Little heartstrings

Little Heartstrings is not a conventional music school. Its own about page describes a group of children learning the violin, backed by supportive parents and guided by an inspirational teacher, with the shared purpose of bringing joy through music to people less fortunate than themselves. Established in 2003 and named in 2008 by enthusiastic parents, the group spans ages 5 to 14, with abilities ranging from beginners to competitive performers, and it makes a point of integrating members with special needs, with parents and children going the extra mile to share, encourage and help. Teacher Alex Yi has played violin for 32 years and taught it for more than twenty, specialises in special needs and high-functioning children, and favours a process-based violin education blending instrumental, historical and theoretical teaching, informed by his research in child cognition and music. The group has performed at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, St Luke's Hospital, Assisi Hospice, Dover Park Hospice, the Salvation Army, Pathlight School, the Purple Parade, the 8th ASEAN Para Games and the President's Challenge, and has raised funds for some of these causes. The listed contact number is 9025 4871.