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The Sound Of Samui

"Where words fail, music speaks." Hans Christian Andersen. "Most people live and die with their music still un-played. They never dare to try." Mary Kay Ash.

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Music has been around in every corner of the world since the beginning of mankind. In fact, music is everywhere we go: in shops, restaurants, waiting rooms, gyms, in cars and in bars. Such is the popularity of music that we now take it with us to any place that doesn’t have it already; mp3 players and mobile phones now carry our favourite tunes so we can listen to them when jogging, working or just moving around. Even phones that don’t store our music have musical ring-tones; very few actually ring anymore.

So it’s clear that music and especially listening to it plays a major role in modern society. Music can affect our moods like nothing else; stirring and eliciting all possible human emotions and setting the scene for all circumstances.

Music is an art form, a method of expression, and one of the biggest influences on our behaviour. Playing an instrument or being able to sing is a wonderful gift. Seeing the affect it can have on those listening has proved to be the inspiration behind many a person picking up a guitar, microphone or violin.

Samui now has a thriving local community which is made up of various different nationalities and cultures. But there’s one thing that everyone can share and appreciate; and that’s music.

As the population of the island has grown, and the successful crossover from being just a holiday destination to being a place where people come to live has been completed, numerous changes have occurred. The most significant have been the increase in activities, attractions and businesses required by those living here to provide a better quality of life.

One such business is the KPN Music School at Samui Town Centre in Bo Phut. It’s a commonly accepted theory that boredom within society can result in many negative social effects. In countries such as the UK, the US and right across Europe the lack of stimuli for children is often considered to be a major contributing factor for those getting involved in crime, drug abuse and antisocial behaviour. 

Providing children with activities helps them to develop quicker and it can positively impact on their ability to communicate, learn and integrate themselves into new situations. Sports and music are two activities that are ideal hobbies to encourage children into more challenging and rewarding situations.

Not everyone is able to participate in sports, for various reasons. But pretty much everyone can be taught to get a tune out of one instrument or another. And it doesn’t matter what age you are. It’s never too late to learn. If you look at Samui’s population and the projected arrivals in the future, many new residents are retirees coming to enjoy the climate, lifestyle and cost of living which are available here.

Most people have always dreamed of being able to play an instrument, but family and work commitments have always restricted the time and effort required to learn. However, if you’re living on Samui and have time to spare, why not start now. It would be a great way to shock your friends and family when they visit!

KPN has now been open for just over a year and the school is looking to improve and expand all the time. There are currently five experienced university-qualified teachers teaching instruments such as the violin, guitar, piano, drums and saxophone. There are also lessons in ballet and singing for those not interested in the instrumental side of things. And the courses offered range from beginner through to expert levels.

Promotions are always on so it’s worth calling in and checking out what’s available. Currently, a 15% discount is offered for anyone who books three courses. During each school summer holiday children can enjoy 40% discounts, and each year a collaboration with the Thai-Austrian Music Foundation sees different teachers come to the school to offer free music workshops.

Concerts are regularly put on and the plan is for the school to continue growing and become a much bigger part of the local community. At present there’s no problem attracting children to the facility but in the future the school aims to increase its appeal for older students to get more involved. Extended opening hours and regular promotions should help facilitate this and make the lessons more widely available to suit everyone’s circumstances. For example, there’s a Happy Hour offer running where all lesson costs are reduced by 20% between 10 am and 3 pm.

It may have been open for just a year but the school has already had some success. Sweet Melody is the name of a band that consists of six KPN students who are kept busy playing at functions around the island. Band practice is provided for free and operated as a fun activity that’s not as strict as the learning of classical music.

As with most hobbies, expense can sometimes be an issue and good quality instruments can be a little expensive. KPN can help you to buy the right instrument and it also offers finance options on larger instruments, such as pianos.

Khun Siwapong Luenram and Khun Bantita Luenram, the people behind the opening of the school on Samui, are very pleased with its progress. Khun Siwapong states, “Nowadays, people want something more from their life than just education and employment. Music allows them a valuable escape from their everyday duties. It also stimulates the artistic and creative part of the brain which, unfortunately, remains neglected by so many people.”

Khun Artit Apithanamontri, the manager of the school, says, “The goal is for the school to develop and offer courses for all levels of learners, in all kinds of music and to suit their individual requirements. Separate courses will be devised for those who wish to read, write or just play music.”

KPN has the potential to affect a large percentage of residents on the island. Music is something that’s enjoyed by everyone and as a resident you have the option to learn something new; develop an existing talent; find an interesting way to spend your time; or encourage a child or family member to take advantage of the exceptional facilities at KPN.