Caught up in NST

KUALA LUMPUR: Hit the right notes at Yamaha Music Centre in Wangsa Walk Mall.
The newest centre is also one of the largest in Malaysia, said Yamaha Music Malaysia managing director Hitoshi Mochizuki at its recent launch.LS Music Sdn Bhd managing director Woo Lai Sim said the outlet does not only provide an extensive range of musical instruments, but also studios in its music school."We have been a Yamaha dealer for 21 years. We started from a small shoplot in Taman Melawati and have since expanded. "This is our biggest outlet yet. The other three in Kajang, Ampang and Putrajaya also offer music classes," she said.Woo, who loves music and plays the piano, decided to and set up a company that would let her indulge her passion while doing serious business with husband Robert Low Theam Hock.
There are 39 studios of various sizes including a room for ensemble practice. Music teacher Kevin Koid said more than 1,000 students had used the facilities since the centre's opening.A tour of the centre with Koid, saw the music classes in full swing in the studios as well as an impressive selection of instruments. There are string instruments like acoustic and electric guitars, brass wind and percussions.A training pad lets budding drummers practise without driving the neighbours mad."In Japan, everything comes in a compact version including this pad. It's smaller, but it has all the components of a real drum. "Its volume can be controlled and headphones can be plugged in so that the pounding is for your ears only."
A product of Yamaha music school, Koid said it was important for the teachers to know the history of the music instrument.
"I guess that comes with experience. Our students are beginners to advanced learners."We have a wide range of items, from the most affordable and basic instruments to the expensive ones. The latter is usually bought by professional musicians or collectors," said Koid, who teaches at the Yamaha music centre at Plaza Metro Kajang


http://www.nst.com.my/articles/06yamaha/Article/index_html