Musicians drum it up for peers who can't get teaching jobs

No formal music degree but expertise gained as practitioner should count too, they say

Drummer-percussionist Vicknes Vinayak Veerappan, whose career credits include musical Forbidden City: Portrait Of An Empress, pursued a bachelor's degree in music at Lasalle in 2018 to widen his options. PHOTO: VICKNES VINAYAK VEERAPPAN
Jazz icon Jeremy Monteiro says local institutions should recognise the benefits that practitioners can bring to music education. PHOTO: JEREMY MONTEIRO
Percussionist Mohamed Noor used to teach at Lasalle College of the Arts but was later asked to leave as he did not have at least a diploma in music. ST FILE PHOTO
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Local musicians have spoken up strongly for their peers who are unable to secure teaching positions in institutions in Singapore despite their talent - because they do not hold degrees.

While some said there is value in teaching credentials, others noted that the skills and expertise gained as a practitioner should be equally recognised.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on October 11, 2020, with the headline Musicians drum it up for peers who can't get teaching jobs. Subscribe