(This is a now page, and if you have your own site, you can find out about what it is here.)
Updated December 14, 2024, from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Courses & Teaching
I currently create guitar course in Malay. You can check out most of it at https://kelasgitar.com/
I also teach & coach 1-on-1 in person and via Zoom video calls, those slots are limited and expensive. If you’re interested to find out more about that, contact me here with your name, what you want to learn, your location, background & goals (basically as much info to give context).
Writing
I write course, book & music reviews here on this website. I am currently gradually trying to review as many of the books and courses I already have in my library. The goal is to document good courses, books and music that are not as popular but are worth checking out.
I also write reviews of the latest guitar & music courses (and CDs) on this site & accept submissions from publisher, record labels and independent artists.
Earlier this year I completed a project of writing 50 poems in Malay on the theme of music & the life of a working musician. I plan to get this published. Right now I’ve started a second series of 50 poems but am at the 8th one so far.
I am also currently exploring options to pursue a PhD in Music or Doctorate in Musical Arts.
Content Creation
I have a love-hate relationship with social media & the internet. Some days I love it more, some day less. Basically though, I am fascinated with SEO, content creation formats, memes, email marketing, copywriting structures, storytelling & worldbuilding — how it relates to creatives in general & musicians specifically.
My first 1-on-1 client, Malaysian jazz pianist Tay Cher Siang and I created a 12-part Instagram Reels video series was released weekly on his Instagram account every Wednesday noon. Other past projects have included #RiffingWithEzanee (a rock guitar lesson series), #GrooviBersamaRuvi (tips from professional musician Ruviyamin Ramlan) and #LuquesTechTips (from Luques Xannial).
In 2024, I also collaborated with brands & companies including Harmony Guitars, Lava Music, Enya Music, Sudio, Tyrone Guitar, LBS Music World, and the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra.
I’m open to partnering with music brands, venues, event organizers and businesses that are interested in creative content creation targeted to the Malaysian music community, especially guitarists.
The latest news, which I’m sharing for the first time officially online here, is a new adjunct role that I’ve accepted at International College of Music, my alma mater here in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Since early November 2024, I’ve been the new Digital Marketing Specialist for the college.
What that means is that I’m actively designing, advising, curating, creating and implementing their social media and content strategy. I’m very grateful to also have two current students on my team. It’s been just over a month in so everything is still new, but I look forward to what we’ll be creating and sharing throughout 2025.
In addition to my role in the marketing department for the college, I’ll also be the first presenter for the first season of the “ICOM MASTER’S SERIES” – a new series of monthly master classes featuring music industry professionals sharing their experiences to the students. These will also all be open to the public too! You can find out more about my session in January here.
Consulting
My 1-on-1 consulting clients have included professional musicians & music college professors from the United States. I was appointed as a member of the Industry Advisory Panel for the Institute of Music, UCSI University for two years in 2022 and 2023, and recently was appointed again for 2024 and 2025.
Speaking
I still run a Clubhouse room on Wednesday nights from 9:30 PM (GMT+8, Malaysian time zone). Co-founded with Malaysian songwriter & entrepreneur, Altimet, I currently host it and am joined by a other like-minded musicians as we discuss current happenings in the music industry. It’s not as frequent as before so check out my announcements on the day via my Instagram and Twitter.
We have 1.3k members in the Malaysian Musicians on CH house. Find out more info about our future sessions here.
It’s a room for musicians to discuss, exchange ideas & network. Although we call it Malaysian Musicians on CH, anyone is welcome to hang out with us. Among the people we’ve had in past sessions include Sheila Majid, Aubrey Suwito, Ahmad Izham Omar, JD Wong, Emmett (Butterfingers), Sina Djavadkhani (Damn Dirty Apes), Joe Flizzow, SonaOne, Cody Foo, Aman Ra, members of Late Night Frequency, Jennifer Thompson, Melakaboy and Joe Lee.
Performing
I am performing next with the Julian Chan Jazz Orchestra at ALMA on Dec 21 2024. More info on that here. I believe this will be my final show for the year.
Workshops, Clinics and Talks
I just completed an academic paper about the music of Malaysian hip hop artist, Altimet. I gave a talk about it at Ipoh Music Symposium 2024.
My next master class will be the one in ICOM in January 2025. The title of that session is, “What I Wish I Knew About Jazz Improvisation 27 Years Ago”
Nature
I enjoy taking walks and saying hi to cats everywhere.