ACF Clubs
SMU Ivory Keys
ABOUT US
SMU Ivory Keys is SMU’s very own piano ensemble club that unites students from diverse backgrounds who share a passion for music, regardless of genre. We play solos, accompaniment, 4-hand duets, trios, concertos and many more! SMU Ivory Keys aims to provide its members with a platform to refine their skills, enhance their showmanship and promote a greater appreciation for piano music within the SMU community.
Since its founding in 2007, SMU Ivory Keys has been organising piano concerts with occasional collaborations with other clubs and instruments, such as with Guitarissimo on Patron’s Day 2022. In 2020, SMU Ivory Keys held its annual production at the Esplanade Recital Studio, and its online fundraiser concert ”From Struggle to Victory”. In 2021, SMU Ivory Keys released its 9-part Reminiscence video performance series on YouTube, involving 20 performers playing pieces across pop, classical and anime music. SMU Ivory Keys also organises beginner classes, open to club members who wish to learn the piano.
The club’s current coach is Ms Yeong Lan-Ing, a part-time lecturer with the National Institute of Education/Nanyang Technological University (NTU), an instrumental tutor at German European School Singapore and the piano ensemble instructor for NTU, Raffles Institution (Junior College), SMU, and Singapore Polytechnic.
KEY EVENTS
- Annual production
Held at the Esplanade Recital Studio every year! - Monthly recording-recitals
Club members get to record themselves performing any piano piece of their choice, and have their recording uploaded onto our YouTube channel!
Reach us at ivorykeys@sa.smu.edu.sg!
GALLERY
OUR TRAINING
| Day | Mondays and Fridays (subject to change with members' availabilities) | |
| Time | 3:30pm to 5:30pm, 7:00pm to 9:00pm (subject to change with members' availabilities) | |
| Venue | Basement Studio (LKCSB) | |
OUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS
- iLight Singapore - Bicentennial Edition 2019 (Keys of Light)
- Patron's Day 2022
OUR PEOPLE IN ACTION
DO I NEED TO AUDITION TO GET INTO THE CLUB?
Auditions are not required to join the club, although all new members will need to pay a one-time membership fee of S$10. You may be required to audition separately to take part in certain school-wide events or represent SMU at external showcases and competitions.
"To perform!"
- Joshua Tan, Year 4
"I signed up for Ivory Keys as I really like to play the piano and I wanted to try ensemble-playing!"
- Shirley, Year 2
FAQ
There are two upright pianos in the Basement Studio at LKCSB and one baby grand piano in the Arts & Culture Centre at SOE/SOSS. SMU Ivory Keys also has 4 keyboards in storage.
Nope! Our repertoire thus far includes classical, jazz, pop, movie and game music – we are looking to expand into new genres as well!
Attendance in training and practice sessions are optional, but as a member, you are encouraged to build your musicianship, proficiency in the piano and performing confidence. However, your level of participation will determine your membership tier.
The two tiers of SMU Ivory Keys membership are Active and Normal. Active membership requires participation in at least 3 showcases, monthly recordings or other major events as a performer, student mentor or student helper yearly. Normal membership, on the other hand, does not require any minimum commitment. New members of SMU Ivory Keys start as Active members for their first academic year with the club, and will be required to fulfil the requirements to maintain Active membership.
That's why we have practice and training! Our coach and music director will help you out, especially for productions and competitions for ensemble works.
For beginners, mentoring will be provided by SMU Ivory Keys members during our Beginner Classes. Joining us as a complete beginner during Vivace will automatically enrol you in the next available Beginner Class.
Members can also seek advice from their peers, seniors and exco when they head down to practice as well - all part of our vision to create a community of pianists that help one another improve their musicianship.
Remember that good music doesn't necessarily have to be very complex. Even if you don't have paper qualifications, that’s okay! What we are looking for is a love for music, the willingness to practice and learn, and the desire to express yourself through music.
Yes, coaching is provided for productions and competitions for ensemble works. Coaching is provided by our coach, Ms Yeong Lan-Ing. There are no additional charges for coaching.
For Beginners, mentoring will be provided by SMU Ivory Keys members. There will be a deposit of S$20 which will be returned on course completion.
However, due to COVID-19, all coaching and mentoring will be held online until further notice.
Continue your investigation here...
