Violin masterclass at the Nanyang Technological University Symphony Orchestra, Singapore.
Violin masterclass at the Methodist Girls’ School String Ensemble, Singapore.
“Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” - Maimonaides
Gabriel believes that mastering the instrument is far more crucial than merely preparing for annual exams with a few pieces. His approach focuses on helping students develop their unique voice through critical thinking, a refined ear for harmony, and a robust foundation for violin mastery. By guiding students through a carefully selected progression of etudes, concerti, showpieces, and sonatas, Gabriel equips them with the skills and confidence to learn independently. This foundation fosters a lifelong passion for the violin, empowering students to pursue their musical journeys with assurance and enthusiasm.
Gabriel is grateful to his former teachers who have put him through a wide range of teaching methods from his formative years. He developed a firm foundation with Chinese pedagogue Zhang Zhen Shan, and traces his musical lineage back to both Russian schools of David Oistrakh and Yuri Yankelevich with his teachers Alexander Souptel and Victor Danchenko. His subsequent studies in Historical Performance and work in cross-genre music have also given him a unique perspective in interpreting music and bringing out the characteristics of various musical styles. It is now his passion to pass on this knowledge and inspire the next generation of violinists.
Besides teaching at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music and the School of the Arts, Gabriel offers private violin lessons in Singapore and online lessons to international students. He coaches the violin sections of the NUS Symphony Orchestra and the Tanjong Katong Girls School String Ensemble, and has given workshops and masterclasses in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia and Myanmar.
His students have won prizes in international competitions and gained admission to prestigious conservatories around the world, as well as top local schools through Direct School Admission (DSA).
Gabriel’s teaching studio is located at Holland Village, within 5 mins walk from both Holland Village and Buona Vista MRT stations.
Honing performance skills and stage presence is an important part of a musician’s learning journey! Gabriel regularly organizes studio classes, masterclasses and concerts for his students to gain confidence on the stage. Those who are ready will go on to participate in graded examinations, festivals and competitions.
Here’s a photo gallery of his studio concert in November 2019:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Gabriel has switched his studio classes to an online format, and has also used this as an opportunity to invite his esteemed colleagues to guest teach during these Virtual Studio Classes. Check these out here:
With COVID-19 measures being relaxed, Gabriel organized a studio concert for his students in December 2021:
Students participating at the Singapore Music Teachers’ Association Le Petit Performers Fest 2022:
Gabriel performing in an Orchestra of the Music Makers concert with his students:
Students participating at the 2023 Singapore Raffles International Music Festival:
Gabriel teaching a violin masterclass organized by Euroasia Malaysia:
