We
had a chat with child prodigy Dhirren about how he started playing the piano , his parents role and much more .
Dhirren
We
had a chat with child prodigy Dhirren about how he started playing the piano , his parents role and much more .
ELABORATE ON DHIRREN ' S START IN THE MUSIC FIELD .
His first memories of music were when his parents sang to him every night . As a baby , his lullabies were songs sung by them and listening to Western Classical music , such as Mozart and Beethoven pieces .
He started playing the piano when he received a child-friendly keyboard for his 5 years old birthday from his paternal grandmother . He figured out the notes and played songs based on hearing , without any formal piano lessons .
As there were very limited options available for Dhirren then aged 5 , to develop further in his piano interest in Singapore , and talent spotting their son ’ s passion , his parents decided to pull him out of school ( kindergarten in Singapore ) and send him to Chennai , India to learn piano in the renowned KM Music Conservatory ( aka AR Rahman Music School ). After an audition , Dhirren was accepted into the Russian Piano Studio in KM Music Conservatory . Under Dr Surojeet Chatterjit ’ s guidance , Dhirren ’ s music journey started .
The little boy then at 6 years old , travelled a lesser treaded path and went to Chennai , India to pursue the Russian Piano at KM Music Conservatory where he studied the piano for 2 years . He skipped 2 grades and at 7 years old , sat for the Grade 3 exams held by Trinity College of London and scored Distinction and Merit . For studies , he was home-schooled the Singapore syllabus by his mother in Chennai , while he continued learning the piano .
HOW WAS THIS TALENT DISCOVERED BY HIS PARENTS AND HOW DID THEY HELP IN PAVING A DIRECTION FOR DHIRREN ?
Observing his passion in music after receiving a keyboard for his 5th year birthday , his parents arranged for formal piano lessons for him and rented an acoustic piano for him to play on . Purchasing a piano was a huge investment and without knowing if Dhirren had his interest in it , they didn ’ t want to commit . Wanting to both encourage their child in music and also to be mindful if the interest is short-lived , Dhirren ’ s parents started off by renting a piano . This opened up an avenue for Dhirren . After school , Dhirren will come home to play the piano on his own .
To further encourage their son , his parents decided to bring him to Chennai , India to learn the piano at KM Music Conservatory . This set his foundation as it gave him ample of exposure and he learned the art of performance and showmanship from his teacher , Dr Surojeet Chatterjit , in Chennai .
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