MUSIC HISTORY: A Musician who sings with Malaysia Philharmonic Orchestra and Dithyrambic Singers, travels across Asia and Europe winning multiple awards, a Music Degree and a Diploma in Performance

Find out more about Jessandra

• When did you first develop a passion for music and your favourite instrument?

  I first developed a passion for music at a young age - probably around the time I started school. I was always drawn to rhythm and melody, whether it was through singing along to songs on the radio or tapping beats on the table. Over time, that casual interest grew into a deep appreciation for how music can express emotions and tell stories without words.
  
  My favourite instrument has always been the piano. There's something incredibly expressive and versatile about it - it can be soft and emotional or powerful and dramatic. Learning to play the piano helped me understand music on a much deeper level and became a way for me to relax, focus, and be creative all at once.

• Is there a particular type of music or artist that you listen to on a loop without it driving you crazy?

  Yes, there are definitely a few artists I can listen to on repeat without ever getting tired of their music. Matt Redman and Sergei Rachmaninoff are two of my absolute favourites. Their music has a way of lifting my spirit and grounding me at the same time. The lyrics from Matt Redman's music are not only meaningful but also filled with hope and faith, which makes their music something I turn to often - whether I need encouragement, peace, or just a moment of reverence.
  
  There's something timeless about their songs. No matter how many times I hear tracks like 10,000 Reasons, they still speak to me in a fresh way. That kind of emotional connection keeps their music from ever feeling repetitive or tiring.
  
  Yes, without a doubt, one piece by Sergei Rachmaninoff I can listen to on loop is Prelude in C-sharp minor. It's one of those rare compositions that manages to be both powerful and hauntingly beautiful at the same time.
  
  What makes this piece so captivating is its emotional intensity. The opening chords are bold and commanding - almost like a call from another world - while the middle section dives into something more lyrical and introspective. There's a constant push and pull between strength and vulnerability, which makes every listen feel like a new experience. Rachmaninoff somehow captured raw human emotion and translated it into music with such precision, it never loses its impact.
  
  Even after hearing it countless times, I still discover new details in the phrasing, dynamics, and pacing. The richness of the harmonies, the drama of the pauses, and the weight of the final notes leave a lasting impression every time.
  
  For me, it's not just a piece of music - it's an emotional journey. That's why I can listen to it again and again, and it never loses its magic.

• Explain to us the most difficult or riveting course you could personally give to a student of music.

  One of the most challenging yet rewarding courses I could personally give to a student of music would be "Advanced Expressive Techniques for Piano Performance". This course would go far beyond simply playing the right notes - it would focus on how to truly communicate emotion, story, and personality through the instrument.
  
  We would explore techniques such as dynamic control, pedalling nuances, phrasing, rubato, and voicing - skills that take time, patience, and deep listening to master. What makes it so riveting is that it's not just about technical skill, but about connecting with the heart of the music and translating that to an audience. Students would study masterworks from composers like Chopin, Debussy, and Rachmaninoff, analysing how their pieces require both intellectual understanding and emotional interpretation.
  
  This course would challenge students to step outside of mechanical playing and dive into the artistic side of music. It's difficult, because it requires vulnerability and depth - but that's also what makes it so inspiring. Watching a student grow from simply "playing" a piece to truly expressing it is one of the most powerful transformations in music education.

• What do you think is the most complicated instrument to master and why?

  I believe the piano is one of the most complicated instruments to master - not necessarily because it's hard to start with, but because of the depth it demands as you progress. At a basic level, it might seem approachable: you press a key and a sound comes out. But true mastery of the piano is incredibly complex.
  
  First, it requires complete independence of both hands, often playing entirely different rhythms, dynamics, and melodies at the same time. Add in the use of foot pedals, and you're already coordinating multiple layers of physical control. Then there's the expressive side: pianists must shape phrases, balance voicing between hands, and bring emotion and nuance to each note - all without the benefit of vibrato or breath, like with some other instruments.
  
  On top of that, pianists often deal with huge repertoires, from solo works to concertos and accompanying roles, spanning centuries of music in various styles. The technical, emotional, and intellectual demands of the piano make it a lifelong challenge - and that's exactly what makes it so rewarding.

• What are your keys to success?

  My keys to success as a musician come down to three main things: consistency, passion, and humility.
  
  Consistency is crucial - whether it's daily practice, refining technique, or learning new pieces, progress comes from steady, disciplined effort over time. Talent can only take you so far; it's the hours of focused practice that really shape a musician.
  
  Passion keeps me going even when things get difficult. Music is a demanding path, and without genuine love for what I do-whether it's performing, teaching, or just playing for myself-it would be easy to get discouraged. That passion fuels creativity and helps me stay connected to the emotional side of music.
  
  Humility is just as important. There's always more to learn, and being open to feedback, new ideas, and even failure helps me grow. I try to stay teachable and surround myself with people who inspire me to keep improving.
  
  Together, these values help me stay grounded, motivated, and always moving forward in my musical journey.

• Name three musicians you dream of meeting in your favourite bar in the early hours of the morning, and why.

  If I could meet any three musicians in my favourite bar in the early hours of the morning, it would definitely be Matt Redman, Alicia Keys, and Sergei Rachmaninoff. There's something powerful about being in a quiet, reflective atmosphere late at night - when conversations tend to be more honest and meaningful - and I can't think of a better setting to sit with these artists and talk about music, faith, and purpose.
  
  Matt Redman has a gift for writing songs that feel timeless. I'd love to hear about the stories behind his lyrics - how songs like 10,000 Reasons came to life and what moments in his faith journey inspired them.
  
  Alicia Keys inspires me with her blend of soul, R&B, and classical piano influence. She's not just a performer - she's a storyteller, an activist, and someone who brings real emotion into everything she creates. I'd love to hear her thoughts on how she balances vulnerability and strength in her music, and how her classical training shaped her unique sound.
  
  Sergei Rachmaninoff, on the other hand, represents everything that is grand, emotional, and technically powerful in classical music. His compositions are incredibly expressive - haunting, romantic, and deeply human. I'd ask him what he was feeling when he wrote his piano concertos, and how he channelled such intensity through the instrument.
  
  Spending time with them wouldn't just be about music - it would be about heart, calling, and the kind of faith that shapes everything you do.

• Do you have a valuable anecdote related to music or your days at music school?

  One of the most valuable moments from my music journey happened during my time at music school, in a piano masterclass. I had been preparing a technically demanding piece for weeks - trying to get every note perfect. When I finally performed it in front of the class and my professor, I expected feedback on things like tempo or finger technique. Instead, she paused, looked at me, and said, "you need to feel the music".
  
  At first, I was discouraged. But that moment completely shifted how I approached music. I realised that technical skill alone isn't enough - it's the emotion, the story, and the connection that truly move people. From that day on, I started focusing not just on how the music sounded, but what it meant. I began to ask myself, "What is this piece trying to say?" and "How do I feel when I play it?"
  
  That lesson has stayed with me ever since, and it's something I try to pass on to others: it's not just about playing music - it's about communicating through it. That's where the real beauty lies.

• What are the little touches that make you a Superprof in music?

  What makes me a Superprof in music isn't just technical skills - it's the little touches that create a meaningful, motivating, and personal learning experience for every student.
  
  First, I focus on individualised teaching. I take time to understand each student's learning style, goals, and musical taste. Whether they're into classical music, pieces on faith, or pop, I adapt my lessons to make sure they stay engaged and inspired.
  
  Second, I bring a strong sense of patience and encouragement. Music can be frustrating, and I believe students thrive when they feel safe to make mistakes and grow at their own pace. I celebrate small wins, and I know how to push gently when it's time to stretch their skills.
  
  Third, I emphasise musical expression, not just perfection. From day one, I teach students how to feel the music - not just play the right notes. This brings confidence and joy to their playing, which is what music is truly about.
  
  Finally, I'm always learning myself. I stay updated, try new teaching methods, and reflect on every lesson to keep improving. My goal isn't just to teach - I want to inspire a lifelong love of music in every student I work with.