Discovering Voice

My relationship with music began in kindergarten when I was sent to electone classes... which I later dropped out of. In Primary School, I discovered the power of my voice, alongside studying the electronic keyboard and piano, and it continued to be my main and primary instrument until today. Throughout my schooling years up until University, I discovered that voice is a powerful instrument for understanding and connecting with others. Through my choral journey, I felt a sense of belonging to worldly cultures and to the wider community. One of my favourite pieces of music remains 'Indodadana' performed live by Cape Town Youth Choir during World Choir Games in Riga, Latvia in 2014. For 20 years, I performed as a Soprano as solos and in choruses and gained experience in leading sections and conducting introductory voice lessons. 

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From concept to stage, the life of an Arts Manager

After a short stint at an agency for disabilities, I dived into the world of arts management where I could put the skills I have acquired over the years into my work: conceptualising new ideas, pitching to grants and government bodies, curating and programming artists, musicians and repertoire, artist liaison, marketing the projects, tickets sale management, managing front-of-house, back-of-house. For two and a half years, concert halls and theatres were almost my second home. I thought I was living the dream life until I was burnt out.

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Revelation

Like many who may turn to spirituality for strength, I turned to the spirituality of yoga and mindfulness for clarity. Through religious meditation and self-inquiry, in the middle of the global pandemic, my dharma ('duty') revealed itself to me - it is the combination of helping society and the arts that I must undertake as my path. To deepen my understanding of creative arts therapy, I joined The Red Pencil (Singapore) as a Programme and Administration Executive where I co-developed programmes and co-developed a creative arts therapy centre.

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Living my Dharma

Upon graduation from my MA Music Therapy in 2023, I am now working as a full-time music therapist at an acute hospital. Between supporting my patients and developing my clinical skills, I am interested in research and advocacy for this discipline. My relationship with music and voice will continue to deepen and possibly change as I journey in life and alongside patients I serve.

 

For now, I am extremely grateful that I am able to live my dharma every single day.

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Thank you for being a part of my journey.