Latest News

The Asian Supreme Drum Competition 2025 Grand Finals turned the Funan Mall Atrium into a lively stage of rhythm and creativity on 1–2 November, drawing drummers and music lovers from across the region. Across two full days of performances, the air was filled with energy — cymbals crashing, sticks flying, and crowds cheering as finalists delivered their best under the spotlight.

Since its founding in 2018, the ASDC has become a much-anticipated event that unites drummers from all across Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, China, Vietnam, the Philippines and beyond. This year’s finals carried that same spirit of celebration and community, as each performer showcased not only skill and precision but also the joy of making music together.

Shoppers and passers-by at Funan Mall often found themselves stopping to watch, the crowd drawn in by the excitement of the live performances. From the youngest participants in the Children and Junior Categories to the confident players in the Intermediate and Open divisions, every session brought something different to the stage — bursts of creativity, moments of focus, and the shared thrill of performance.

A highlight this year was the introduction of the Drum Fusion Challenge, which encouraged participants to step beyond structured forms and express their individuality through inventive rhythms and spontaneous flair. The Rockschool Category, a familiar fixture of the competition, once again provided a supportive space for students to perform the pieces they’ve learned and mastered, many adding creative touches that reflected their growing musicianship, this category also provides a stepping stone to our own Cristofori students into the world of competitions.

As the final awards were presented, applause filled the atrium — not only for the winners but for every performer who gave their all on stage. The weekend closed with heartfelt thanks to the teachers, mentors, and partners 9one of which is Cristofori Music) who have kept the community thriving year after year, who each received a special certificate of appreciation.

Now in its seventh year, the Asian Supreme Drum Competition continues to grow as a platform for learning, creativity, and connection. This year’s Grand Finals reminded us once again how music — even in the middle of a bustling shopping mall like Funan — has the power to stop people in their tracks and bring everyone together through rhythm and groove.

Congratulations to all finalists and winners of ASDC 2025!

Full results and photos are available on the organisers platforms! RSL Event Center Facebook, Instagram, and on their website at  www.rs-event.sg.

Improvisation — the art of creating music in the moment — is one of the most rewarding skills a student can develop. At Cristofori Music Singapore, we believe that learning to improvise doesn’t just build creativity; it strengthens confidence, listening, and true musical understanding.

A Creative Foundation for Every Musician

Whether you play piano, guitar, drums, or violin, improvisation helps you connect more deeply with your instrument. Instead of simply reproducing notes from the score, students learn how melodies and harmonies work together — how to think in music.

For young learners, improvisation introduces the joy of discovery. Simple rhythmic variations, melodic twists, or chord progressions encourage students to express themselves freely while building solid musical skills. It’s a fun and interactive way to turn lessons into creative exploration.

For Experienced Players: Freedom Through Expression

Improvisation takes technique to a new level. Advanced students who explore improvisation develop phrasing, tone, and style with greater authenticity. It allows musicians to interpret pieces more personally, whether adding subtle ornamentation in classical works or experimenting with modern sounds.

For performers, improvisation is also about collaboration — listening, responding, and adapting in real time. It’s what makes live music so exciting and unpredictable.

Building Confidence and Creativity

Improvisation teaches students that there’s no such thing as a “wrong note” — only new possibilities. By experimenting, they learn to trust their instincts and turn mistakes into moments of growth.

This mindset extends beyond music. Students who improvise often become more confident learners, problem-solvers, and communicators — skills that resonate far beyond the classroom.

Discover the Joy of Creating

Improvisation reminds us that music is not just about precision, but expression. It’s about listening, exploring, and sharing what words cannot say.

At Cristofori, our music lessons and RSL Awards’ contemporary Rockschool and RSL Classical syllabuses encourage both structured learning and creativity, empowering students to play, explore, and express with confidence.

Unlock your creative potential — start improvising today and discover the music only you can make.

In a place like Singapore where space is precious and time is tight, making music at home can feel like a luxury for most of us. But with AeroBand, it doesn’t have to be. These smart, portable instruments bring the joy of music-making into any home — no noise complaints from the neighbours, no bulky setups, no strings attached (literally!).

Cristofori Music is proud to introduce two innovations redefining how we play: the AeroBand Stringless Travel Guitar and the AeroBand PocketDrum 2 Max. Together, they’re making music more accessible, more creative, and more fun — whether you’re just starting your musical journey or keeping your skills sharp on the go.

The Stringless Travel Guitar — Effortless Play, Anywhere

Meet the AeroBand Stringless Acoustic-Electric Travel Guitar, a reimagined instrument designed for today’s lifestyle. With its “zero-string” silicone fretboard, you can practise comfortably for hours, no more sore fingers or awkward setups. Built-in speakers and Bluetooth/MIDI connectivity let you plug in, play, and record instantly.

It’s compact enough for a backpack, yet expressive enough for real musical exploration. Beginners will love how easy it is to start learning chords and strumming patterns, while experienced guitarists will appreciate the convenience of a travel-ready, pain-free practice companion.

Why it fits Singapore living: You can jam quietly in your room, practise late at night, or take it along for a weekend trip without worrying about noise or space.

PocketDrum 2 Max — Big Sound, Zero Noise

No drum kit? No problem. The AeroBand PocketDrum 2 Max lets you experience the joy of drumming anywhere — in complete silence. Using advanced motion sensors, it recreates the feel and sound of a full drum set in mid-air with ultra-low latency, letting you practise or perform naturally without a single neighbour complaint. Real life Air Drums! What’s not to love!

Beginners can start developing coordination and rhythm immediately, while seasoned drummers can refine technique, record MIDI tracks, or use it as a creative tool in digital music setups. It’s drumming freedom minus the volume.

Why it fits Singapore living: Compact, wireless, and quiet. You can finally drum without needing a soundproof room or a garage.

Music That Fits Your Life

Both AeroBand instruments share one big idea: music should fit into your life, not the other way around. They’re perfect for learners who want to start their musical journey without shelling out for big investments (both in terms of spending and space!), and for experienced musicians looking to keep playing amidst busy, urban living.

At Cristofori, we believe music belongs in every home — whether that’s through a great quality acoustic piano, an electric guitar, or an invisible drum kit. With AeroBand, anyone can play, practise, and create freely, comfortably, and joyfully.

Try AeroBand at Cristofori Music!
Discover how easy it is to make music without limits by visitiing our showrooms:

✔ CRISTOFORI MUSIC HEADQUARTERS SHOWROOM & TECHNICAL SERVICE CENTER
Blk 3014 Bedok Industrial Park E #02-2150 Singapore 489980
MON – FRI: 9.00am to 5.30pm
SAT: 9.00am to 6.00pm
SUN & Public Holidays: 10.00am to 6.00pm

✔ ROCKSCHOOL, LONDON @ FUNAN
107 North Bridge Road  #04-10 Funan Singapore 179105
MON – FRI: 10.30am to 9.00pm
SAT – SUN: 9.00am to 8.00pm
Public Holidays: 11.00am to 8.00pm

✔ PIANO & MUSICAL INSTRUMENT SHOWROOM @ JUNCTION 8
9 Bishan Place #04-02D Junction 8 Singapore 579837
MON: 12.00pm to 9.30pm
TUE – FRI: 10.00am to 9.30pm
SAT & SUN: 9.00am to 9.00pm
Public Holidays: 11.00am to 8.00pm

Visit our eShop to learn more:

• AeroBand Stringless Travel Guitar

• AeroBand PocketDrum 2 Max

A celebration 45 years in the making

This November, the Cristofori family comes together for a milestone moment — the Cristofori 45th Anniversary Musicale, a grand evening of music, memories, and community spirit.

As Cristofori Music Singapore celebrates 45 years of bringing music to every home, this year’s annual school concert honours the generations of students, teachers, and alumni who have grown with us through the years. It’s more than a performance — it’s a reflection of our shared journey in nurturing passion, creativity, and the joy of making music.

A Musical Journey Across Generations

The 2025 Musicale unfolds across four acts, each highlighting a different facet of Cristofori’s vibrant community — from the elegance of classical ensemble playing to the energy and colour of contemporary band music. The evening opens with the timeless Air on the G String, performed by our student and teacher string ensemble, setting the tone for an evening of artistry and collaboration.

From there, audiences will be treated to heartfelt piano and ensemble performances, including Merry-Go-Round of Life and My Neighbor Totoro, capturing the warmth and wonder of music-making as a shared experience between students, siblings, and mentors.

A Proud Homecoming — William Wei

This year’s Musicale marks a special moment as Cristofori alumnus William Wei returns to the stage. Soon to give his concerto debut as a professional pianist on 26 October at the Esplanade, William represents the spirit of growth and perseverance that Cristofori has fostered through generations. His performance will be a highlight of the evening — a reminder of how a love for music nurtured in childhood can evolve into lifelong artistry.

William’s return to the Cristofori stage brings the journey full circle — from student to performer, from inspiration to achievement — embodying the heart of Cristofori’s 45-year legacy.

From Rhythm to Resonance

The concert builds momentum through its dynamic later acts — Piano Energy & Healing and Rhythm & Power — featuring virtuosic solos, exhilarating drum duets, and full-band performances that fill the stage with rhythm, colour, and youthful energy.

The finale, A Grand Celebration of Passion, brings everyone together in a powerful conclusion with The Greatest Showman Medley — a fitting symbol of creativity, collaboration, and the spirit of celebration that defines the Cristofori family.

Be Part of the Celebration

Cristofori’s 45th Anniversary Musicale is more than just a concert to us; it’s a celebration of passion, perseverance, and community through music. For 45 years, Cristofori has nurtured generations of students, educators, and performers, empowering them to grow not just as musicians, but as confident, expressive individuals.

Join us for this special evening and celebrate 45 years of passion, music, and life — a legacy built on dreams, dedication, and the joy of making music together.

Cristofori 45th Anniversary Musicale – Annual School Concert 2025
📅 8 November 2025
🎟 Tickets are now available via Ticketmaster

Enquire now at your nearest Cristofori Music School outlet!

On 15 October 2025, music educators from Cristofori Music School gathered at Bechstein Music World, Singapore Conference Hall, for a special professional development event — Celebrating RSL Mentors: Inspiring Growth & Advancing Music Education in the AI Era.

The session, led by Mike Stylianou, Head of International Strategy at RSL Awards (Rockschool), brought together teachers across all instruments for an engaging morning of learning, sharing, and musical exploration. It highlighted how the teaching profession continues to evolve — not only in response to new syllabuses, but also in adapting to the rapidly changing technological landscape of music education today.

A New Era of Piano Learning

One of the main focuses of the session was the new Rockschool Piano 2025 syllabus, which seamlessly blends classical and contemporary repertoire to meet the needs of modern students. The syllabus expands the stylistic and expressive range available to learners, while maintaining the structured technical foundation that has made Rockschool one of the most accessible and engaging music education systems worldwide.

Teachers were treated to live demonstrations of selected pieces from the new edition, performed by fellow educators. The performances — ranging from early-grade favourites like Minuet in F to pop-inspired selections such as Bad Habits, Don’t Start Now, and All I Ask — illustrated the syllabus’s dynamic versatility. Each performance underscored how the Rockschool framework encourages creativity and expression while aligning with rigorous learning outcomes.

The program also featured short showcases from the RSL Classical Guitar and RSL Classical Violin syllabuses, with performances of David Cottam’s Amontillado (Guitar Grade 4) and Rather Be (Violin Grade 8). These pieces reflected RSL’s growing commitment to connecting traditional repertoire with contemporary musical sensibilities, equipping students to perform confidently in both acoustic and modern contexts.

Teaching in the AI Era: Introducing RiFF

Another key highlight of the morning was the introduction of RiFF, RSL’s brand-new interactive sheet music and learning platform. Replacing the former RSL Learning Platform, RiFF represents a significant step forward for music education in the digital age.

Designed specifically for teachers and students, RiFF integrates advanced tools such as multi-angle video playback, adjustable tempo, looping, and real-time instrument visuals. Its “exam mode” simulates authentic test conditions — offering a practical, immersive way to prepare for performance assessments.

But beyond its impressive technology, RiFF also embodies a larger vision for music education in the age of AI. As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly embedded in learning environments, tools like RiFF allow teachers to reclaim what makes human instruction irreplaceable — empathy, inspiration, and artistry. By handling repetitive tasks such as demonstration playback and practice tracking, RiFF frees teachers to focus on developing musicianship, creativity, and emotional communication — the very qualities that define music as a human art.

The tool’s combination of interactivity and accessibility shows just how digital platforms can serve as partners in advancing education rather than replacing it.

Honouring Educators and Mentorship

The morning concluded with a heartfelt Awards Presentation, celebrating the dedication, perseverance, and passion of Cristofori’s RSL educators. Categories such as Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum Teacher Awards recognised outstanding teaching achievements, while special honours acknowledged teachers who demonstrated exceptional mentorship and impact on their students’ growth.

Teachers are at the heart of every student’s journey. Their ability to inspire, to nurture confidence, and to instill a lifelong love for music is what sustains the spirit of education — even as technology evolves.

As the session closed with warm applause and conversations over lunch, one message stood out clearly: the future of music education lies not in replacing human connection, but in empowering it. With new tools, updated syllabuses, and a shared commitment to continual growth, Cristofori’s teachers continue to lead the way — keeping music, mentorship, and creativity alive for generations to come.

Looking for a new instrument? Browse through our myriad of options for all your music instrument needs at our E-Shop!

As a special treat for Teacher’s Day, we had the pleasure of joining our dear Cristofori teachers at the historic Victoria Concert Hall to experience Czech pianist Matyáš Novák’s recital on 26 September 2025. It was a rare opportunity to celebrate both the artistry of a rising Czech pianist and the joy of sharing music with those who inspire and nurture young musicians every day.

The recital, titled A Czech Pianist’s Homage to National Spirit – Music of the Four Greats, highlighted the rich heritage of Czech classical music, performed on the Petrof Monsoon grand piano, a handcrafted instrument embodying 160 years of Bohemian tradition. In Novák’s hands, the piano became an authentic voice of Czech culture, transforming every piece into a living tribute to the composers who shaped it.

The programme opened with a selection from Bedřich Smetana’s Czech Dances, setting the tone with a bold, vibrant Furiant that gave way to moments of quaint charm. The Petrof’s resonance added weight and richness even in the upper registers, enhancing the rustic character of the music. In The Little Hen, Novák captured the whimsical scenery of chickens darting about the farmyard before lifting the piece into the exuberant joy of country life. The Lancer followed with lilting elegance, its dappled, sunlit atmosphere handled with balance and poise, like a musical journey through the Czech countryside.

Leoš Janáček’s Sonata 1.X.1905 (“From the Street”) brought introspection and drama, with the movements Presentiment and Death drawing the audience into Janáček’s deeply expressive world. The recital concluded within Novák’s fantasia on themes from Dvořák’s Rusalka and also his transcription of Smetana’s Vltava (The Moldau), a flowing musical narrative depicting the flow of the the longest river in the Czech Republic that highlighted both the composer’s vision and the Petrof’s singing tone. Encores included Dvořák’s beloved Humoresque No. 7 and the lively Furiant, leaving the audience captivated by Novák’s artistry and storytelling.

What made this recital truly unique was the seamless marriage of performance, repertoire, and instrument. The Petrof Monsoon grand piano, with its warm, earthy resonance, became a voice of Czech heritage. In the hands of devoted Czech pianist Matyáš Novák, the evening transformed into a living cultural tribute. For one night in Singapore, Petrof’s 160-year tradition and Novák’s artistry united to bring the spirit of Czech music vividly to life.

Sharing this experience together reminded us why music matters, not just in performance, but in the connections it nurtures, the stories it tells, and the joy it brings to all who listen.

For more updates on upcoming concerts and events, follow True Music Singapore on Facebook and Instagram.

To check out PETROF Pianos, you can take part in the European Timbre Piano Showcase happening until 31st of December 2025 at the Music Paradise of Cristofori (Bishan – Junction 8)! Find out more here.

“Eliso is an artist of great distinction, perhaps the greatest woman pianist of our time. A serious, deeply sincere and unpretentious musician.” Sviatoslav Richter’s words perfectly capture the artistry of Eliso Virsaladze, who, turning 83, continues to embody the pinnacle of pianistic mastery. Born in Tbilisi, Georgia, Virsaladze has spent a lifetime refining her craft, combining technical precision with profound musical insight, and her interpretations remain a benchmark of expressive depth and intellectual clarity.

A laureate of both the Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow and the Schumann Competition in Zwickau, Virsaladze has performed in the world’s most prestigious concert halls and collaborated with leading orchestras and conductors, including Mariss Jansons, Riccardo Muti, and Kurt Sanderling. Her artistry bridges eras: grounded in the traditions of the Russian piano school yet infused with her own singular voice.

Virsaladze has also been a dedicated mentor, shaping generations of pianists through her teaching at the Moscow Conservatory and the Munich Musikhochschulen. Her students now pursue international careers, a testament to her insight, guidance, and commitment to nurturing talent. She herself studied under some of the great masters, absorbing their knowledge and passing it forward through both performance and pedagogy.

For her Singapore recital, she will perform on the sublime C. Bechstein D282, an instrument perfectly suited to her nuanced touch. This concert promises more than virtuosity; it is a confluence of decades of experience, artistic wisdom, and the sheer poetry of Chopin’s music. The programme—aptly titled 生命 • 侠气 • 神迹 (Life, Chivalric Spirit & Divine Miracle)—offers a traversal of Chopin’s world, beginning with the dreamlike Polonaise-Fantasie in A-flat major, Op. 61, continuing with the dramatic Sonata in B minor, Op. 58, and moving through intimate nocturnes and folk-inspired mazurkas before closing with elegant, virtuosic waltzes. Each work is transformed under Virsaladze’s interpretation into a profound emotional and spiritual experience.

Insights from a 2019 interview at the Tokyo College of Music reveal the philosophy behind her artistry. She draws energy from the music itself rather than herself, demonstrating humility and devotion in every note. She believes that there are no bad instruments—only pianists who fail to fully engage with them—underscoring her emphasis on the artist’s interpretation over technical display. On Chopin, she advocates simplicity, attentiveness to natural beauty, and expressive sincerity, marrying technical mastery with profound emotional insight.

This recital represents a rare opportunity to witness a living legend whose career spans generations, competitions, and continents. Through her performance, Virsaladze invites audiences to experience Chopin not just as notes on a page, but as a conversation with history, emotion, and the human spirit.

Programme: Polonaise-Fantasie in A-flat major, Op. 61 Sonata in B minor, Op. 58 Nocturnes, Op. 27 (C-sharp minor & F-flat major) Mazurkas (Ops. 30, 33, 59) Waltzes (Op. 70 No. 1 & Op. 42)

Concert Details: Tuesday, 18 November 2025, 8:00 PM Victoria Concert Hall, Singapore Tickets: $38 / $58 / $78 / $98

Tickets will be available on Ticketmaster.sg from 15th September 2025, the day following Visraladze’s 83rd birthday.

Enquiries: (65) 9687 4480

Don’t miss this extraordinary recital—an opportunity to witness the lifetime of artistry, experience, and mentorship that has defined Eliso Virsaladze’s remarkable career, brought to life through the music of Chopin, and the heavenly sound of C. Bechstein.

This event is presented by Bechstein Music World, and organised by True Music Singapore. Be sure to follow them both on Facebook and instagram @bechstein_music_world_sg, and @truemusic.sg for the latest news on this monumental event.