Bio
Ezekiel Liaw is a student pursuing his Bachelor’s in classical music performance under LASALLE College of the Arts. Ezekiel first picked up the saxophone at the age of 9 in his primary school’s band. However, his first instrument was actually the electric organ, picking it up from the local community centre at the age of 4. He then moved on to the piano shortly after at the age of 5. He achieved grade 5 piano under Trinity Guildhall at age 9, and thereafter decided to focus purely on the saxophone. Learning the piano has helped him pick up his new instrument quickly, often inspiring him to learn on his own, developing self-learning habits. Ezekiel then continued joining all his schools’ bands until he enlisted in the army, participating in many concerts and competitions, one of which was an international wind band festival held in the Sydney Opera House, and later achieving the top score at Singapore International Band Festival(SIBF) with the group Orchestra Collective.
Ezekiel was posted to the army band and felt that he was being called to pursue music as he had been thinking of becoming a music therapist since age 14. This is where his self-driven learning habits were of utmost importance as the army band provides basic level proficiency training. He set out to complete his grade 8 theory and saxophone under ABRSM during his 2 years of service, and accomplished a distinction in grade 8 saxophone without the help of a tutor. Ezekiel continues with his strong self-driven mindset in hopes of achieving his lifelong goal of becoming a music therapist and educator.
Qualifications
Certificates & Experience
April 2006Â - Present
Music collaborations
During his time at LASALLE College of the Arts, Ezekiel has collaborated with various pianists for accompanied saxophone works. He also participated in making pop song covers and collaborated with his fellow classmates to produce both original music and covers for educational purposes.
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Ezekiel has also been participating in his school's wind bands from age 9, taking part in all sorts of events such as overseas trips, competitions and performances. He has also volunteered his time with various bands such as St Andrew's Alumni Band, Orchestra Collective and SMU Symphonia. During his time at the Singapore Armed Forces Band, he was an active participant in multiple concerts and performances, and he is experienced in military music performance and parades. He has also done several other collaborations with pop band settings.
June 2019Â - Present
Music Lessons
Ezekiel has been working as a freelance teacher for private lessons for the saxophone, and his lessons are structured to the individual's wants and needs. With a primary focus on developing an individual's sound and making stronger connections with one's emotions during performance, Ezekiel strives to help build strong psychomotor and mental/emotional connections with the student's instrument. This allows one to feel a stronger connection with their music, and has stronger therapeutic potential.
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Ezekiel has also taught in a school band setting as the woodwind instructor as well as the music theory teacher for Pathlight's band CCA in 2019 for half a year. In pursuit of expanding his musical capabilities and knowledge, Ezekiel had to leave his position to pursue further studies at LASALLE College of the Arts.
November 2006Â - Present
Live Performance
During his time at LASALLE, Ezekiel has experienced performing solo pieces for live performances. He has participated at the LASALLE open house, Bel Amour—a valentine's day themed performance held by the LASALLE classical students, as well as Piano Voyage—a concert organised and executed by the students at LASALLE,
Ezekiel is also experienced in wind band settings for various genres of music and different roles such as lead saxophonist or as a supporting role.
August 2019 - Present
Creative processes
Ezekiel has been trained in classical music composition and improvisation, and he is also capable of writing his own music or music exercises to cater for various events or lessons. As a classical improvisor, he is able to take various melodies to create new works while striving to remain stylistically authentic to the appropriate music era.
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Ezekiel is also able to guide others interested in this craft to allow them to embark on their own musical discovery and to be more in touch with their creative processes.