Josh was born in Malaysia and grew up in a home filled with love and music.
He showed an early interest and gift in music by picking up simple piano playing by ear at the age of 3.
He started playing the piano from the age of 5, specialising in improvisation by listening.
At the age of 15, Josh also showed a keen interest in the drums, an instrument he had not had a chance to play or be exposed to.
Taking some early lessons, Josh showed promise by possessing a good sense of rhythm and showing a quick rate in improvement.
By this time, the piano had become Josh's first love and he was playing the piano in high school musicals, including reproductions of "Miss Saigon" and "Oklahoma".
He began playing regularly in small groups and duos, focusing on accompaniment for solo and duet vocals.
Josh joined the swing band in high school for an opportunity to develop his ability on the drums.
Although leaving home was hard to do, Josh moved to the UK to attend university, and found his feet quickly by earning the position as resident pianist at an award-winning fine dining restaurant.
He stepped his way onto the drum throne of the incredible University Big Band, gigging regularly.
Three amazing years later, Josh found himself playing in the Montreux Jazz Festival with the Big Band.
Upon graduating from university, Josh has moved his focus to drums and has plays sessions and in funk bands, Big Bands, and jazz quartets
including Moment's Notice and resident jazz quartet for JAM, a regular jazz evening at Warwick University.
In addition to his love for playing jazz, Josh has also collaborated with up and coming artistes across the UK in private functions, sessions and
showcases, playing a variety of music styles, including latin, pop and funk.
In the near future, Josh is looking to get involved in exciting new music projects, ideas and thoughts are welcome on a postcard please!
Thursday, October 21, 2004
7 habits of highly effective pianoing
After playing at Raffles for a year, I have managed to deduce the 7 "rules" I should follow in order to play a perfect evening of piano there. This is mainly for myself and probably doesn't apply to any of you, but it might be interesting to certain piano people, and give you a bit of insight on my very (un?)interesting life.
Sleep.Take a nap. Try and get an hour or more, because afternoons are sleepy, and the evening doesn't get any easier without a little rest.
Shower.A shower before work is a must. Sitting at the piano for 3 hours straight is not fun if you're uncomfortable or sweaty. Plus, your clothes are a little cleaner when you're done.
Nails.Cut your nails. When your nails are long, you can't play with your fingertips. You have less finger control, and your fingers get tired very quickly, as do your arms!
Dress.Look smart. Wear a black bowtie and clean pressed wingtip shirt with your suit unless absolutely impossible.
Eat.You don't need to eat before you go, but don't go on an empty stomach. You won't get dinner until 10pm, and sometimes later.
Watch./Wear a watch so you know when to take your breaks, otherwise you have to put your mobile phone on the music stand, and it's annoying if it rings.
Time.Leave half an hour before, so that the manager doesn't give you weird looks when you come in.
I broke rules no 1 , 3 , 6 and 7 today. Not doing too well - even after a year. Maybe I'll do better now that I know what the rules are.
Highlight Of My Day Chatting (how sad) with vEe & Debbie. They always brighten my day. :)
josh: n. 24-year-old male stuck in the corporate financial world of professional services, who spends more time playing the drums and piano than anything else - apart from eating or sleeping.
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