Who We Are

Clarence is a music entrepreneur driven by his passion to make a positive impact on music in Singapore. As Head of Music Programming at Esplanade-Theatres on the Bay till 2015, he helped to define the national arts centre’s musical heart for 8 years. He worked with his team of Programmers to provide a range of music experiences for Singapore audiences, from the Mosaic Music Festival and Baybeats to daily free performances at the Esplanade. Working with talents from around the world inspired him to play a part in developing Singaporean musicians, and he has set out to draw on his arts management experience towards this goal.

Clarence started The Music Circle with like-minded music educators to introduce innovative approaches to music education. He works with the teaching team to create a warm and nurturing learning environment, so that every TMC student can truly enjoy a lifelong journey with music. He also co-founded Foundation Music LLP with fellow music industry colleagues to help propel exceptional Singapore talents to the international stage, and develop viable careers for them.

Dr. Tang Tee Tong, Artistic Director of TMC, is a devoted violin pedagogue with more than ten years of teaching experience. Dr. Tee recently graduated with a Doctoral of Music Arts degree in Violin Performance and was named the Outstanding Graduate of Herberger Institute of Design and the Arts at Arizona State University. Her violin pedagogy and teaching philosophy has been highly influenced by her wonderful teachers and mentors, Dr. Jonathan Swartz, Prof Andres Cardenes, Dr. Margaret Schmidt, Dr. Lina Bahn, Foo Say Ming, Leslie Tan and Lim Soon Lee. She has also learnt from music educators such as Mimi Zweig, Brenda Brenner, Sherry Sinift and Rebecca Henry from the Violin Teacher’s Retreat at Indiana University and Paul Rolland String Pedagogy Conference. Tee has also received Suzuki teacher training with Mr William Starr, former President of Suzuki Association of Americas.

Tee’s teaching approach is also shaped by her teaching experiences as well as in-depth exploration of other pedagogy and music education methods. Recognizing that every student blossoms in a unique way and possesses distinct learning styles, interests and strengths, Tee organized her pedagogy into a doctoral research paper “Violin Curriculum Incorporating Visual, Aural and Kinesthetic Perceptual Learning Modalities” which she has been adapted for her teaching in Singapore. Tee believes that weaker modalities in students cannot be neglected and needs to be strengthened through modality strengths to prevent a child’s violin learning from stagnating in future.

As a music educator, Tee seeks to work with her students and their parents to create a musical environment for her students that encourage the lifelong love of music.

She believes that music education helps build character, elevate self-esteem and confidence, as well as cultivates discipline and eagerness for excellence.

Clarissa graduated with a Second Upper Bachelor of Music Degree from the Royal Academy of Music, and is also an alumnus of the Wells Cathedral School, a specialist music school in Somerset, England. During her time in London, Clarissa studied with Sophie Langdon, Gabrielle Painter and Leland Chen. Previous teachers include Catherine Lord and Lynette Lim. She has played in various chamber groups, such as a clarinet quintet, quartets and duos, and is currently part of The Tee Trio. The trio has performed across England as Young Artists and noteworthy performances include, the prestigious St James Piccadilly Church (London), as well as a music series in Wolfson College, Cambridge. They have also been awarded prestigious scholarships to study with Thomas Ades in the International Musicians’ Seminar Prussia Cove 2018 and The Cadenza Music Course 2018. The Tee Trio has also performed a series of concerts in Singapore, including at the national arts centre Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay in August 2019.

Clarissa has also played with orchestras in both London and Singapore. To name a few are
The London Mahler Orchestra, Arch Sinfonia, Young Musicians’ Symphony Orchestra, ADDO Orchestra and The Young Musicians’ Foundation Orchestra. She has been honoured to have worked under the tutelage of Semyon Bychkov, Ed Gardner, Sir Mark Elder, Christopher Adey, Christopher Warren-Green and the late Oliver Knussen.

Currently pursuing her teaching Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Music, Clarissa enjoys teaching and sharing her passion and knowledge of music with others. She believes that everyone should experience music at some point of their lives and that it is a great benefit to the mind and soul. She also has a strong interest in interdisciplinary art and is working with Lumia researcher, Trent Kim, to create audio/visual virtual reality works.

Besides all things music and violin related, Clarissa is also passionate about baking, cooking, handicrafts and bird keeping. She spends her days off reading and knitting, as well as bonding with her budgie. Her dream is to eventually retire on a ranch.

Ellice is a passionate music educator with over 9 years of teaching experience. She has had the experience to teach students from all ages and abilities and is inspired to constantly share her musical knowledge with the new generation of music students. 

She has earned her Bachelor of Classical Music (Hons) in 2015 and has an ATCL from Trinity College London. Music education excites her and her greatest reward of teaching is watching the progress and growth of her students. She is also encouraged to make positive contributions to society

Lynn is an ardent music educator whose passion for teaching has driven her to attain a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education and accumulate nearly six years of teaching experience.

As an alto saxophonist, Lynn brings a different dimension of musical knowledge and spirit to her role as an Early Childhood Music Specialist at The Music Circle.

With her enthusiasm and commitment, Lynn is ready to guide the next generation of music enthusiasts on their exciting journey!

Yi-an has a diverse background as a pianist with experience both as a soloist and chamber musician. She completed her Bachelor of Music Degree at the University of Taipei and has an extensive performance history in Taiwan. Additionally, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs appointed her to perform internationally in Germany and Japan.

As a dedicated music educator, Yi-an has had experience working with students of all ages and abilities. Her affable nature makes her a welcoming and approachable presence for students, and she looks forward to making a positive impact no her students as she imparts her musical knowledge and expertise.

Regina embarked on her lifelong journey with the violin at the age of 8 through the Suzuki Music Association of Indonesia. She has performed a diverse repertoire at events and concerts, including the inaugural concert of the Jakarta International Theatre in 2019.

Regina recently graduated with a Diploma in Music (with Distinction) from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, and is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Music degree at NAFA in collaboration with the Royal College of Music.

Regina’s commitment to continuous learning is evident in her participation in music education workshops and research projects. She has completed the Suzuki Method teacher training and received recognition for her essay titled ‘South-American Influences in Milhaud’s Le Bœuf sur le toit and Saudades do Brasil,’ earning the NAFA Best History Essay Award in 2023.

Freda has been playing the violin since she was 7 years old. Having attained her Diploma in Music Teaching from Nanyang Academy of Fine Art (NAFA) in 2023, she is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Education in Instrumental and Vocal Teaching under the Royal College of Music-NAFA programme.

Freda believes in the importance of understanding music education and pedagogy, and strives to improve her musicianship skills as well as working with other music educators to deliver effective music lessons for learners.

Freda is also passionate about singing and has been an active member of school chorales. During her free time, Freda enjoys going for long walks, listening to different genres of music, and watching movies.

Yevonne’s fascination with music sparked when she first heard her elder cousin playing on the Electone when she was about six years old.  This love affair blossomed from taking music lessons to a cherished dream – To be a Music Educator when she grows up. 

 As Yevonne pursued the Diploma in Music, she took up both the piano and Electone to teacher’s level.  Throughout this journey, she found particular interest in music history and child pedagogy within the realm of music.

Yevonne credits much of her growth to the guidance and support of her very first music teacher, Madam SL Wong, who has been an incredibly supportive and encouraging mentor throughout her music journey.  And now Yevonne hopes to motivate young students to pursue their inspirations.

Having accumulated more than 15 years of experience in music teaching, Yevonne came to the realization that her role extends beyond imparting knowledge; she also learns significantly from her students and colleagues. 

 This reciprocal exchange of passion and knowledge has been an enriching experience.  Yevonne firmly believes in the power of music, capable of inspiring, evoking emotions and impacting individuals on various levels.

Peck Yun is a dedicated piano teacher with more than a decade of experience in teaching piano performance and music theory. With the heart of students in mind, Peck Yun plans and delivers engaging lessons that helps to nurture students musical interest. Her experience teaching various ages also enables her to individualise her lessons accordingly. 

Peck Yun graduated with Bachelor Degree of Music in Pedagogy. Throughout her studies, she participated in various performances, including Jazz Band Concert as a percussionist and keyboardist, Choir, Gamelan, Wayang Kulit Music (Shadow Puppetry) and Mixed Media Performance: Storm in A Box (A Letter from the Bird Community). 

Peck Yun lives by the motto of lifelong learning, and while she has a multitude of experience, she still explores new ways to aid students in their musical development. Her teaching emphasises the building of a strong foundation as it paths the way for students to reach their full musical potential and enjoy a lifelong musical journey. 

Peck Yun is a vegetarian who loves nature, animals and during her free time engages in learning new languages and yoga.