Beginner's Piano Guide

This post is a tribute to our dear Yamaha Clavinova CLP-230, which has been picked up by our buyer today. Hope another little girl can enjoy the piano as much as we did.

Many Moms wish their child, peculiarly more often girls than boys, to be able to play piano. There's a certain air of romanticism surrounding piano player. So, here is for you, in case you're looking for one.

Almost a decade ago (8 years to be precise), we bought the Clavinova. For the following reasons:

* Adjustable volume, with jacks for headphones. You can practice in the middle of the night :)

I played amateur piano. So this is one feature I treasured to hide all the clumsy fingers mistakes.

* Yamaha upright piano sound quality.

The sound is superb! Hands down I put my money on a new Clavinova compared to a second hand, or some new, Korean/China brand

* No sound deterioration due to string aging, no need tuning

Tuning costs about SGD 80, to be done twice yearly ideally. So this is a massive saving.

* Real piano key feels, adjustable hardness touch.

Yamaha has a graded hammer key technology that feels like a real piano. Of course, as the skill progresses, you or your child will be able to find a few slight difference. But for a beginner or casual player, it's nice.

* Adjustable sound quality (sharp/mellow)

* Complete three pedals (soft, sustenuto, sustain)

* Built in metronome

* A new Clavinova is priced at about SGD 2,200. An entry level used upright might cost the same, or cheaper. But unless you're proficient in piano mechanism, or know someone who can help you, I do not recommend to buy used piano. Even if the assessment is done properly at point of transaction, there are still many things that can go wrong. Repair cost for piano can be really expensive.

* A new Yamaha upright piano starts from about 3.5k or so. For a decent one that we can use up to a high grade, it starts from 6k-ish. For a start, I think it's good to start with the Clavinova, saving the difference for a piano upgrade should the interest persists.

Et voila... my ideal piano for beginner.

Holiday is hereee... Another 'war' is starting soon... :D

Hooray that the holiday is here. A few things more heart-warming than the thoughts of two little darlings having fun at home (this holiday programme: cooking, a day of art camp, and a visit to an orphanage... more of that coming soon if anything noteworthy).

Anyway... why the 'war'? 

Ever since kiddo number 1 went to P1, every year-end is a massive (relative scale, of course...) spring cleaning to me. In case anyone need it, below are my checklist:

(1) Uniforms

Normally, I start with 2 sets of normal, 2 sets of PE uniforms. Then as the school progress, add as necessary.

[?] Any unrecoverable significant stain?

[?] Sizing, has any growth spurt caused the uniform to be not only tight, but sometimes can be quite indecent?

(2) Shoes

For this, though a bit extravagant, we have two pairs for each kid. Simple reason, in case it rains.

One pair is of the bigger size, to stretch its useful life.

As a mother, I take it as a smart investment. It's so worth it if I can reduce a few bouts of colds/flu. Wearing damp shoes is not only not only unhealthy, but also not comfortable.

[!] Please, for the sake of your child spine, do not buy a very loose shoes. It's unhealthy for the foot, and eventually the spine development. Child may have problem when he/she is old later on. My dear loving husband joked that it's their problem. But I fiercely pointed out that the 'repair' cost can be so very high. Please buy good cushioned, appropriately sized shoes. 

*** My rule of thumb: ask kiddo to push his/her foot all the way in, if we can have a finger space at the heel, it's good to go.

(3) Books

We bought textbook from Pacific Book Stores online, with home delivery.

Why? I want to ensure that the kid got his/her correct textbook. Special emphasis to the edition. I used wrong edition textbook before, and it's so annoying. When the teacher pointed out a certain page, I need to peek at my friend's book to match the content, or flipping around until I spot the topic.

[!] The online order form is designed to include EVERYTHING. Yes, school book list include optional items that the child will not touch ever, throughout the year. So do read carefully, untick or zero appropriately. I almost buy a second recorder for our eldest. Or, failure to do this point may cause you excessive supply of PVC book cover. :D

[!] Remember... your child has been promoted... please buy the correct level. No joke... darling daughter is still P3 in my mind. Almost made a wrong selection.

*** Two or more booklists can be consolidated into one delivery fee. Either confirm from the delivery FAQ, or go to 'View My Booklist' from My Account panel.

*** When the books arrive, please do check. It happens rarely, but a few moms reported inaccurate packing. 

(4) School bus

Well... make sure your child is registered. Our school bus operator requires re-registration every year. How about yours?

So, I mentioned spring cleaning in the beginning, right? Coming below...

Mainly for the gazillion of books and papers... what do I do with them?

I only allow 2 big plastic boxes with wheels at our store room. One for each kid. As a rule of thumb, each kid can only keep one box of previous years textbooks and whatnots.

THROW or GIVE AWAY: own assessment books and past papers (those commissioned by Muther, not school), workbooks, papers/books that the child cannot explain, and two level ago books. As a super kiasi person, this is hard for me. But eventually, upon close friendship with Lord Google, I came to take consolation in the fact that most information we need is available through the internet.

KEEP : previous level textbook and informative book like science.

REUSE : plastic covers and files that are still usable

How to label : I use Brothers' EZLabel. Chemical proof, water proof, easy to print.

Have fun, wish me luck on this year's war... Well prepared now, let the kid enjoy a smooth sailing study next year.

Gifted Education Program (GEP)

I don't know much yet about GEP. Below is a brief of our experience, in case it can help other parents.

In a nutshell, it's a program in Singapore, aimed to develop academically gifted children. Children are screened first time at P3, top 1% (about 500 kids) will be selected to join in. Nine, top, schools in Singapore are running this program.

I got to know about this program from a colleague. He gave a sparkling recommendation to jump in if our kids are good enough. Another colleague on the other hand, commented that it's indeed a tough program. Worst case scenario being driving the kid to the brink. I do bear in mind that others opinion might be generously spiced based on their take in life and their values.

Anyway, based on these two advices, hubby and I decided not to prep our kid at all. Literally we just let her take round one without any tips nor tricks whatsoever. Why the logic? We hope that if she's selected, this will be her true potential. Not amplified by a myriad of preparation. In this way, she may have the chance to enjoy the program. We're worried that if we prep her, she'll be very much depending on classes or our guidance in the end.

On the other hand, if you're really aiming for top school transfer, there are a lot of enrichment offered to boost screening success. Or, kiasuparents forum listed IQ books to practice on too. Some parents start at P1 or P2 :) IQ is born with, but practice may improve one's chance to score at IQ test.

Then, our firstborn passed round one. Haha... Typical of us, then we started to think. Our family rarely made a long term plan. We take life as it unfolds.

I started reading through forums, to get as much inputs as possible:

[+] most of the program will support the child to explore learning independently. Most will be project based. One Mom wrote that it's indeed transform her girl to be confident as a great presenter

[+] schools are pretty much aware of the accusation that GEP is an elitist program. They do include some mix around session with other non GEPers in the school.

[-] most of the teaching will be beyond normal, so parent better be prepared to ensure the kid can take PSLE well (common of GEP kid score lesser than non GEPer)

[-] as this is such a sensitive program, a lot of strong public opinion surrounding it. One of which that I do consider is that the kid's feeling if after a year or two on, she got burnt out (or the parents... ;P)

[-] practicality of school arrangement will be a headache for me as the GEP schools are mostly far from our flat. And our young one is starting P1 in 2015.

With that, the stake became neutral. Equally enticing whether we're in or out.

Mind Stretcher is one of the GEP coach available. Other than those regular weekly class, it has intensive round 2 preparation  workshops. For 4 days the passed-round-1 kids were drilled. Our kiddo is interested to join, curious that she is, so we let her. Was it good? First, it gave a good mental preparation of what's coming. However, due to the 'cramming-ness', she went back with one or two concepts neither here nor there (and, oh, yes the questions are difficult for me). Was it effective? It fulfilled dear daughter curiosity. But I guess regular weekly class may win last minute coaching hands down. Well... If you want to judge based on the passing rates, it boast about 70% passing rate. Which I do believe.

Unfortunately and fortunately, our girl didn't pass round 2. A tad sad, a tad relieved. My baby got another three years being a carefree kid. Oh yeah!

PS: I do not advertise for Mind Stretcher. Pure practical, we stayed nearby and they are one of the best, objectively.

Rainbow bands refill review

Yes, we're still in that phase.

Whenever I can afford it, I try to support original brand. As an engineer, I know that a good, and marketable, idea doesn't come easy.  However, there was a time the bands refill was out of stock at the shop we frequented. 

So here are some review on the bands we tried since. In order of preference. All are based on what's available in Singapore. 

1. Rainbow loom; around SGD 7 for 600 pcs

So far the best quality. Stretchy, strong, and uniform. Result in a nice looking craft because there are no 'crooked' band (those uneven, jagged circle). However, variety is quite limited. Especially consider the charms and whatsnot. Best quality of clips too. Clips are small and secure. I will not mention again below, but other brands clips are bigger, therefore bands and come undone.

2. Mini Toons bands; bought at SGD 40 for 5600 pcs, comes with a nice compartment

Not sure of what's the real name. That is the shop we bought from. Bands are almost as good as Rainbow Loom. Stretchy, so far nothing brakes, and cutting is quite even Downside is that the glitters came off to our touch (and floor, for that matter).

3. Cra-z looms, around USD 12-13 for 2000 (sorry, hub bought it on his biz trip)

Quite stretchy. But bands sometimes broke, and quite a number of uneven bands. This can be purchased at Toys R Us.

4. In Toys R Us, there's another brand that comes in smaller packs. Less than SGD 10 a pack, comes with a few charms. Beautiful design and good quality charm. Unfortunately it looses in the quality. Less stretchy, and it doesn't recover if you stretch it too much.

5. Last is one that I haven't tried personally. It's based on friends feedback. If your kid is distributing the bracelet to everyone in the world, can try Qoo10. :D

For the looms, hands down, please buy the original. At around SGD 30 (comes with 600-1200 bands and clips) it's so worth it. Quality is by far superior. Spotlight sometimes have discount or promo voucher, then you know what to aim.

Happy looming.

PS: google it. People start making garment from these bands. Imagine the weight.

Good piano and music books shop

A quick note.

I love to support nice local vendors who do business from the heart. Compared to chain branded shops, I have received so much more happy dealings.

One shop that really deserves the credit is Chiu Piano at Thomson Plaza:

http://www.chiupiano.com.sg/contactus.asp

This shop has a good collection of quality pianos, and a quite comprehensive range of piano books, especially those related to abrsm exams and lessons. You can also get good recommendation of what is good, or what is popular, from Mr. Chiu. When you are here, you will spot piano tutors doing 'bulk purchase' there too.

The cherry on top for me is that he is very  kind, patient, and friendly. Not pushy at all. And willing to help us to look for the book. 

Contrast this to 'all stocks are there', no contest, isn't it?

How to renew Indonesia Foreign Domestic Worker KTKLN

Post edit : Hot of the press! The newly elected Indonesian president Jokowi put a solid stop to this requirement. About time! Hooray! - 30 Nov 2014

KTKLN is basically an attempt to protect Indonesian who works in another country. One seemingly obvious benefit is the insurance. Why the operative word 'seemingly'? Because, in the event of the mishaps, it is quite unclear of what is the terms and conditions, as well as how to process the claim.

On some websites, there are some quotes that a worker who has been covered by insurance in the country of employment does not need to purchase the insurance bundled with the application. However, although I'm an indonesian myself, I am pessimistic that the officers there understand this ruling. Cost of the 'bundled' insurance is about 200 thousands rupiahs (about SGD 20-25). To me, I chose not to waste the energy on challenging the counter on this. 

If we are not aiming for the insurance coverage, why bother with this card? Well, for a very practical reason. Without this card, the FDW (my experience is with a FDW, so for simplicity all terms in this post will refer to FDW) will not be able to pass through imigration on her way out of Indonesia. How so? Before imigration, after check in, the FDW's passport need to get a special stamp at a special counter, which can only be obtained by showing the KTKLN. Please read on...

Recently, sporadic information on the interenet suggested that the card has been put under great scrutiny, both on the protection mechanism and its handling. Hooray that it has been pointed out that the card is not a required travel document and hence, not having the card shall not be a reason to stop one from going out of Indonesia.

On our last trip, we managed to clear the imigration without a single question about the card. The counter mentioned above is no longer operating. No more stamp necessary. Howerver, we did renew the card for our own 'insurance'.

Document necessary:

1. A valid contract endorsed by the Indonesian embassy in Singapore. This contract is provided free of charge. Just bring employer IC, FDW passport and work permit to level 2 of the embassy. Employer and FDW must be present to sign the contract. I called this number to confirm : 67377422 (hint hint... Advisable for you to do so).

2. FDW passport

3. FDW work permit

4. Stamp duty 6000 rupiahs * 2

Where is the location? Please hold your breath... Unlike Singapore where everything is so convenient, there are only 38 locations in Indonesia to do this. For fourth most populated country in the world, believe me, this is very very scarce. For example, around Jakarta alone, there is only one office to do this. With the traffic jam and all, one shall prepare a day dedicated to do this. We chose to submit first thing in the morning. After submitting, even though there's no other applicant, it takes several prompting to get the processing moving. Get location list from Indonesian embassy when you renew the contract.

Steps:

1. Submit all docs above

2. Go for medical check up. Result will be available straight away.

3. Buy insurance

4. FDW photo taking

5. Voila... you got it.

Good luck :D

How to renew Indonesia Foreign Domestic Worker KTKLN

KTKLN is basically an attempt to protect Indonesian who works in another country. One seemingly obvious benefit is the insurance. Why the operative word 'seemingly'? Because, in the event of the mishaps, it is quite unclear of what is the terms and conditions, as well as how to process the claim.

On some websites, there are some quotes that a worker who has been covered by insurance in the country of employment does not need to purchase the insurance bundled with the application. However, although I'm an indonesian myself, I am pessimistic that the officers there understand this ruling. Cost of the 'bundled' insurance is about 200 thousands rupiahs (about SGD 20-25). To me, I chose not to waste the energy on challenging the counter on this. 

If we are not aiming for the insurance coverage, why bother with this card? Well, for a very practical reason. Without this card, the FDW (my experience is with a FDW, so for simplicity all terms in this post will refer to FDW) will not be able to pass through imigration on her way out of Indonesia. How so? Before imigration, after check in, the FDW's passport need to get a special stamp at a special counter, which can only be obtained by showing the KTKLN.

How to process this?

1. A valid contract endorsed by the Indonesian embassy in Singapore. This contract is provided free of charge. Just bring employer IC, FDW passport and work permit to level 2 of the embassy. Employer and FDW must be present to sign the contract. I called this number to confirm : 67377422 (hint hint... Advisable for you to do so).

2. FDW passport

3. FDW work permit

*** get latest list of KTKLN offices in Indonesia when you do this. The list is ever changing, and believe me, there is no reliable list online available. I did try to find.

Where is the location? Please hold your breath... Unlike Singapore where everything is so convenient, there are only 38 locations in Indonesia to do this. For fourth most populated country in the world, believe me, this is very very scarce. For example, around Jakarta alone, there is only one office to do this. With the traffic jam and all, one shall prepare a day dedicated to get the card done.

Good luck :)