July 2007
updated by michael 31st July 2007:
As i am sitting down here in my studio at 3am now, many thoughts flashing
through my mind. Student intakes sore up lately and i almost hardly can find
time to accept any more new students. In other words, i have stop taking in
new students at the moment. This scenario may paint the wrong picture for
many reading this. First, a teacher full of students is definitely NOT a good
thing (unless you owned your own music school / studios). Secondly, music
education in Alor Star is by NO means a good business, especially if you are
in the contemporary line (non-classical).
I came from a classical back groud but hated teaching classical. I am not
a pure classical guy (not a pure classical guy = i will fall asleep listening
to classical music). The reason i brought up the term "classical music"
is because only this genre will survive and make it big in a small town. Since
many many years back, the ABRSM Royal School of Music had planted the mentality
of learning classical is the best you can ask for in music education. However,
i must say classical music is NO WHERE near the excitement, adventure, knowledge,
exposure, and many x-factors of contemporary music. Here's a chart for you
to compare:
Classical Music Other
Contemporary (Pop, Blues, Jazz)
-most people thinking this got "class"
only learn for fun and will drop soon you reach PMR, SPM,
form 6, college, whatever...
-high learning fees (good for teacher) low
learning fee
-life style of rich and not so rich school
kids, church bands, fun clubs, life style for the poorer?? certainly not
-well established (major piece of the pie) still
struggling to make impact in local education market (the topping of the pie
only)
-learn classical music learn
everything
-play in orchestras, ensamble, duet, solo? play
in everything and every form (depend on your capabilities off course)
As i was writing the first paragraph, i had lots of idea, but now... cant
figure out anything. Suddenly i felt quite tired, playing in 3 bands, guiding
4 bands, teaching over 70 students, and getting paid less than 2k. Ah huh!
now you know how bad it is contemporary music education in Alor Star. But,
still, the passion for music, passion for teaching every student, bringing
out their best is always there. I put 200% in educating my students and I
do really TL those who do not put in effort as much as i gave.. i wish i have
total control over all my students and able to hand-pick who i want to teach
and who i want to kick. Do not blame me for this. I am just your educator,
you are fully responsible for ringing yourself to where you want to be. You
can never find a music teacher doing all these~
-prearping website for students -gathering
music articles for students -taking
the BIG trouble to rate EVERY student EVERY month
-setting up bands for students
-programming backing
tracks for studetns -taking and uploading video of student performance
-giving FREE extra class if 100% needed -lend you an electric
guitar for more than a year (not applicable already)
-taking students to gigs and explaining what to learn from observation
-sourcing cheap and good musical instruments for students without taking a
penny (unless you insist..keke)
-take so much time to ORGANISE special events, shows, jam sessions for students
without being paid extra
-take photos, put on website, write FULL report of each students' performance
and publish on website.
-organising trial music exams with no extra charge
-rewarding outstanding students with gifts
If you find a music teacher doing all these, yes, i mean, all of these, then
please let me know.
Hereby annoucing i will cut more than half of the students and move into other
music lines besides teaching by the end of this year. Work hard if you want
to be part of michael-one.com by then, cause i dont care how you think i am
LanSi or wat. I will talk about what type of students make me always looking
forward to teach them, to see them again right after their lesson just ended;
and also what type of students i wish i never have to teach.
June 2007
How were you ranked in Hall of Fame:
Since the day i announced "Bottom 3" also gonna make the headlines
soon, many students have asked on the format of ranking and marks calculations.
Actually, every student was briefed on the rankings on their first few lessons,
but guess not many paid attention to as it was not a big thing since there
were no "Bottom 3" exist then. But now, story is different.
Piano and Guitar students have different points calculations.
Piano:
Since piano emphasizes both on practical and theory, equal marks are allocated to both sections, else, all same as Guitar.
Attendance ~ 5 marks Practical ~ 6 marks Theory ~ 6 marks Other ~ 3 marks
Attendance: Easy 5 marks, you come, you gained 5 marks already. But, you
come on time, not late or last minute postponement. If lesson is postponed
to another date (which you have informed at least 24 hours earlier, then you
will still gain marks but not all 5 marks). This is to encourage regular lessons
attendance and DISCOURAGE lesson postponements, no matter ...... (visit www.uglymen.net
for full article on 15th June 2007).
Updated: 11th June 2007. 5.15am
May 2007
.JPG)
Thanks to 佩玉 and Becky, Uglymen had one helluva enjoyable time in Taiwan,
more news to follow.
Annoucement: michael will stop posting news at michael-one.com at the moment,
as he will be contributing to uglymen.net.New students' photos, updates, hall
of fame, articles, gallery, will still be updated though. Enjoy browsing.
For latest updates, please log on www.uglymen.net
.JPG)
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7th January 2007
Updated: -New Students
Photos (Ang Weddy, Dominic, Gan Ser Huan, Tan Chong Teik, Tan Chuan Kim)
-Testimonial
(a long one...) -Gallery:
Yamaha Asian Beat Malaysia Finals 2006
-Events -Hall
of Fame
For Sale:
Humbucker Pickups
-Un-used
-Gold cover faded a little
-Removed from a Samick Les Paul copy as they were replaced with Seymour Duncans.
-Send michael (michael@michael-one.com) an email if you are interested or
bid the item at
http://www.lelong.com.my/Auc/List/2007-01DStd4571165.htm
Updated
by Angel
7th
January 2007
Latest Update: Asian
Beat National Finals Report / Hall of Fame
/ Students / Contacts
/ Articles / Events
30th Novermber Asian
Beat Regional Finals Round Up
Congratulations to Ocean of Fire from Penang, champions of Yamaha Asian Beat
2006 National Finals
They will represent Malaysia in the Asia Grand Finals at Sunway Lagoon on
10th March 2007, crossing their armours with champions from Singapore, China,
Mongolia, Indonesia....
Articles section is openned again, feel free to
feed yourself with some music food.
Updated
by
Angel 11th December
2006
27th Novermber 2006
Latest:
Hall of Fame / New Students Details updated
Its been two eventful weeks at michael-one.
First, mike had a good outing in Johor just few days back and written some
good detailed reports regarding Yamaha Asianbeat 2006 (Johor); then all of
his students passed the Trinity Rockschool Music Exam in early November. With
Loh Boon Siang
as the highest scorer obtaining a merit in a creditable performance. He obtained
some terrific scores in all his exam songs. (19/20) (18/20) (19/20)
It's the year end school holidays again, and there have been so far eight
new students enroled at mike's private studio and music school
New Students as follow:
1) Ah Hoo
2) Cheng Heng Lih (return)
3) Ma Chun Min
4) Ong Boon Wey
5) Elaine Wee
6) Ong Su Lian
7) Heng See Jiet
8) Ang Weddy
You can view The Yamaha Asianbeat 2006 (Johor Finals) Report and Photos at
the Gallery area
For Yamaha Asianbeat 2006 (Penang Finals), mike has posted a long report in
Uglymen.net, he did not send me
any photos yet
Upcoming shows and programs which have been confirmed please visit Events
Band: Uglymen
Date: 2nd September 2005 (Friday)
Time: 10:30 PM
Channel: 8TV
Programme: Homegrown
Check it out~
http://silverisle.blogs.friendster.com/silver_isle/2005/08/uglymen_on_8tv__1.html
Mr No Face.....
28th July 2005 Updates
-DONT FORGET, tomorrow 29th July 2005, blood donation campaign at Keat Hwa
Private.
-Tiger Beer Band Competition Photos Part Two posted, view in Gallery, really
a lot, pity poor people like me do not have broadband, need to upload 42 photos
using dial up for more than 1 hour. Next time to--long others take photo and
upload...
-5 new songs melody done, lyrics tasks has been diverted to 4 of my friends,
let me introduce my mu4 hou4 gong1 chen2, the fantastic four: Gan Shir Ying
(gtr student), dono wat name sorry (7.9 member), Tan Seok Kheng (x gtr student),
Woon Wooi Min (x gtr student, i miss you!! Life good in singapore?) I no longer
write lyrics for Uglymen since it takes too much time for me to figure out
what to write, or else I wouldnt have written "This Song Only Three Words
Long".
-Added GLAY as one of my current favourite bands, not really into them, but
love a few of their songs which i don't know how to pronouce.
-Going to dye my hair soon to purple colour, anyone wants to introduce me
where can get cheaper services (in Alor Setar only)? Thanks.
-Will open a new section in alsictry, writing the thoughts, source of inspiration,
synopsis, and explaining how i compose or feel when working on my more satisfactory
songs.
-29th July 2005, 4-6pm, Piano Concert at music system, everyone is welcome
to the event. Students performing and their choice of songs:
Edwin Lim (Russian Waltz)
Loo Hung Khim (Tong Hua, Guang Liang)
Mohd Taufik (Stairway To Heaven, Korean song)
Chan Yoke Peng (Tong Hua, Guang Liang)
Lim Cia Yee (Yu Jian, Sun Yen Zi)
Tan Sin Hui (Wo Men De Ai, FIR)
Wilson Chuah (Ba Ai Fang Kai, FIR)
Yong Fung Fung (Tong Hua, Guang Liang)
Woon Zu Yi (My Heart Will Go On, Celine Deon)
Afina Azhar Ghazali (Stairway To Heaven, Korean Song)
Phang Zie Liang (Qing Fei De Yi, Harlem)
Kooy Eng Yeow (Tears, X JAPAN)
Soon Jan Jan (Qing Ren, Beyond)
Lam Yu Long (Qian Nian Zhi Lian, FIR)
-My humble review on Tiger Beer Band Competition:
All the bands were good, all were worthy winners, all played well,
all very creative,
one of the judges also very handsome (see in Gallery).
One thing no one knows was I actually took 5 medicines and 3 pumps
of nebulizer before
going on stage, luckily i DID NOT die that night. This coming
13th Aug, I wil dive off the
stage without taking any medicine. Surprisingly for that night (tiger
beer) i did not feel extremely
tired like normally after banging Si Ai Bin.
-as long as we have music, the day wil never end, as long as we have rock,
tomorrow wil be wonderful, as long as i upgrade my studio, i have to work
my axx off to return money to my friend.
-its 7.01am, got to have a short nap before work.
-same old ending, thanks for reading.
17th June 2005 Updates:
Sorry for taking so long to update since early May, so much work
to be done.
In short, here are some updates, not much comment this time. Ciao...
Thanks to Seok Kheng for being there at Beautiful junk
Thanks to Wooi Min on feedback.
-Gallery : Beautiful Junk
-Hall Of Fame
-Bio
-Feedback
3rd March 2005
Journal from Jelutong:
During the CNY holidays, Penang-based Chai Sin Wee, Ah Yong, Ah Sang, Ah Meng
all came to Alor Setar and put up at Hotel Sentosa, we had a great time and
here are their recent photos:
Jelutong Penang.
6th February 2005
It's nail biting time of the year again. The Best Student Awards will be presented
to the well-deserved winners on 12th February 2005, at Muzik Sistem, Shahab
Perdana.
Venue: 2nd Floor, Muzik Sistem, Shahab Perdana, Mergong.
Time: 5.00pm - 7.30pm
Students Norminated:
Piano
1) Bong Sze Rin
2) Ch'ng Shiau Ying
3) Phang Zie Liang
Guitar
1) Tan Seok Kheng
2) Foo Ching Chze
3) Wang Wei Lun
6th February 2005
Ugly T-shirts first printing sold out.
We would like to thank all of those who had purchased the T-Shirts. Without
your support,
we are nothing. Thanks.
2nd batch of T-shirts will be printed soon. Please refer pictures below
and make your order by
phone (012 431 9110) or email to michael@uglymen.net
All T-Shirts are 100% cotton @ RM25 each
RED WHITE
BLACK
Available Sizes: L, M, XL
9th January 2005
Jokes reopens
Alsictry joke section has been temporary closed to honour over 100,000 of
tsunami victims.
Donate generously to the Tsunami Victims, in cash, clothes, food, anything
you think that may help them. Some danation links are listed below.
As we embark on a new year, we are reminded that elsewhere
in the world, there is great tragedy.
CHINA
PRESS THE
STAR
Top Students in 2005 to be announced.
New students updates and photos to be uploaded soon:
1) Toh Chin Hin
2) Loo Hung Khim
3) Yong Su Chin
4) Chan Yoke Peng
5) Yong Fung Fung
6) Edlim Lim
7) Cheng Si Den
8) Wong Mei Xing
Alsictry wishes Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to all students, colleagues and friends.
Latest Student Database Updates
& January 2005 Upgrades (20th December 2004)
Name Instru Level
Sun : Chin Chin
Hao Elec Gtr
1
Lee Chee
Seng Elec Gtr 2
Phang Zie
Liang P Piano 1
Afina P
Piano 1
Jan Jan P
Piano 1
Mon : Yew Chor Jie Elec
Gtr 1
Loh
Ken Ken Elec
Bass 2
Heng Yee
Siong P Piano 3
Tues : Gooi Thung Yong Elec Gtr 3
Rick Oo Elec
Bass 1
Khor Joo
Meng Elec Gtr
2
Ah Wee Elec
Gtr B
Beh Soon
Ni Elec
Gtr 2
Chang Chih Sang
Elec Bass 1
Wed : Rachel Tan
P Piano B
Bong Sze Rin P
Piano 2
Ch'ng Shiau
Ying P Piano
1
Zuriyati
Yusof Ac Gtr B
Lim Hui
Fenn Ac
Gtr 1
Tan Chin
Sing Elec
Gtr B
Mohd Taufik P
Piano 1
Woon Wooi
Min Ac Gtr
2
Ooi Su Fern P
Piano 2
Thur : Hasmira P
Piano 2
Kooy Eng
Yao P PIano B
Wang Wei
Loon Elec Gtr 1
Cheong Hock
Aun Elec Gtr
1
Loh Boon
Siang Elec Gtr 1
Hoo See
Kee P
Piano B
Hoo Khai
Chiat Elec Gtr (T)
1
Chew Meng
Tat Elec Bass 1
Liang Khim
Yun Elec Gtr
B
Woon
Zu Yi P
Piano 1
Fri : Foo Ching Chze Elec
Gtr 1
Chin Win
Ni P
Piano 1
Loo Hung
Khim P Piano B
Yong Su
Chin P
Piano B
Chan Yoke
Peng P Piano B
Yong Fung
Fung P Piano B
Toh Chin
Hin Ac
Gtr B
Qing See Elec
Gtr 1
Yeong Siew Wen P
Piano
2
Sat : Loh Chia Khai
Ac Gtr
B
Tan Boon
Jyoon Ac Gtr B
Jackie Lim Ac
Gtr 1
Edwin Lim
P Piano B
Jeffrey
Khoo P
Piano 1
Amy Sofea
P Piano 1
Tan Sin Hui P
Piano 1
Lim Cia
Yee
P Piano
1
Ong Chong Leng
Elec Gtr
1
Cheng Si Den
Ac Gtr B
Hoo Khai
Chiat Elec Gtr (S)
1
SIGNED
Uglymen putting pen to paper during the last recording trip in KL. Uglymen officially signed by Kenny Music.
Sorry, no time to write report for
this trip, I am really tied down with too much work...
Hall of Fame is always updated though. ;-)
Uglymen 2nd Recording Session (26th-27nd July 2004)
Ugly Recording Report 2 Ugly Recording Photo 2
Other updates:Uglymen 1st Recording Session
(10th-12nd July 2004)
Click below to
read report and photos
Ugly Recording Report Ugly
Recording Photos
Thank
you very much to all of the comments given
So, how do the students feel learning music
at michael-one? Interesting? Challenging or what? You can read them here...
Testi
p/s: Thank you to all the students who have taken time to write something
for the website.
Massive Updates
Many sections have been updated but i just couldn't remember which ones, so guess you have to take your time browse through each section looking for them :-)Congratulations to the F5 (Fabulous 5) of Alsictry semester ending on 30th June 2004
I want to thank all Alsictry students for their effort in pursuing their music knowledge, espeacially to the top 5 of Sze Rin, Seok Kheng, Heng Lih, Shiau Ying, Chea Wei. Their hard effort have again, made Alsictry a success. Thank you.
Bong Sze Rin Tan
Seok Kheng
Top Piano Player Top Guitar player
Cheng
Heng Lih Ch'ng Shiau Ying
Ooi Chea
Wei Ong Chong Leng
Outstanding Student Outstanding Student
Outstanding Student Talented Performer
Hall
of Fame running to another end of semester
All students can check on your marks status now, but
due to some replacements are still pending, the final result of Alsictry has
not been calculated as yet.
New semester will be running from July 2004 - - December 2004
Great Time in KL
Uglymen had some great time in KL last
week 5th -7th June 2004. We gigged at Planet Hollywood and met many pro musicians
and had supper with some really super very important people in the local music
industry...
Left to Right:
Back row - Uglymen #1 supporter Paul Ooi / Uglymen #1 roadie Ric Tan / Suan
/ michael /
Jiunn / Metal
Front row - Uglymen manager & Kenny Music owner Kenny Tay / Super talented
entertainer
and local artiste Leonard Tan / Playtime Production chief player Jeff Siah
/
Multitalented
musician and entertainer KG Tan
All with the " V r 1" hand sign
PAN GIO in Tragedy
(Departed
29th May 2004)
Gio, the stunning beautiful Yamaha AsianBeat Asia Grand Final MC in Taiwan
passed away on the 29th May 2004. I contacted her cousin and was told that
Gio suffered an acute stomach illness that causes serious internal bleeding,
died late evening in the hospital. She was at a local pub when she suddenly
fainted and was rushed to hospital.
Gio was a good friend of Uglymen and we feel extremely sad on her sudden departure.
Funeral service will be on the 6th of June 2004, 11am morning at the Kaoshiung
Cemetary. Anyone who wish to contact her family in Kaoshiuing, Taiwan can
call the following number: +886 9 3192 3193.
We love you Gio...
Ugly
Recording starting soon (hopefully)
Above:
KJ rehearsing drum recording with a cheap metronem and faulty headphone.
PS:
There's a guy behind him, who the hell is... no prize on guessing right...
With God's willing, opps....
with Kenny's willing, Uglymen may start to record the debut album
in June on 5th till 8th. Uglymen also will be performing in the Music Fest
at Planet Hollywood (what a venue....hehe, great memories...)
Sorry not much updated on the site since so many things packing up to my nose...
song writing,
music lessons, pc services, travelling...
Here are some of the pages which were updated this time: HALL OF FAME as usual,
the semester coming to an end and some clear candidates for top students are
in line... / some ugly JOKES, and a new poll...
New
Sunday Times: SHOW TIME: UGLYMEN (27th Apr 2004 3.35am)
Left to Right: Woi Kong / michael / Suan / Himanshu
/ Metal
A date with reknown drama director / writer Mr. Himanshu
Bhatt at The Actor's Studio.
Full story click below:
New
Sunday Times: Show Time! 25th April 2004
Printer friendly version
UGLYMEN to perform in Penang (tbc) (7th Apr 2004 4.27am)
Uglymen will probably stage a 5-song show
in Penang, featuring all original compositions.
Availability to be confirmed.
Event: Sound Maker Gig
Date: 1st May 2004
Time: 8pm
Venue: The Actors Studio Greenhall, Penang
Venues
and Dates Confirmed (22nd Mar 2004 9.55pm)
Students performances date and venue as
stated below, both will be held at MS, Shahab Perdana.
Elec / Acc Guitar Performance
Date: 3rd April 2004 (Saturday)
Time: 7.30pm
Piano Performance
Date: 31st March 2004 (Wednesday)
Time: 7.30pm
ALSICTRY.com (16th Mar
2004 10.53am)
Alsictry.com site menu will be added gradually as I
am occupied with much work.
New
Songs (16th Mar 2004
10.58am)
UGLYMEN
completed 3 new songs:
Missing You (michael)
Phak Chxx Chxxx (Suan)
Heng Wa Lui (michael)
Check out www.UGLYMEN.net
for more info
Site
Menu On (18th Mar 2004
2.15am)
Some Site Menus have been activated, click to enter
15th
November 2003 3.50am
See
my head on fire above??? I started to run and do some light exercises, but
my cough is still very bad... anyway, don't worry, because asthma is not contagous.
You can't get asthma by sitting beside your poor asthmatic teacher :-)
Yamaha Asian Beat 2003 Kedah / Perlis:
Congratulations to Stephen Koh Teik Yan, one of my BEST
guitar student who has established himself as a household name in the local
music scene. He won the Best Guitarist award, defeating dozens other guitarist,
and most importantly, also helped his band clinched 1st runner-up. The great
news is they were awarded a place in the KL finals in December. Hooray...
Uglymen will meet up with them and feel more at home in KL. Good Luck STEVEN
and Signature.
Very
Special Thanks to Gooi Thung Yong
Thank you for helping me on Penang music lessons while
I was sick at home. Thanks
3
October 2003 11.27pm
Read
the interview with Stephen Barber, one of my all-time favourite composer who
co-arranged many of Eric Johnson's songs.
Do you think theory of music is important? vote now below of this page.
2 October 2003 1.00pm
Set to ROCK AND ROLL. Uglymen is all set to Rock and
Roll at The Emporium on 5th October 2003 for the Carlsberg Centre Stage Grand
Final (details)
3 new articles have been added above, read them and hope they will help you
improve as a music player.
Alsictry Penang is running hot. More details when I come back from KL next
week. Thanks.
6
September 2003 1.49am
Great news to all guitar enthusiasts in Penang. Alsictry
has already started conducting guitar / bass lessons in Jelutong from September
2003. We have 4 students at the moment and picking up the pace. More information
on how to enroll coming soon. So keep an eye. Thanks.
2
September 2003 2.12am
I would like to share with you some useful tips which
I have learnt. Want to be a better musician? Check out the tips above, compiled
from some useful sources and my own experience throught out the 10 years of
my band adventure and teaching career. Please email me if you have any ideas
on improving musicianship. Thank you.
19
August 2003 12.03am
To all Alsictry students, Hall of Fame section openned.
Got your name?
8th
August 2003, 5.29am
I am super-super tired now. Just arrived in Alor Setar
from Penang after completed our Carlsberg Centre Stage Contest. It was a good
performance for us, but there are still room for improvement. We witnessed
some great jazz work from Jeep Jazz Trio, with some very refined keybaord
work. We would like to thank our friends (eh...no) actually all are family,
for supporting us. I am glad I did not screw up the performance while not
feeling well there.
5th August 2003, 5.12am
When practising a new version of Si Ai Bin, the band
goes cracko with some loose playing and broken stuff. Is it in time for a
last practise on Wednesday night? Till now, the newly arranged song has not
been jemmed by all the 4 members together