By EVELYN LIM

A FEW times a year, Singaporeans scramble to prepare for the Britain-based music examinations, the two main examining boards being the ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) and the TCL (Trinity College of London). These benchmarks serve to affirm the musical competence of music students and teachers in their pursuit of personal development.


The Methodist School of Music (MSM) is pleased to report that the overall success rate for its candidates is high. Last year (2005), out of the 113 students whom we enrolled in the ABRSM, 25 per cent passed with distinction, 35 per cent with merit, and 35 per cent with a pass.


The MSM is grateful for the hard work and commitment of its teachers who strive to nurture the potential of each student under their care. A number of these teachers and students are active in the music ministries of the local churches. They serve as organists, pianists, singers and in other capacities in the worship teams.
Ms Melissa Goh achieved a distinction at the Diploma exams (ABRSM) last year. An organist at Paya Lebar Methodist Church, she gives her thoughts about lessons, exams and church ministry:


" … The confidence that organ lessons bring towards service playing is, to me, quite necessary. The increased awareness about music helps in bringing out the meaning and mood of the hymn involved, done through playing styles and changing the organ stops accordingly. About taking exams, I never really realised the importance of them until I look at it from hindsight. Exams serve as a source of motivation and a yardstick for me to gauge my development as a musician …"


May Ms Goh and others like her continue to use their gifts to glorify God and edify the Body of Christ. Thanks be to God for His continued guidance and favour.

Dr Evelyn Lim, a music lecturer at the Methodist School of Music, was its Acting Principal (November 2005-January 2006).