Providing vocal lessons to the less fortunate during MCO

GEORGE TOWN – Not every child has the chance to learn extracurricular lessons like music and performing arts as it involves additional cost. 

Marcus Lim, 29, was one of those who had to start working at 14 to pay for his own vocal lessons, and today, he offers vocal lessons to the less fortunate at a very low cost.

A programme parked under the Empower Youth Program (EYP) started by Sungai Pinang Assemblyman Lim Siew Khim, Lim offers two-hour-long vocal lessons per week. Each student is only charged RM20 a month. 

He said that vocal lessons can typically range from RM100 to RM200 for 45 minutes, depending on the coach.

“I know what it is like to have a passion for something and not having the money to fund it. I have always loved singing, but my family could not afford to send me for vocal lessons. Instead of letting it be, I began by selling vegetables at the night market when I was in Form 2. The money I earned funded my vocal lessons.

“When I was 16, I started working in a music store. I would duplicate music for my own use by burning discs from the store. This is so I can practise singing at home. I could not afford to buy original music at that time. I know it was wrong to do it, but that was the only way I could improve myself.”

Later on, Lim was given the opportunity to gig in a cafe. It opened more doors for him to perform. He snagged a few awards in Asia before deciding to be a vocal coach himself. 

Now, managing MG Performing Arts Academy, he is juggling vocal classes via Zoom because of the movement control order (MCO).

“I continue to have lessons with these students because I find fulfilment in finding out young talent in the arts. I have reduced the classes to an hour a week because it is difficult to teach with bad connection and piercing feedback through the speakers when teaching. Also, when we do our warm-ups, the rhythm may not match, or the sound may be off pitch.

“However, if I don’t continue teaching them, we will have to start from scratch again when MCO is over.”

Lim believes that the youth need to be exposed to opportunities so they can better themselves for the future. 

Though he does not believe that Malaysia is ready to support performing arts, he would still encourage his students to give their best, as many Malaysians have made a name for themselves in other countries like Taiwan and China.

“Malaysians are very talented. I can see it from the choirs that I have seen performing, but Malaysia, or maybe Malaysians don’t really focus on this industry.

“There is a lot of room for improvement. As for the students, I am teaching now, their age ranges from 9 to 40 and they do not have any background in music or basic theory. 

“So I am just trying to lay down a good foundation for them, and if it is their passion to take up music as a career, I will support them in any way I can,” he said, adding that the EYP is a good platform to empower those who are in the B40 group. – The Vibes, February 15, 2021.