Singapore is a developed and affluent nation. With that comes abundant opportunities and resources for our children to acquire skills and knowledge that many kids in other parts of the world have little access to.

Parents here are therefore confronted with a unique ‘first-world’ problem associated with outsourcing.  We shuttle our children from one enrichment to another, complete one accessment book after another, hothouse the kids from one caregiver to another… it’s tempting to outsource our kids to external parties, and be content to be relegated to playing the part of either being the butler, driver or banker (or all).

Playing the piano is an investment from my Mum which I hold very dearly till today. I learn it not to bring home an income nor to impress an audience but as a form of recreation and creative expression. These days, I learn alongside my daughter, just as a sacred time of bonding where we can do something fun and relaxing together to make music.

In the evenings, I would be found coaching her through the pieces, teaching her perseverance, attention to details, submission (to the tempo!) etc… simple joys for a Dad which admittedly takes a lot more time, sacrifice and effort than simply chaffeuring her around or writing a cheque.  I relish every minute where I can pass on my love for music and nurture in her core values like resilience and hardwork.

There will come a time where what she does will exceed my own ability, what she knows will outsmart me … but I hope, the foundations which we have built from these simple music practices at home and duets we played together will outlast those.

It’s a small and humble beginning… but then again, that’s how many great things start, isn’t it? Enjoy the second installment of DDD – Daddy Dana Duet, a Calypso piece entitled Carribean Carnival.