English
Music Academy
Welcome to the Music Academy!
It is an honour and privilege to be the founding Director of Music for the Prem Music Academy. I graduated from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London (Composer, Conductor and Pianist). I have been a Director of Music within the ‘A’ list of UK Independent Schools for a significant part of my career. Prior to my current post at Prem, I was Director of Music at Harrow, Bangkok for 18 years, having previously moved from being the Director of Music at St. John’s College Choir School in Cambridge. Before entering the education profession, I worked in the music industry in London as a freelance composer, arranger, conductor and pianist.
Chris Johnson
Music Academy Director
Did you know?
Research has shown that students who study music through individual music lessons show improvement in many academic subjects including mathematics. This is because the physical aspect of studying music helps us to think in terms of patterns and pictures and see things from a different level of perspective. Students who study music are also good at goal setting, possess great time management skills as well as develop valuable collaborative skills, all of which are transferable lifelong learning skills.
Music: Do something you love!
The Music Academy is open to all members of the Prem Community - students, staff and parents. Also, we cater to absolute beginners or more advanced musicians. Trial lessons are possible on any instrument and this first trial lesson is free of charge. Our team of visiting professional musicians will give students constructive feedback within a structured framework of continual improvement – step by step.
For the future: Music makes the right connections for academic success and lifelong learning.
Universities and Colleges are looking for more than academic results alone: they are also looking for the added value that a student can bring to the life of their university campus. Playing a musical instrument is a great way to raise your profile and add value to your own personal statement for the university or college of your choice.
Music Academy Testimonials
My two children and I started at Prem with an already keen interest in music, studying one instrument each. The continuation of our studies has been seamless, but the additional opportunities afforded to us in our first year at Prem by the kind, energetic and professional team of the Music Academy has been absolutely wonderful! With many opportunities to perform in a wide range of events, our musical journey is richer and more rewarding than ever before. Thank you for all your support and guidance! Denise (Parent)
The Music Academy was a super plus to my ChiangMai life. Everything was great: the well facilitated music house, well organized lessons and very nice and encouraging teachers. Many thanks to Ajarn Chris and Khun Pong for all your kind assistance during the last year. I will miss you and I believe Music Academy will continue to entertain and excite more students as well as parents. Xinyue (Parent)
Prem Music Academy is a professional music community that offers high-quality, convenient lessons. My name is Athena, and I studied viola at Music Academy last year. Viola is a difficult-to-find and rare instrument (fun fact, there are only four viola players in Chiangmai!). However, Music Academy did their best and got a lovely viola instructor for me, for which I am still grateful. During my stay at Music Academy, the teachers and I always had pleasant but sometimes hilarious chats, and I could sense their musical passions. I hope to have more collaborations with Music Academy in the future, and I hope to see you all at Music Academy music courses! Athena (G9 student)
Once you step into Prem Music Academy, you will immediately notice its cozy yet well-organized atmosphere. The spacious and well-equipped rooms have been designed to ensure optimal results during instrument and singing lessons. The team of visiting music teachers at Prem Music Academy is highly qualified in both performing and teaching. With over 10 years of experience as professional performers and music educators in Thailand, they bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to their classes. Mr. Christopher Johnson, the Director of Music, and his assistant, Mr. Nattachon Maneedul, are always available to warmly welcome you and provide detailed information about the lessons offered at Prem Music Academy. As you spend time within the academy, you will be surrounded by the delightful sounds of laughter, witness the focused gaze of students engrossed in their music sheets, and become immersed in the transformative power of music.
Ong-Ard (Visiting Music Teacher)
"Music has always been a core part of my life. I've been playing the violin and piano for most of it, and as a boarding student at Prem, having accessible music lessons is a genuine necessity as dramatic as it may sound. Music is not simply a hobby to me; it's a skill I've honed over the years and an emotional outlet. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, I stopped playing all my instruments, and for two years, music was absent from my life. This absence made me realise the immense role music had played in shaping my identity.
Despite my skills deteriorating significantly during that two-year period, I find immense enjoyment in the positive learning environment provided by the music academy. Returning to music was challenging due to the expectations I held for myself and the competitive and negative attitudes I internalised from previous music education experiences. However, Music Academy has helped me rediscover my love for music.
Having music lessons during the day, although it may require a long trek from the senior school building or the art house, actually helps with my work-life balance. It provides me with an hour of relaxation in the middle of the week without making me feel as though I'm wasting my time. This then allows me to focus more on my schoolwork during school and contributes to a better overall work-life balance. It's refreshing to devote myself to something that isn't solely focused on academics, even if it's just for a short time.
Music Academy itself is often in collaboration with other disciplines. As someone who is part theatre, it's always a joy to witness the intersections between music and theatre when they occur. The collaborations help me broaden my artistic horizons and explore how each art form can enhance the other.
Overall, Music Academy at Prem has played a significant role in my student life by providing accessible music lessons, fostering a positive learning environment, allowing for personal growth and relaxation, and offering collaborative opportunities with other disciplines such as theatre. It has helped me rediscover my passion for music and has contributed to a more balanced and fulfilling student experience." KJ (Graduated G12 student)
The Music Academy is housed in its own building with 8 large individual rehearsal and teaching rooms. If you would like to know more about the Music Academy, please contact the Director of Music (Christopher Johnson) or the Music Academy Manager (Khun Pong) Tel: 053 301 500 Ext: 6017 or email: dirmusic@ptis.ac.th or use this QR code: