TESTIMONIALS

“In 2006, after hearing him through a DVD recording, I was immediately struck by his precocious innate talent. Although he commenced later than most, Heegan possesses qualities that cannot be taught. He is extraordinarily versatile and creative in his abilities. Therefore I accepted him into my class at Manhattan School of Music in Sep, 2006. In fact, Heegan Lee is the ONLY new applicant that I have accepted for the academic year. His kind of passion, curiousity and enthusiasm is quite rare, his potential is ENORMOUS. Heegan is uniquely gifted as a pianist and is a composer. This is all together rare in our age of specialization! For the past eight years I have had the pleasure of guiding Heegan as his principal mentor at the prestigious Manhattan School of Music in New York. Heegan is truly a most exceptional talent and his development has been quite extraordinary as a pianist and as a brilliant young artist. Heegan most recently gave his Masters graduation recital, which was attended by many prominent internationally known musicians and was received with lavish praise by all who were present. Heegan has all the makings to have a bright professional career as an international performer and an important educator. By virtue of his training and vast exposure. Heegan will no doubt become a terrific ambassador for Singapore in the international community “

Professor Phillip Kawin (Head of Piano, President of the College Faculty Council –Manhattan School of Music)

“Heegan has the rare physical gifts that a virtuoso pianist needs: he has hands that are made for the keyboard and he is physically powerful - both attributes are essential for performing long programs of difficult solo repertoire and the most demanding concertos. He demonstrates both physical and musical potential to develop as a first rate concert pianist. Additionally, his ability to compose with styles and techniques of various composers is nothing short of phenomenal. Heegan is a unique and highly gifted musician. A talent I have never encountered before and is worthy of the highest degree of support. I am confident that Heegan will be an asset to Singapore being an international musical and cultural ambassador."

Dr. Min Kwon ( Founder, Artistic and Executive Director of The CME (The Center for Musical Excellence, Chair of Keyboard and Associate Professor of Piano, Rutgers University)

“Heegan is a major musical and pianistic talent and I have been with him several years as his teacher in Piano Performance. He is a wonderful musician and I have invited him many times to perform at my series at Juilliard: The World of Piano – His performance have achieved acclaim and he is a favorite”

Mr. David Dubal (Faculty: The Juilliard School, Author of The Art of Piano, Evenings with Horowitz, Reflections from the Keyboard and Conversations with Menuhin. Emmy Award winner for his video, The Golden Age of the Piano)

“I was tremendously impressed by his artistic understanding and his marvelous technical skill at the piano. Having been on the faculty of The Juilliard School for over 50 years, I have had the privilege of hearing some of the finest young talent in the world and Heegan certainly fits into that category. I can see a bright future ahead for this gifted young artist.”

Martin Canin (Piano Faculty, The Juilliard School)

“I was deeply impressed by his musicianship, his technical command of the piano, and by the wide range of his penetrating musical expression. In addition to being a fine pianist and great international artistic representative for his country, Heegan is a developing composer who shows great promise with a large and fearless imagination, who could soon concertize and play standard repertoire in addition to his own works”

Dr. Robert Livingston Aldridge (Director of Music, Mason Gross School of the Arts, Rutgers University. Grammy Award Winning Composer)

"I was introduced to Mr. Lee two years ago. The progress he made has been truly remarkable. Without any doubt, Mr. Lee is an outstanding young pianist who has developed into an impressive performing artist. His innate musicality, great virtuosity, intelligence and temperament, make him stand out and pave the way to a wonderful professional career. His spectacular talent and international success will bring great pride to his country, As a true ambassador, he will do an immense service to Singapore through the language of music.”

Pavlina Dokovska (Full-Time Professor, Chair, Piano Department, Mannes College The New School for Music)

“Mr. Lee is a marvelously talented young artist. He performs with great passion and insight, and he is at his best when performing on stage. He is highly intelligent, exceptionally mature and completely dedicated to excellence. Mr. Lee routinely goes beyond the scope of the curriculum required of our piano students. He was granted a singular honor by Manhattan School of Music, the President’s Award, in recognition of his outstanding performance abilities as well as his academic achievements. Mr. Lee has proven himself to be a most sophisticated young artist and a stellar academic student.”

Dr. Marc Silverman (Piano Department Chairman, Manhattan School of Music)

“I first encountered Mr. Lee about six years ago when he entered Manhattan School of Music where I was a member of the piano faculty. Mr. Lee has developed into an artist of distinction and polish. I was privileged to attend and adjudicate his graduation and the progress he has made is nothing short of astonishing. His piano skills have developed to virtuoso level. He shows a clear and unique musical profile - his playing is arresting and constantly interesting, filled with ideas and insights.”

Daniel Epstein (Piano Faculty Manhattan School of Music/ Rutgers University)

“In the new generation of young pianist coming to the forefront, Heegan’s exceptional talents are unique. The astute quality that infuses his veritable technique also informs a very versatile musical personality. He is delightfully erudite with a highly intuitive musical instinct and exhibits every indication of continuing to sculpt his own musical persona and artistic command of the piano. Furthermore, the desire to increase his repertoire with a diverse range of compositional styles reflects steadfast, adventurous and sensitive artist. Heegan is a dedicated, charming and communicative musician, very serious and discipline in his work habits. He shows all the signs of carving a unique path for himself in the musical world. “

Anthony de Mare (Professor of Piano, Manhattan School of Music)

“On listening to your beautiful chosen repertoire, we felt deeply moved by what you have accomplished since the first time we met you in New York. We were enchanted listening to the musical pieces you have selected for the program. You played them with erudite, intimate, thoughtfulness and spontaneity. We are deeply impressed with your great style, lyricism and spirited eloquence in your playing and for your maturity. You make the audience feel that there is more to music that just playing the notes correctly. Through the years, we have followed many famous pianist and we have no doubt that sometime in the future you will be I the same category. With all these you are making your parents and your country to be proud of you”

Dr. Samuel Pilnik MD (Clinical Associate Professor of Surgery, New York Medical College. Honorary Consultant at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York, Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the International College of Surgeons)