I would like to share with you today some of the common questions that parents might have in terms of their child's music education. The answers are from our principal Ms Flora Lim.

My child does not seem to participate in the class? Is he/she too young and not ready for music classes?

We don't really think it is a big 'problem'. As long as you can see signs of your child singing at home, dance or move to the rhythm of music, then I believe we have succeeded in providing them the right environment for neuron connections in their brain which is crucial in the musical development at the later age. 

Music training enhances a brain function that dies away. Studies have shown that early experiences of childhood determine which brain cells (neurons) will connect with other brain cells, and which ones will die away.

Because neutron connections are responsible for all types of intelliegence, studies also show that a child's brain develops to its full potential only with exposure to the necessary music enriching experiences. If not stimulated during early childhood, these neuron connectors die, and cannot be revived by any activity. We are thus looking at ways to develop the whole brain (left and right brain).

We all know how music can help in the overall development in a child, mentally and emotionally. Let me talk in more detail about an area where research has shown music can help.

Researchers have found that structured piano lessons help preschoolers develop a type of reasoning called spatial-temporal reasoning, that may help them do well in Math, Science and engineering.

Spatial-temporal reasoning is the ability to reason in space and through time. It's what a person putting together a puzzle uses to envision the picture the pieces will make. It's what a person playing chess uses to anticipate and respond to an opponent's move. It's what an engineer uses when designing a bridge. When children play the piano, they're not just playing notes, they're thinking ahead in patterns. Music is a sequence of patterns.

We are delighted with this significant collaboration. London College of Music Examinations, part of the University of West London, is the second oldest music graded exam board, founded in 1887 by the young 28-yr old George Augustus Holmes, and active in delivering examinations in SE Asia since the 1890’s. 1887 was in itself a significant time, since it was just 17 years after the Education Act which began compulsory primary level state education in England and Wales. Holmes was making a contribution to music education for all, a very new concept then.

Nor is LCME new to providing assessments and qualifications in both music and drama for the very young. Our pre-Grade One level includes syllabuses in Early Learning, used by many pre- school organisations, and individual assessments in for instance piano, electronic keyboard, drums, known as our Step qualifications.

Director of Examinations of London College of Music, Prof John Howard, Managing Director, Directors, Managers and Principals of all respectable childcares and kindergartens affiliated with Seimpi School of Music, Representatives from press, Seimpi parents, ladies and gentlemen,

With this event today, it marks an important milestone for Seimpi School of Music, as it is the first time a local early childhood music program, which took root in Singapore 9 years ago, is now officially positioned under the umbrella of a world renowned professional body in music assessments and examination, the respectable and reputable London College of Music from the United Kingdom. It is also the first time, where local teachers are being recognized of their contribution in music education, to be appointed as assessors of the LCME MIM® Assessment.