Siewlee Lim (Piano)

 

I have more than 18 years of teaching experience in Piano. I started teaching piano when I completed high school. At that time I had just obtained my Grade 8 ABRSM (Associated Board Royal School of Music) certification. I was green, but very excited to teach with Yamaha Music Malaysia. I taught eight years with them and they sent me for training at their headquarters in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. There I was trained to teach children between four and six years old under the Junior Music Course (JMC) curriculum, which is similar to the Kindermusik program in the United States. In Malaysia, I taught both individual and group lessons to kids as young as four years old and to adults 65 years young. Throughout my teaching career in Malaysia, I used the ABRSM method for students over six years old.

In 1989 I came to visit my sisters in the United States. My oldest sister was just graduating from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. As I stood watching her at commencement, I told myself that one day it will be me. Shortly after that I went to visit my second sister in Pasadena, California. At that time she had just started her new job as a graphic designer after graduating from the University of Southwestern Louisiana. What she showed me was her independence and the carefree lifestyle she led here. So, with that eagerness, I promised myself that I would save enough money to come to study in the United States one day.

I kept my promise and I came to UALR for my BA degree in music. I also kept my promise to my parents that I would continue with a Master’s Degree after my undergraduate studies. I completed both my studies in less than five years.

Shortly after graduation, I got married and started teaching piano. I worked at the Arkansas Department of Health for a year and decided to go back into teaching at a local church. I was their Associate Director in the music program for three years and their piano instructor for eight years. Jim Maase, the music director, was very kind to me and let me do what was necessary to keep the music program up and running at full capacity. After the birth of my second son, I took time off from teaching for almost two years.

In January, 2009, I started teaching a few students at home and found I still love to teach. In February my husband offered to stand by me if I opened my very own music studio!!!  Of course, I took his offer immediately before he could change his mind!!! This was one of my dreams -- to open a music studio when I finished college. We start looking for studio space and finally found this perfect location at Bowman Curve. I am now looking at the next chapter in my life, venturing into a new territory by owning a music studio. Armed with the skills and colorful life experiences I have, I know I can help your child appreciate and grow his or her love of music. As the Nike motto says “Just Do It”!!!

 

Education

-          Master of Health Services Administration at University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR)   

-          Bachelor of Arts (Cum Laude) with an emphasis in piano, Minor in Management (UALR)

-          Trinity College London (Performer’s Certificate Diploma)

-          Associated Board Royal School Music London (ABRSM)-completed grade 1 to 8 in both Theory and Practical board examinations

 

Current Associations

-          Music Teacher National Association (MTNA)

-          Arkansas State Music Teacher Association (ASMTA)

-          Music Teacher Association of Central Arkansas (MTACA)

 

Teaching Philosophy (Piano)

“There are five main areas I emphasis in my teaching because these are the backbone of good piano playing and they ensure my students are well-rounded musically. In my piano studio, I teach my students theory, sight-reading, aural skill, playing scales, and playing pieces from different time periods. Students will excel in piano study provided they practice consistently with the right attitude and mindset. Music education helps develop lifetime skills such as self-discipline that helps with goal setting and task completion skills, improved concentration levels, self-esteem, patience, and joy!!!”