examination centre, providing an excellent environment and a grand piano for practical exams of all levels.
In addition to exams and recitals, the school organises charity concerts as well. Pastorale’s students and alumni have raised thousands of ringgit for various causes. One such event, held in 2023, raised over RM70,000 – RM50,000 of which was donated to the St John’s Dialysis Centre to purchase a new dialysis machine, and RM20,000 for stray animals.
Despite the conservatoire’s success, Ms. Yim is careful about expanding too quickly. “I believe in doing things well, rather than rushing to grow,” she says. Pastorale carefully selects its teachers, prioritising dedication and passion over mere qualifications. Over the years, Pastorale’s close-knit teaching community has remained stable, with many teachers having been with the school for decades.
Ultimately, Pastorale Conservatoire of Music is about more than creating musicians – it’s about shaping lives. Whether a child grows up to be a concert pianist, an engineer, or a lawyer, the lessons and values they learn at Pastorale will help them through life’s challenges. And for Ms. Yim, that’s the greatest reward an educator can ask for.
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