Merry Melodies

I began studying singing when I was 10 years old. At 16, I had my first job working for Yamaha Music School in Bangkok, teaching young children and teens. During this time, I was also busy giving singing lessons to children from my local neighbourhood, and it was at this point I knew I wanted to become a professional singing teacher.

​

After a successful audition, I was accepted into the prestigious Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts at Burapha University in Chon Buri, Thailand, where I classically trained in opera singing and performance. I attained a Bachelor of Fine and Applied Arts degree, majoring in Music and Performing Arts. Prior to attending university, I studied for three years under Ms. Maneenuch Smerasut, Thailand's pre-eminent singing teacher and vocal technique coach. I was also fortunate to study under Mr. Manit Thuvasethakul, Thailand's renowned opera singer (baritone).

​

Despite being trained in Opera as a soprano, I am also an experienced performer in jazz, musicals, and pop music. Throughout my career, I have performed in numerous musicals, recitals, and concerts in Thailand:

​​

• Member (soloist) in the Burapha Symphony Orchestra

• Member (soloist) in the Burapha Big Band

• Singer (high soprano) in the Burapha Chorus

• Member of Secret & Secular Ensemble

• Live concert singing of songs from the musicals Phantom of the Opera, West Side Story, and Song & Dance

• Performer in numerous Burapha Music and Performing Arts Festivals

​

I have worked for a variety of renowned singing schools and academies in Thailand, including Yamaha Music School (Bangkok), Yamaha Music School (Pattaya), and Superstar Academy International Music and Performing Arts School (Bangkok). I have also worked as a freelance opera singer, performing at weddings, receptions, and private functions.

​

In my formative years, I competed in singing competitions, including winning To Be Number One, a highly regarded Thai classical singing contest, where I was awarded first prize for my performance of one of His Majesty King Bhumipol Adulyadej's songs, "H.M. Blues". The award was presented by Her Royal Highness, Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya of Thailand, a passionate supporter of Thai arts and culture. I also won first prize in the Star Maker Singing Contest for my performance of "Unexpected Song" from the musical Song & Dance and was also awarded a Silver Prize at the Yamaha Music Festival for my solo vocal performance (accompanied by piano) of "Desperado" by the Eagles.

​​

More recently, I performed "Waltzing Matilda" in Sounds of Joy and Abundance with the touring Chong Zhen Chinese Orchestra at the State Library of NSW as part of the Sydney Taiwan Festival. The performance, a first for Australian audiences, was accompanied by traditional Chinese instruments such as the erhu, pipa, dizi, and guqin and was supported by David Cheng-Wei Wu,  Director General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Sydney and The Hon. Scott Farlow, MLC. 

​​

I am a caring, patient, and encouraging teacher who always strives to bring out the best in my students. I feel very fortunate to have been able to combine my passion for singing with my love of teaching.

​

Grace Klomklieng

Director of Merry Melodies