Bio
Music appealed to me from my earliest days, for which I quite quickly went on a limb with an irrepressible spirit. When there eventually was money, I threw myself ardently into all sorts of opportunities without moderation and enjoyed myself immensely. Later on, I stumbled into arts technology, pedagogy, and ethnography–developing deep interests for them.
I had the fortune of having good mentors, all whom with inspiring and practical qualities tempered my artistic sensibilities, industry acumen, and professionalism, making things possible for me. I became prolific and befriended useful people, who in turn improved my luck and chances. When YouTube came into existence, I became known for a musical skill that subsequently evolved into the archetypal handdrum method practised in contemporary percussion communities across the world–particularly China.
These days, I teach more. I also write, publish, and mentor arts professionals. In 2020, I developed a digital pedagogy curriculum for the National Institute of Education Singapore and have since been teaching it to arts educators and government school teachers. I enjoy conversations with my children and friends, playing the occasional music gig, and going about my days unhurriedly.
Education
Music Education (MM)
Boston university
Digital Media (MSc)
University of Newcastle, Australia
Recording Arts (Hons)
Middlesex University
Work
Lecturer in pedagogy
Nanyang Technological University (National Institute of Education)
Lecturer in audio, music, and film sound
University of the Arts Singapore (LASALLE)
Associate Lecturer in arts technology and media
Republic Polytechnic
Associate adult educator
Singapore University of Social Sciences (Institute for Adult Learning)
wsq trainer and curriculum developer
Mediacorp
// 2008-2014
LASALLE College of the Arts
technical officer, sCHOOL OF CONTEMPORARY MUSIC
Images In Motion
Audio manager
Stereoimage Productions
sound designer, audio engineer
// 1999-2007
Church of Singapore (Bukit Timah)
Pastoral staff, music and technical specialist
Ocean Butterflies
Demo (music) arranger, songwriter
Freelance
Performer and teacher (since 1999)
Facts & Trivia
I am a person who needs to feel to think, an extrovert who enjoys introspection.
I stick to ground rules and improvise the rest.
I believe in a supernatural God who works in naturalistic and mysterious ways.
I accept the limits of pedigree, heritage, environmental and biological luck.
I embrace the dominance of instinct, the persistence of ego, and the attraction of ignorance.
I am grateful to ethnography for providing me reason, repair, and freedom (read my writings).
I am of the opinion that artistic knowledge is created by constant interaction and contention with the norms.
As a Constructivist, I trust ZPD, informal learning, and facilitation to be the best methods for knowledge transfer.
I nicknamed myself “turbochicken” because there was a time I longed to be famous and no one remembered my actual name, even when they were not intoxicated.
I try my best to eat and talk less, not lose sleep or muscles, and keep my vigour.
What They Say
“Shawn exhibits excellent analytical and communication skills and has an acute ability to engage students through a range of delivery modes. Teaching into the School of Film and Animation, as well as multiple disciplines in the School of Contemporary Music, and working as a performing musician, Shawn is a true exemplar of interdisciplinarity.”
Justin Hegburg, LASALLE College of the Arts
“After so many years of recording some of the best cajón players in the world, one develops the ‘good cajónero detector.’ When we heard Shawn, it went on immediately. He is definitely one of the best in Asia today.”
Paolo De Gregorio, owner of DG Cajons
“Through precisely enunciated lesson plans, carefully curated assignment choices, and evenly modulated feedback, Shawn was able to put his students through drills with panache and patience. To add to the level of difficulty, which in no way detracted from the efficiency and effectiveness of his classes, these lessons were delivered over Zoom…I highly recommend anyone interested in Sound Engineering & Design to seek him out for a crash course towards becoming fully competent in the rudiments of this field…if anything, Shawn’s impeccable professionalism and infectious passion for his work will make apparent the rigour and requisite expertise he brings to his teaching and work.