L&I Features Dennis Lau
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Guess who will be featured this coming Thursday (17 Feb 2011) at the Live and Inspire Series Season 3?Dennis Lau is an electric violinist, songwriter & producer. He obtained a Bachelors of Music graduate under the Newcastle Australian Music Degree Program. Dennis began his musical adventure with the piano at the tender age of three. Then he went on to obtain several diplomas in classical piano. Dennis’s violin training started at the age of eight.

Now an accomplished musician in the local music scene and in contemporary/jazz rhythms, Dennis has achieved a lot in a short span of time, already having shared the stage with Asia’s most prominent and popular artistes and celebrities and is also a regular guest performer on various television programs. Aside from performing, composing and working on his album, Dennis contributes to the evolution of the music industry through his other passion – teaching. Dennis manages to take time out from his otherwise extremely busy and hectic schedule to devote his skills, talent and patience to conduct music lessons for the young in his home studio.

Being the first instrumentalist signed under Sony Music Singapore, he recently produced a short film inspired by the song “Prelude in F Minor” which can be found in his limited edition CD/DVD album DiversiFy. His current project is acting in a leading role in a local movie production. With so much going on in his life, we sat down with Dennis and discovered the big passion behind it all.

What was the feedback from your family and friends when you decided to pursue music professionally?
Being a piano teacher herself, my mum first opened the doors to me when I was 3 and then sent me for violin lessons when I was 7. To be honest, I had actually no idea how professionally or seriously I want to pursue music. It was more of my passion and hobby. To be specific, it is like a routine to me. What I discovered later on was when I was performing part time, I realized the potential of it. I observed the logistics of it, comparing it with other jobs, hence thats why I gradually pursued it professionally. My family had no objections throughout this journey.

What is your favorite piece to play?
Definitely these two songs I composed: “Prelude in F minor” feat. Jimmy Sax and “MAHKOTA” feat. Syafinaz.

Who is your inspiration and why?
Michael Jackson. He redefined music, fashion, dance… everything in one. There could never be another pioneer like him and I believe that is something every musician/artist strives to innovate.

What is your ritual before a large performance?
There are two rituals I always practice regardless of large or small scale performances: Wash my face (because I want to feel fresh on stage) and of course, pray to the Almighty for His blessing.

What made you decide to teach?
Teaching was a part of me when I grew up and my mum was a music teacher. I have observed her teaching students (be it young or adult). Gradually, it became a natural instinct to teach after I finished high school.

What advice would you give to our up-and-coming musician’s on overcoming the fear and nerves of performing in front of a large crowd?
There’s nothing to be afraid or be nervous about when you are on stage. I once took this advice and it works even till today, ‘When you are on stage, you are the KING of the stage. Take control of it and inspire people like your inspiration inspires you.’

What can we expect from your Starbucks Live & Inspire session on Thursday?
Haha, that’s a good one. Come with no expectations as I’m performing for the first time, with a mic. =)

So meet Dennis in action this Thursday. Click here to find out more details of the event. For more information on Dennis, check out his Facebook Page or Official Website.

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