ShapingSonorousMusicians

A premier music school led by performing professionals who nurture and unlock your musical potential, for every age and stage, at 613 on Bukit Timah Road.

Music is more than a skill. It is a lifelong companion of discipline, expression, and joy.

Sonorais Spanish for “rich in sound,” and we help every student find a resonant, distinctive voice of their own.

More about Sonora

A curriculum crafted to develop the whole musician

Personalised, interactive instruction designed for experiential learning, tailored to your goals, pace, and learning style, whether you are a first-time beginner or an advanced musician.

01

Refined technique

A solid foundation for healthy, sustainable, proficient playing.

02

Musical awareness

Enhancing musicianship and musical sensitivity.

03

Artistic passion

Inspiring joy and passion in the act of music-making.

04

Creative expression

Encouraging individuality and artistry through one's instrument.

More than music, lifelong benefits

We believe music education builds confidence, creativity, and character. Our students grow both in their music and in life.

Expert teachers

Conservatory-trained, active performers dedicated to helping every student thrive.

Real, measurable progress

Clear graded pathways from first notes to advanced study, with goals matched to every student.

Personalised learning

Lessons tailored to each student's goals, interests, and learning style.

Whether your goal is to perform on stage, excel in examinations, or simply enjoy making music, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Trial · 45 minutes · $60

Val Chong, founder of Sonora Music School

A message from the founder

Sonora was founded to create a place where students can explore, discover, and excel across many musical disciplines. I believe anyone can become a musician. Talent is only part of the journey; what matters most is the willingness to begin.

Val Chong

Founder & Artistic Director

Read the full message

Taught by performing musicians

Every teacher is personally mentored and trained under our Artistic Director, Val Chong, a graduate of the New England Conservatory (Master of Music in Voice and Opera). Our faculty are active performers who bring firsthand artistic and professional insight into the studio.

What families say

  • Hillary taught my daughter piano lessons for about six months. She is patient and gentle, often motivating and encouraging my daughter especially after a long day at school.

    Hillary is also always punctual and responsive in our communications, and exercises flexibility when we need to change lesson days or times. Through Hillary's lessons, my daughter progressed steadily and learnt to enjoy playing the piano, and managed to grasp theory lessons as well.

    Hillary uses anecdotes to describe how a piece should be played, helping my daughter visualise the rhythm and beats, which proved to be effective.

    Rachel F. · on Hillary Gracia

  • My daughter started vocal lessons with Teacher Val at the age of four, and she looks forward to every single one. Ms Val begins each lesson with simple warm-ups, teaching her to match notes, find the right tone, and breathe correctly from the stomach so she can project a strong sound.

    My daughter has built up so much confidence through these lessons. We really enjoy the coaching, because every lesson is a lovely surprise.

    Ms Val is very patient and always full of smiles, and my daughter loves her lessons. They make her happy and excited to sing better every week.

    Emily C. · on Val Chong

  • Carine's dedication to the craft is infectious. She is quick to spot what I need to work on and gives effective corrections while being so supportive every step of the way.

    I especially loved how hands-on she was, offering visual cues whenever I struggled with an adjustment. There were things I wanted to improve in my singing but didn't know where or how to start, and Carine broke each one down into approachable steps that let me see real progress.

    Jody A. · on Carine Tan

  • I started lessons with Hillary after a three-year hiatus from piano, wanting to rebuild my technique and foundation. I learnt so many new things from her, from correct posture to relaxing my wrists, playing with a more even tone, and letting the hand fall onto the keys rather than pressing and creating tension.

    Every lesson is a breath of fresh air, and she is always so kind and patient even when I can't get a passage right. I am grateful for her guidance.

    I have seen real improvement in my playing and feel far more confident in my technique now.

    Charlotte C. · on Hillary Gracia

  • Teacher Wani is really experienced, and her teaching is detailed and clear. Her lessons are fun and interesting, and she has such a sweet personality that it is easy to ask her anything I'm unsure of.

    She is encouraging and full of excellent tips to improve my singing, and she gives honest, helpful feedback that has genuinely strengthened my vocals.

    Wan Xin · on Rahwani

  • I started learning from Val two years ago. Under her guidance I reached a much deeper understanding of my voice, which has given me real consistency in performance and the freedom to experiment with different techniques.

    Her teaching is intentional and tailored to each student's wants and needs, so I learn in a genuinely efficient way. As a musician and an artist, these skills are essential to writing music I value, and I am extremely grateful for her classes.

    James H. · on Val Chong

  • I started with Coach Val around the end of last year, and I look forward to every lesson. We always begin with warm-ups like lip trills or singing pure vowels.

    She taught me to make my head voice less airy and improved my breathing and singing technique by leaps and bounds. She uses all sorts of materials, straws to help me sing more clearly, a pillow to fix my posture, and whenever I can't hit a note she guides me through it with exercises like yawning or squatting to reach it.

    Ms Val is very patient and explains everything clearly until I understand the concept. She comes prepared with a new exercise every week, and I have definitely improved and sing better under her guidance.

    Belinda · on Val Chong

Stay in tune with Sonora

Class updates, practice tips, and the occasional note from our teachers, now and then.