Inspiring a lifelong love for music

Ms Julie Tan, President, Singapore Music Teachers' Association
Distinguished guests
Parents
Boys and girls

Good Afternoon.

1. It gives me great pleasure to join you today for the Gala Concert & Awards Ceremony of the 5th Singapore Performers' Festival and Chamber Music Competition.
   

2. I understand that the competition has been ongoing for the past five days. It is, indeed, a rare opportunity for so many budding talents from both Singapore and ASEAN to interact and perform together. I hope that you have made new friends and learnt from each other through this invaluable experience. 
   

3. It is heartening to know that the Singapore Music Teachers' Association (SMTA) initiated the Singapore Performers' Festival in 2006 to recognise young talent and to develop the professional practice of its pool of educators. The Performers' Festival gives musicians like yourselves a chance to perform in front of an audience – not to vie for a grade but to also enjoy the experience while achieving your personal best. Both performers and their teachers also benefit from face-to-face critiques with internationally renowned musicians.
   

4. I would like to commend the SMTA, under the leadership of Ms Julie Tan, for its vision and efforts to inspire a lifelong love for music teaching and learning. Its collaboration with the Orchestra of Music Makers for example, offers valuable opportunities for amateur and professional musicians to learn from each other and forge ties for future collaboration.

5. At MCCY, we recognise that the interests and aspirations of youth in Singapore are diverse. Therefore, together with the National Arts Council, we initiate and support a wide variety of programmes to encourage greater youth involvement in the arts beyond primary, secondary and tertiary levels. One example is Noise Singapore, a youth arts festival that provides platforms for young people to showcase their creativity and to meet like-minded youths. Another is MATCHBOX, which provides project guidance, networking opportunities, and funding support to young people who want to initiate their own arts projects. I would like to take this opportunity to encourage all of you to continue to pursue your interest in the arts through such platforms. 
   

6. We also recognise that parents and educators play an equally important role in nurturing a young child's interest in the arts. Parents and educators can help impart the right values and instill the necessary discipline required to excel. I would like to thank the teachers who have worked hard to prepare their students, as well as the parents in the audience who have supported their children's journey with music. 
   

7. Please join me in congratulating the performers for their various achievements and the organising team for a successful 5th edition of the Singapore Performers' Festival and Chamber Music Competition. 

8. Thank you.