Our Instructors

Catherine Ong, M.A., Bmus(Hons).

Principal & Director of Music

Catherine Ong started learning piano at the age of five and has continued to pursue her music passion ever since. In September 2016, she graduated with the Bachelor of Music (Honours) degree in Piano Performance from Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts — Royal College of Music (London) under the tutelage of renowned pianists, Lim Tshui Fang and Kathron Sturrock. She has also received guidance from young Singaporean pianist Clarence Lee. Although music performance is her major study, she had gained interest in music teaching and thus in September 2017, she was awarded full scholarship by the Beijing Municipal Government to study at China Conservatory of Music and graduated with Master of Arts in Piano Pedagogy under the tutelage of Mr. Ouyang Dafan.

During her studies, Catherine has performed with various ensembles and orchestras such as Singapore Symphony Chorus, Singapore Wind Symphony, China International Youth Chamber Orchestra, and Singapore Qinzheng Association. As an accompanist for different instruments, her biggest achievement is helping her soloist Chew Lixian clinched first prize in the National Chinese Music Competition (2016) Sheng Open Category. Catherine has also participated in masterclasses with renowned pedagogues and pianists such as Dina Parakhina, Vanessa Latarche, Boris Kraljevic, Chee-Hung Tao, Antonio Pompa-Baldi, and Matti Raekallio.

Catherine has a strong interest in teaching music for children and believe that “Music is for everyone”, which brought her to research on her master’s thesis titled “Music Education for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder”. She hopes to share her knowledge and experiences and to let her students enjoy the process of music making. She believes that music teaching should be fun, creative and full of excitement.

With over 10 years of experience, she is dedicated to helping her students develop their love of music and their technical skills. Her piano students also participated and having won numerous awards in competitions around the world.

  • Silver Award in the 9th Singapore Raffles International Music Festival 2023 (Singapore)

  • First Prize Winner of the 2023 2nd Golden Piano Talents 2nd International Piano Competition 2023 (Europe)

  • Third Prize Winner of the 3rd Franz Liszt Center International Piano Competition (Europe)

  • Honor Award in the Chopin Avenue International Piano Competition Spring 2023 (Europe)

  • First Place Winner of the Vienna Virtuoso Music Competition 2023 (Europe)

  • Gold Award in the 2023 VI International Liszt Ferenc Competition (Europe)

  • First Prize Winner of the 2023 "Golden Classical Music Awards" International Competition (USA)

  • Exceptional Young Talent Special Prize Winner of the 2023 "Golden Classical Music Awards" International Competition (USA)

  • Third Prize Winner of the Pearl River Digital Piano International Competition 2022 (Singapore)

  • First Prize Winner of the Happy Pianist Music Festival 2022 (Singapore)

Carmen Yiek

Music Teacher

Carmen Yiek serves the school as a piano teacher. She holds a Bachelor Degree from the Curtin University (Malaysia) and a prestigious Fellowship diploma in pianoforte (FIMEB) from the reputable International Music Examination Board. She was also awarded the “Highest Scorer Award” in Music Theory by the Trinity College of Music in London.

She has a vast experience in teaching, having taught a wide range of ages, from 3 years old toddlers to adults. She is also active in the performing circle, having been a residence pianist for the Grand Palace and Meritz Hotel. She has been invited to be the piano accompanist for the Miri Symphony Orchestra Choir. The role has brought her valuable performing experience as a pianist, participating in various public concerts such as concerts for the government, and the 42nd Malaysia National Vocal Competition. Apart from the above achievements and accolades, she is also a violinist. The experience in piano and violin performances has strengthened her skills as a professional musician, but her passion for teaching gives her greater sense of purpose and satisfaction.