College for musicians
A STUDENT at the International College of Music ( ICOM), Lyanne Low, shares her journey of musical education:
“Memories of days of slaving through scales and arpeggios, dreading sight- reading pieces and the thought of studying songs I could barely read are still vividly etched in my mind, but something inside me wanted to do exactly that and far more for the rest of my life.
I recall the look of disbelief on the faces of family and friends when I informed them that I wanted to pursue music professionally.
To them, I was just another pianist, just a wannabe singer, someone who wanted to defy all logical sense and reasoning for the impossible. Was it really impossible? I knew that with enough zeal and passion, cliche as it sounds, I would be able to achieve my dreams. This is my third and final semester of my Foundation in Music at ICOM. It’s been almost a year and I find myself asking, “Where did the year go?”
Everything seems to have passed so quickly, like it was just yesterday that I set foot to register. The first time I stepped into ICOM was for an Open Day to visit and check out what they had to offer. Immediately, I knew I wanted to be here – a place where talented people with passion for their craft hung out. Now, I spend almost every waking hour at ICOM – learning, practising, crying, laughing and loving. I have seen a major growth in myself that I never expected. I’m definitely far from being the best performer, but being in an environment with so much motivation to be the best has certainly brought me far.
I am in constant thanks to all my peers and seniors who always have a word of advice to give or experience to share. I also owe it to the amazing faculty at ICOM who consistently share their critique and push me to be more than I could ever be on my own. I love the diversity at ICOM that makes this place unique – both in the people and the musical styles. I have learnt much from people coming from different parts of Malaysia and the world.
People from different cultures and backgrounds have opened my eyes to musical styles that I never knew would interest me, and how their culture or language seeps into their music, making it their own. It is an enlightening experience to be surrounded by talented musicians, some classically trained ( both western and eastern) while others are self- taught. Each has a different approach to their music.
I've experienced so much at ICOM in less than a year than I have experienced in my entire musical life. I received many opportunities in performance and writing projects that I didn’t think it was possible when I was in high school, from singing for a senior’s Friday Performance on the first week of college to many open mic sessions to being able to be a part of ICOM’s recent Tribute to Snarky Puppy and even the chance to perform at the Penang International Jazz Festival last year.
Now, to be produced by one of ICOM’s finest orchestrators as a writer for my very own EP, I count myself extremely blessed. These opportunities have enriched my education at ICOM, giving me the chance to network with other professional musicians in the industry.
From a timid, stressed out girl in my first semester, ICOM has not only made me more mature musically, but also built my self- esteem and confidence. It's not over yet but at ICOM, I’ve found myself in a wonderful musical journey that I cannot wait to continue.
I know I have made the right choice in choosing ICOM as a stepping stone to my future musical career, with a curriculum rigour that provides industry- relevant content and knowledge to spur me in areas such as performance, writing, production, arranging and more.
If you are anything like me before my ICOM experience, I strongly recommend that you check out the programmes at ICOM. It’s an investment that pays itself.”
ICOM offers programmes ranging from certificate to undergraduates degrees in music, audio and music business.
Interested applicants may contact the admissions office at 03- 4023 6000 or admissions@ icom. edu. my to register for any of the programmes. An ICOM student is one who is musically talented, articulate, driven and serious about making music a career. If these characteristics describe you, ICOM wants to discover you.