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.

Celine Carissa, a graduate of the esteemed RCM-NAFA Bachelor of Education (Honours) in Instrumental & Vocal Teaching, brings over 8 years of teaching experience, exceptional expertise, and a passion for music education to The Music Circle’s Violin Academy team.

Celine’s unwavering dedication to music education drives her mission to inspire and nurture students of all ages. With a strong foundation built over nearly a decade, she is committed to fostering a love for music while providing the technical and artistic tools necessary for each learner to thrive. Her student-centered teaching philosophy ensures that every lesson is thoughtfully tailored to individual needs, creating a supportive and engaging environment for growth.

As a valued member of The Music Circle community, Celine actively contributes to its vibrant learning culture. Her ability to connect with children, in particular, stands out—she incorporates creative activities, interactive teaching methods, and a warm, encouraging approach that keeps young learners motivated and excited about their musical journey.

Having taught both children and adults, Celine excels in adapting her approach to suit diverse learning styles and goals. Her ability to connect with students at all skill levels makes her an exceptional mentor, guiding them through transformative musical journeys that include solo development, ensemble performances, and creative projects.

Celine’s rich orchestral background further enhances her teaching, allowing her to cultivate students’ ensemble skills and prepare them for dynamic performance opportunities. This, combined with her strong pedagogical foundation, ensures that her students gain not only technical proficiency but also a lifelong appreciation for the art of violin playing.

Through her 8 years of teaching experience, dedication, and active engagement, Celine continues to inspire her students to achieve excellence, build confidence, and embrace the joy of music.

Freda Lee is a dedicated and aspiring music educator who holds a Diploma in Music Teaching from the prestigious Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) and is currently pursuing the RCM-NAFA Bachelor of Education (Honours) in Instrumental & Vocal Teaching. Her academic journey reflects her deep commitment to advancing her understanding of music education and pedagogy.

Freda first joined TMC as an intern during her schooling days, where she quickly became an integral part of the community. Through her dedication and hard work, she has grown alongside TMC, contributing meaningfully to its mission of shaping complete lives with music. Freda has played a key role in supporting various programs, from assisting in Early Childhood and group classes to guiding students in the Violin Academy. 

Her thoughtful approach to teaching, combined with her collaborative spirit, has enriched the learning experiences of TMC’s students. Freda’s passion for creating a positive and inspiring environment ensures her students feel supported as they explore and develop their musical abilities.

Beyond her role as an educator, Freda has a keen interest in chorale activities and has further honed her artistry as both a participant and a student conductor in school chorales. In her free time, she enjoys exploring diverse genres of music, going on long walks, and unwinding with movies.

Freda’s journey with TMC reflects her unwavering dedication to music education, and she continues to grow as a teacher and mentor, inspiring her students and peers alike.

Audra Pearl is a dedicated and passionate music educator who holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Performance, specializing in Classical Voice. With over four years of experience in Singapore’s vibrant music education scene, she has quickly established herself as a dynamic and inspiring instructor.

Beyond her teaching expertise, Audra has been actively involved in facilitating music and movement workshops at Pips Playbox @ Esplanade, bringing creativity and joy to young learners. She also teaches Early Childhood classes and Piano Academy group classes at PnJ Kindergarten, demonstrating her versatility and dedication to nurturing musical growth across various age groups.

Known for her infectious energy and bubbly personality, Audra creates a nurturing and engaging environment where students feel empowered to explore their musical potential. Her teaching philosophy blends technical precision with artistic expression, ensuring that each student develops a well-rounded foundation in music.

Audra’s enthusiasm for music, combined with her commitment to personalized instruction, motivates her students to excel and develop a lifelong love for the art. Whether working with beginners or more advanced learners, she brings professionalism, creativity, and a heartfelt passion to every lesson.

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.

Lynn Christie Gatu is an ardent music educator whose passion for teaching drove her to attain a Bachelor of Education in Music with Honours from UPSI, earning recognition on the prestigious Dean’s List. With over 8 years of teaching experience, she combines academic excellence with practical expertise to inspire her students.

An integral member of The Music Circle’s (TMC) Early Childhood team, Lynn has facilitated numerous well-received holiday workshops at The ArtGround and Pips PlayBox @ Esplanade, captivating young learners with her engaging and creative approach. She conducts weekly music classes at ARC Children’s Centre, bringing joy and comfort to children through music, and teaches Piano Academy group classes at PnJ Kindergarten. Additionally, Lynn has contributed to early childhood education by facilitating teacher training programs at GUG Preschool, sharing her knowledge to empower fellow educators.

Lynn’s vibrant energy and dedication have made her an invaluable member of both TMC’s Early Childhood and Instrumental Academy teams. She actively fosters a nurturing and joyful learning environment, sparking curiosity and excitement about music in every session. A versatile instrumentalist and educator, Lynn teaches piano, guitar, and saxophone, showcasing her adaptability and passion for music.

With over 20 years of experience as an Early Childhood and piano educator, Yevonne brings a wealth of expertise, dedication, and a heartfelt passion for music education to The Music Circle (TMC) community. Her commitment goes beyond teaching; she actively enriches TMC’s vibrant environment by fostering creativity, collaboration, and a love for music among her students and peers.

Yevonne plays a significant role in teaching at TMC x ARC Children’s Centre and has also facilitated various Early Childhood music workshops at The ArtGround. Her compassionate approach and belief in the healing power of music help bring joy, comfort, and inspiration to children facing challenging circumstances.

Yevonne’s journey with music began at the age of six when she was captivated by her elder cousin’s performance on the Electone. This early fascination blossomed into a lifelong love for music and a cherished dream—to become a music educator.

While pursuing her Diploma in Music, Yevonne achieved teacher-level proficiency in both the piano and Electone. Her academic journey deepened her interest in music history and child pedagogy, laying a strong foundation for her teaching career.

Yevonne credits much of her development to the mentorship of her first music teacher, Madam SL Wong, whose unwavering support and encouragement inspired Yevonne to pursue her aspirations. Today, Yevonne strives to pass on this same inspiration to her young students, motivating them to explore their potential and pursue their own musical dreams.

Through years of teaching, Yevonne has discovered that the educator’s role is a dynamic and reciprocal one—she learns as much from her students and colleagues as they do from her. This exchange of passion and knowledge has not only enriched her teaching but also reinforced her belief in the transformative power of music.

Yevonne firmly believes that music can inspire, evoke emotions, and impact individuals on many levels. Her dedication to sharing this belief, both within The Music Circle and through her work at ARC, continues to make her an integral part of the mission to nurture a lifelong love for music.

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.