Jessie Chua

Pianist, Accompanist & Educator • Royal College of Music • NAFA SYT

Hello! I am a classically-trained pianist based in Singapore. Whether you're new to music or simply looking for a different approach, I offer personalised lessons tailored to your goals. Over the past decade, I have taught students aged 3 to 59 with diverse learning abilities, including children with special needs — music should be for everyone, regardless of background.

Teaching Philosophy

I believe in empowering students to become independent learners. Lessons are shaped by my students' goals and aspirations, and I use inclusive approaches to suit every individual's needs. I hope to instil in all my students the important life values of creativity, integrity, resilience and sensitivity.A functional understanding of the body is central to my approach. Understanding how physical posture – wrist suppleness, curved fingers, engaged back muscles – affects tone brings us one step closer to realising the music we imagine. With my lessons strongly emphasising sound technique, expressive musicality, and historical understanding, I hope to give my students the keys to a lifelong and meaningful musical journey.

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Musician Hire

I am based in Singapore and am available to perform for weddings, corporate functions, and other special occasions. I regularly do piano accompaniments for instrumentalists, vocalists, and choirs, and have a strong vocal background with over 12 years of experience singing in choirs and choruses. I also do concert and stage management. If you’re looking for a pianist, singer, or stage manager, feel free to get in touch to discuss your project or event.

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Testimonials

DINARA KLINTON

Prof. at the Royal College of Music (Past)
Current Assoc. Prof. at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music (Present)

"One is truly fortunate to encounter someone with the dedication, resilience, and artistry that Jessie embodies. She is a pianist of exceptional intelligence and devotion, with an unwavering commitment to her craft despite all challenges. Having received an impeccable education, she combines profound musical insight with genuine care, making her not only a remarkable musician but also a very special person. Jessie is a true asset to anyone who has the privilege of studying with her."

ZABRINA NG

Canadian Pianist & Colleague

"Having studied and worked with Jessie over a number of years, I can attest to her experience and professionalism. She is knowledgeable in all aspects of musical training from practice, theory, history to pedagogy, and would often be the one colleagues came to for advice on musical or pedagogical matters. I've been fortunate enough to have personal experience of her superior work ethic. Her timeliness, reliability and organization are unparalleled. She is a joy to work with. I've witnessed her constant dedication and care for her students through the many conversations we've had about teaching methods. Her passion for music and commitment to quality are inspiring and contagious. I would trust her with my child's musical journey in a heartbeat."

HOI

Parent of 9-year-old boy

"Gareth enjoys his piano lessons with Teacher Jessie. He has been learning from her since he was 6 yo. She is kind and patient; and allows Gareth to choose his music pieces to work on, which motivates Gareth to practise the pieces on his own. Gareth always feel safe to ask Teacher Jessie questions on music. She tweaks certain teaching methods to suit Gareth's learning style which we really appreciate. We would highly recommend her."

ANNE P.

Adult learner

"Jessie is a wonderful teacher. Having obtained my grade 8 many years ago, I stopped playing for a long time. I had always intended to get back to the piano but the years passed and my skills and confidence declined. I was very lucky, when I finally decided to get back into it, that I found Jessie. She has made my return to playing an enriching and enjoyable experience. She is patient, encouraging and knowledgeable. I have been able to better my technique and revive dusty skills and play some of the pieces I have always wanted to."

RACHEL GOH

Chorister & Colleague

Jessie is a very dedicated, patient and reliable piano teacher. It is very heartening to find a pianist and educator as well-trained, passionate and committed to her craft as Jessie, yet also committed to cultivating the very best in her students. She has her students' best interests at heart and is extremely mindful of their different needs. For example, if a student struggles with having short attention spans or is at the moment juggling heavier schoolwork, Jessie would modify her lesson plans for them for the week(s) and work with their current capacities. Meanwhile, as a piano accompanist, Jessie is also known for her dedication and flexibility, even learning demanding pieces at short notice if her student is running on a tight deadline. She maintains a high level of excellence and professionalism as an accompanist, whether it be for an examination, hired events, or for concerts."

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About

Biography

Jessie Chua is a Singaporean pianist and educator known for her technical brilliance and musical dedication. She was awarded the Kenneth and Violet Scott Scholarship to study at the Royal College of Music (RCM) in London, where she graduated First Class for her Bachelor’s of Music (Honours). At the RCM, she trained under Professors Dina Parakhina and Dinara Klinton, who have been significant and lasting influences on her development as a pianist, and to whom she credits all her expressive musicality. As a young pianist, she also studied at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) School of Young Talents under the tutelage of Miss Yao Xiao Yun, who was instrumental in honing her technical skills and building the foundation of what would become her career.Jessie’s dedication to her craft has won her first prize in the Young Pianists’ Competition 2012, first prize in piano ensemble competition Vivace 2016, and second prize in the Singapore International Classical Piano Competition 2018. Over the years, she has also played for masterclasses by Dr Kenneth Hamilton and Martin James Bartlett, and performed in prestigious venues across Singapore and the UK, such as the Esplanade Concert Hall, Steinway Gallery, and in other concert halls in London, Birmingham and Cardiff.As an educator, Jessie strives to make music accessible to all. She has had the privilege of learning from Dr Adam Ockelford at the Roehampton University for two years, where she taught students with physical impairments and learning difficulties such as blindness, autism and ADHD. Now based in Singapore, 10 years of teaching experience has brought Jessie students of vastly differing ages and backgrounds – from 3 to 62 years old, including students with special needs. She hopes that music, being a universal language, will help bridge gaps that words cannot fill.Jessie’s versatility as a musician extends into collaborations with other musicians. As a piano accompanist, she has worked with various instrumentalists and singers, performing with them in both London and Singapore. She often accompanies students, from ABRSM practical grades to Cambridge “A” level Music exams, and has played for local school choirs for the Singapore Youth Festival (SYF) competitions. Jessie is herself an avid chorister of 12 years, and has sung in notable performances such as Mozart’s and Faure’s requiems. She also has experience stage managing, having been engaged for concerts such as Piano Concertos in Perspective (IV) at the Victoria Concert Hall, and Esplanade Presents: Spectrum – Seeds at the Esplanade Recital Hall.Whether in performing or teaching, Jessie seeks to reach others in deep and meaningful ways. Today, she is co-founder and director of Voyage Music, where she hopes that her work will speak to people on a personal level and inspire a genuine and lasting love for music in anyone who hears it.

Education

Royal College of Music

Under the tutelage of Professors Dina Parakhina and Dinara Klinton
Kenneth and Violet Scott Scholar
Graduated with first class honours

Raffles Institution (Junior College) & Raffles Girls' School (Secondary)

"A" in Cambridge A Levels H2 Music at RI
Distinction in Performance from the University of Birmingham (1st year Music course) through Raffles Academy
Music Elective Programme (Y1-6)

Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) Music — School of Young Talents

Under the tutelage of Ms Yao Xiao Yun (姚小云) at NAFA SYT programme

Awards & Performances

Competitions

1st place in Young Pianists’ Competition (Senior Category) at Steinway Gallery Singapore
1st place in piano ensemble competition Vivace 2016
Distinction for Concerto Competition at the Royal College of Music
2nd prize in Singapore International Classical Piano Competition 2018

Performances

Recital at the Royal College of Music
Masterclass with Martin Bartlett
Masterclass with Dr Kenneth Hamilton

Teaching Experience

Private Teaching

Piano, theory, aural, MEP, O & A Level Music
All grades and ages
Including students with learning disabilities and/or special needs (ADHD, autism, blindness)

Teaching in Schools

Senior Teacher at Music Salon Emmanuel at Esplanade (current)
Piano Teacher at Forte Musicademy (2022-2023)
Relief Music Elective Programme (MEP) teacher at Raffles Girls' School (Secondary) (2019)
Relief piano and theory teacher at Josephine Koh Piano Academy (2018)

Professional Experience

Accompanist and Repetiteur

Accompanist for instrumental performances in London & Singapore
Accompanist for O & A Level Music examinations
Accompanist for school choirs for SYF competitions
Repetiteur for local choirs in Singapore

Stage Manager

Esplanade Presents: Spectrum – SEEDS at Esplanade Recital Hall
Shine! Concerto in Perspective (I) and (IV) at Victoria Concert Hall

Chorister

Sung in Mozart's Requiem
Sung in Faure's Requiem

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Lessons

Lessons Offered

Piano
Theory
Aural
Sight-reading
MEP, SMP, HMP & equivalent music programmes
O & A Level Music tuition
Duet & Chamber music
DSA & other auditions

Piano

Skills Covered:

Note-reading, rhythmic understanding, musicality, effective posture, efficient use of arm/body weight, sound technique (finger dexterity, wrist flexibility, etc.)
Theory is included unless otherwise requested

All levels:

Beginners, Grades 1-8, Diploma, Licentiate and Fellowship
Once-off consult lessons/masterclasses (e.g. before performances or competitions)
Playing for leisure

Duration: