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“The Arts reach parts of the human being that are otherwise left untouched.”
Music appealed to me from my earliest days, for which I quite quickly went out 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 teachers, 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 type of musical skill that subsequently evolved into the archetypal hand-drum method practised in contemporary percussion communities across the world, particularly China and Vietnam.
These days, I teach more. I also write, publish, and mentor arts professionals. In 2021, I developed “E-pedagogy” for the National Institute of Education (Nanyang Technological University, Singapore) and have been teaching it to arts educators and MOE teachers across Singapore. I enjoy conversations with my children and friends, playing the occasional music gig, and going about my days unhurriedly.
[Edu
cation]
Music Education (MM)
Boston university (2021)
Digital Media (MSc)
University of Newcastle, Australia (2014)
Recording Arts (2.1)
Middlesex University (2013)
[Work
exp
rience]
// 2015-Present
Nanyang Technological University (National Institute of Education)
Lecturer in pedagogy, part-time (since 2019)
University of the Arts, Singapore (LASALLE)
Lecturer in audio, music, and film sound, part-time (since 2015)
Republic Polytechnic
Associate Lecturer in arts technology (since 2017)
Singapore University of Social Sciences (Institute for Adult Learning)
Associate adult educator (since 2017)
Mediacorp (Singapore Media Academy)
wsq trainer and curriculum developer (since 2016)
// 2008-2014
LASALLE College of the Arts
technical officer, socm (2013-2014)
Images In Motion
Audio manager (2011-2012)
Stereoimage Productions
sound designer, audio engineer (2008-2011)
// 1999-2007
Church of Singapore (Bukit Timah)
Pastoral staff, music and technical specialist (2003-2008)
Ocean Butterflies
Demo (music) arranger, songwriter (1999-2002)
Freelance
Performer and teacher (since 1999)
[Prac
tice]
Arts Practitioner, Academic, Edupreneur, Author.
Since 1999, I have worked as a drummer, sound designer, music producer and engineer, private music teacher, and consultant. I have played at concerts and shows with local and foreign artistes, endorsed international music brands, toured with YouTube artistes, held residencies at pubs and bistros for a decade, performed at over 500 weddings and corporate events, recorded music for albums and movie soundtracks, designed sound effects for local and foreign films and animation, judged for international drum competitions, and arranged music for church. You can find many of my works online, chiefly YouTube.
As an academic, I have supervised undergraduate dissertations and developed modules for higher education and Work Skills Qualification. More recently, I was an advisor for LASALLE’s BA Arts Management Industry Engagement programme, where I help shape earnest ideas into practical and promising projects within the creative industries.
Also an edupreneur, I have been teaching pop percussion in China since 2018, becoming a household name within the hand-drumming community.
[Teach
ing
philo
sophy]
PERCEPTIVE, EMPATHETIC, EMPOWERING, RELATIONAL (PEER).
My approach to teaching and learning is informed by my formative years in the creative industries and training in education. I believe that artistic knowledge is created by constant interaction and contention with the norms, and strive to enable my students in creating their own situated and contextually responsive knowledge by 1] providing a conducive environment for learning through respect and inclusivity; 2] facilitating understanding through awareness and constant dialogue; 3] creating opportunities for reflection; and 4] cultivating a desire for ubiquitous learning.
To accomplish this, I employ a variety of strategies based on learning and teaching theories, instructional planning and assessment principles, industry standards, and personal evidence. I use mainly Constructivist approaches such as ZPD, Informal Learning, and facilitation techniques. In addition to measuring, my assessments are designed to celebrate a diversity of strengths and perspectives within the discipline, and accommodate a broad spectrum of proficiencies and multiple entry points.
[Test
imo
nials]
“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.