Associate Professor Dr Tom Pierard - Drums
Associate Professor Dr. Tom Pierard, a Kiwi composer, performer, and educator, is based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. A former core member of Strike Percussion (2005-2010), Tom has toured internationally, performing in diverse genres such as jazz, heavy metal, rock, and pop. He is currently involved with artists Trips ("Self-titled,"2024) and Desbot ("Pass of Change," 2022). As an educator, he has served as a lecturer, researcher, and department head, and designed the online course The Modern Beat. His compositions include sonic branding, film/TV scores, and festival exhibits. Tom is a regular conference speaker and will deliver guest lectures on Southeast Asian identity at Singaporean institutions in September 2024.

Alex Koh- Ukulele, Guitars & Band
Alex Koh is a versatile guitarist with expertise across genres such asClassical, Blues, Jazz, Rock, Fusion, Pop, and Evergreen. Since 2010, he has been a prominent session guitarist and performer, making regular appearances at weddings, events, concerts, and in recording studios. With over a decade of experience in music education, Alex works with students of all ages, aiming to facilitate learning and encourage free expression. He believes in respecting and nurturing individual creativity, helping students incorporate their personal experiences into their musical interpretations.

Edmund Yong- Drums
Edmund is a passionate drummer and music educator whose journey began in his youth with a deep love for rhythm. Although he initially studied IT, a breakthrough performance at the Mont Kiara Jazz Festival inspired him to pursue drumming full-time. From there he venture into the drumming world and have the opportunity to trained under few renowned drummer, aiming to mastering various genres including Rock, Jazz, Latin, and Fusion. Edmund holds multiple certifications including Rockschool Level 6 Teaching Licentiate and serves as a Yamaha Drum Examiner and Yamaha Product Specialist. He has conducted numerous workshops, and opportunities to performed with some artists from Taiwan and Hong Kong. Edmund remains dedicated to growth, collaboration, and achieving higher recognition as a professional drummer.

Dr. Poon Chiew Hwa - Classical Piano
Poon Chiew Hwa, a native of Malaysia, is a pianist who has performed in the United States, Mexico, Spain, and Malaysia. She has been a guest artist at universities like Valley City State University, Missouri State University, Conservatorio de las Rosas and has presented masterclasses at several institutions. Chiew Hwa won first place at the 2009 Missouri Music Teachers Association state piano competition and the Fifth Annual Lois Trester Piano Competition. She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in piano performance from the University of Arizona and earned the Applied Credential in Dalcroze Education from the Longy School of Music, Boston. She is currently a senior lecturer at the University of Malaya, as well as a music examiner for Trinity College London.

Assistant Professor Justin Lim Fang Yee- Contemporary Piano
Justin Lim is a distinguished pianist known for collaborations with artists like GregLyons, Kris Dayanti, and Kang San-Eh. He has contributed to albums by AndyPeterson and Pete Teo. In 2009, he won Malaysia's National Art Award (YoungTalent Category) for composition. Since 2014, he's been a key organizer of theMalaysian Jazz Piano Festival. Currently an Assistant Professor at UCSI University, Justin holds a Bachelor of Music from Universiti Putra Malaysia and a Master of Music from Pennsylvania State University, combining performance and academic expertise to guide both beginners and advanced musicians.

Assistant Professor Terrence Ling Hung Shu- Vocals
Terrence Ling Hung Shu is an Assistant Professor of Music at UCSI University, Head of the Diploma in Music Performance Program, and Advisor of the Institute of Music Student Association. He is the founder of Malaysian Voices Collective, which develops national and international music programs and competitions. A sought-after adjudicator and clinician, he has judged competitions world wide and led workshops across Asia. His choirs have won awards in Europe and Southeast Asia, including Absolute Winner (2017) in Thailand. Beyond choral music, he collaborates with international artists and has performed at major jazz festivals. He holds a Master’s in Educational Leadership and endorses Canopus Drums (Japan). His accolades include Best Art & Creative of the Year (2023).

Andy Jobs- Vocals, Cutie Pies
Andy Jobs with over 37 years of profound immersion in the dynamic realm of the Music Industry. Andy have cultivated an unquenchable passion that has not only driven his journey but also transformed into a seasoned professional with multifaceted expertise. Andy's journey began as a Music Instructor and has evolved into roles as a Music Curriculum Developer, Director of a prestigious international Awarding School, and a trusted Advisor to numerous esteemed music associations. Andy also served as adjudicator for last few RockFest Music Competition and other music competitions.

Dr. Andrew Filmer- Violin
Dr Andrew Filmer, SFHEA, PhD, MMus is an associate professor at UCSI University, and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy of the UK. He has won prizes in viola performance, research, teaching, and leadership. Andrew performs frequently as a violist, narrator, orchestra conductor and soloist, and he combines his artistic activities with his academic endeavours. He has presented at five International Viola Congresses and his research has been presented twice at Cambridge University, where he was a scholar-in-residence in early 2023. Outside of classical music, he was a member of the New Zealand jazz band The Troubles, whose inaugural recording was released by Rattle Records. Andrew is also one-third of the Malaysian team that created two harpsichords.

Dr. James Philip Sheng Boyle- Contemporary Piano
Award winning Music Director and the Dean of the Faculty of Music, ASWARA , Dr. James P.S. Boyle, is a graduate of Berklee College of Music and a graduate of Universiti Malaya with a PhD (Musicology) from the Faculty of Creative Arts, and a Master Degree of Art in Performing Arts. His topics of expertise include contemporary playing styles on the piano, aural and ear training classes, compositional methods, improvisational skills and song writing classes. Dr. James, a pianist and band leader also performs in various Jazz festivals in the Asian region. An active composer in the corporate and theatre world, Dr. James is also a Certified Movie director and a Line Producer from the Hollywood Film Institute. With his unique brand of humour and talent, students always emerge from his classes enriched and empowered by his teachings.

Dr. Poon Chiew Hwa - Classical Piano
Poon Chiew Hwa, a native of Malaysia, is a pianist who has performed in the United States, Mexico, Spain, and Malaysia. She has been a guest artist at universities like Valley City State University, Missouri State University, Conservatorio de las Rosas and has presented masterclasses at several institutions. Chiew Hwa won first place at the 2009 Missouri Music Teachers Association state piano competition and the Fifth Annual Lois Trester Piano Competition. She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in piano performance from the University of Arizona and earned the Applied Credential in Dalcroze Education from the Longy School of Music, Boston. She is currently a senior lecturer at the University of Malaya, as well as a music examiner for Trinity College London.

Assistant Professor Terrence Ling Hung Shu- Vocals
Terrence Ling Hung Shu is an Assistant Professor of Music at UCSI University, Head of the Diploma in Music Performance Program, and Advisor of the Institute of Music Student Association. He is the founder of Malaysian Voices Collective, which develops national and international music programs and competitions. A sought-after adjudicator and clinician, he has judged competitions world wide and led workshops across Asia. His choirs have won awards in Europe and Southeast Asia, including Absolute Winner (2017) in Thailand. Beyond choral music, he collaborates with international artists and has performed at major jazz festivals. He holds a Master’s in Educational Leadership and endorses Canopus Drums (Japan). His accolades include Best Art & Creative of the Year (2023).

Edwin Boon- Drums
A dedicated educator and drummer with 20+ years of drumming experience. With the knowledge and passion, started up Bobos Music Studio which aim to strive for the best music learning experience, especially for young drummers. Was previously involved in various band and drumline, simultaneously attended master classes from drummers worldwide to enhance drumming skills and teaching career, which then develops a great music versatility in playing drums. Launched drum clinics and workshops in several places, and establish Musicmind publication and published the DrumBooks. Active in gigs and performances, by featuring as guest player of ensemble groups and session drummer of local and international artist on live concert tour such as Joey Leong, Jeremy Chang and others.

Stuart Slater- Drums
Stuart is the former Chief Examiner for Rockschool Ltd, where he oversaw all instrument grades and managed the global panel of examiners. Having conducted over 13,000 exams across more than 30 countries, including regions in the Far East, Middle East, Africa, the Americas, Australia, Europe, the UK, and Ireland, he has extensive international examining and ambassadorial experience. Stuart has also developed syllabuses for Teaching Diplomas, Performance Diplomas, and Music Theory at Rockschool and served as a Syllabus Advisor across many individual instrument syllabi. He has also written teaching programs for China and both created and managed global examination procedures to ensure the parity of exam processes. Stuart holds a First-Class Master's degree in Musicology from Canterbury Christ Church University, where he focused his research on John Cage’s silence and continues to explore this area, with particular attention to the relevance of Cage’s 4'33” as a musicological resource, less so performance art.

Mark McHarg- Drums
Mark Mcharg is a professional drum tutor from Kettering, Northamptonshire, recognized globally for his teaching. A Drumsense tutor since 2008 and a Drumsense Master Tutor since 2013, he holds a Licentiate in music teaching for drum kit. Mark teaches over 120 students and works in several Northamptonshire schools. He has mentored finalists in Mike Dolbear’s "Young Drummer of theYear UK" competition. As a performer, Mark has toured the UK and abroad, playing with various musical acts. He endorses Vater drumsticks and Code drumheads and serves as an International Music Examiner for RSL Awards.

Daniel Gay- Drums
Dan Gay LRSL is a distinguished music educator, performer, and international RSL examiner since 2002. He pioneered RSL assessments in Dubai, Qatar, and New Zealand, and has travelled globally in this role. Author of the acclaimed Drummer’s Companion Guide, Dan has significantly impacted contemporary music education. Based in Norfolk, England, he teaches in schools as a peripatetic music teacher and offers online lessons and consultations. A versatile performer, he has played in various musical settings. In 1998, he founded DansMusic, the first RSL exam centre in East England. Dan holds multiple qualifications with Distinction, including Level 6 Licentiates in Music Education and Performance, equivalent to a BA (Hons).

Joanna Wailing- Contemporary Piano
Joanna is a Classically trained pianist (alumni 2000 Birmingham Conservatoire) who, for 25 years, has specialised in contemporary and classical piano/ keyboard andMusical Theatre/ Contemporary Commercial voice tuition. She is the lead Instructor for Yamaha Music Schools UK and has delivered many pedagogy seminars in Europe. She is also an Associate Singing Teacher at Guildford School of Acting. Joanna owns two Yamaha Music Schools in the UK, runs a 50-strong choir, MD's shows and performs in function bands. Joanna is looking forward to being an adjudicator for RockFest for the fourth year!

Stuart Storer- Contemporary Piano
A classically trained musician and seasoned music examiner, Stuart brings over 30 years of experience to the stage and the exam room. He’s examined in Australia, Indonesia, China, and Vietnam, and assesses performances from around the world. As Lead Examiner for Rockschool Australia/NZ and syllabus consultant for the AMEB, he’s shaping the future of music education—while still finding time to rock the stage on keys. His recent sold-out shows at the Adelaide Fringe paid tribute to the legendary Stevie RayVaughan.

David Lockett- Classical Piano
David Lockett is a renowned pianist with a global performance career spanning four continents. He has premiered works by Australian composers and recorded for radio, TV, and CD, including a Margaret Sutherland album for ABC Classics. At the Elder Conservatorium, University of Adelaide, he held senior roles such as Director and Head of Keyboard. He was the first performer awarded a Doctor of Music from the university and promoted to full professor. A respected educator and adjudicator, he has judged competitions worldwide. Honored with an AM(Member of the Order of Australia), he is a Patron of MTASA and an HonoraryFellow of AMEB, contributing extensively to syllabus development and piano publications.

Patricia Moon- Violin & Cutie Pies
Patricia Moon is the Chief Examiner for Classical Music and a panelist for GME, PAA, and Popular Music Theory. She holds a Bachelor's in violin and opera from the Music Conservatory of Vigo and a Master’s in Teacher Training. She studied in Berlin under the concertmaster of the Deutsche Oper before receiving a Berklee College of Music scholarship. A longtime violinist for Matt Elliott, she has collaborated with artists like The Posies and Ken String fellow. She co-founded the 'Amy Winehouse Experience' with Robin Banerjee. As a solo artist, she has released three albums and toured Europe, Asia, and the USA, performing with bands and symphony orchestras.

Marko Rodic- Guitars, Ukulele
Marko Rodić is the founder and director of Yamaha Music School Belgrade, Serbia. He is also founder and director of Music Harmony music school and taught guitar and vocals. Marko secured a scholarship at Berklee College of Music in Boston,USA. In 2009, he was a singer and vocal soloist at professional classical Mixed Choir of Vojvodina while in 2005, he was a solo guitarist and backing vocals at heavy-rock band New Mythology bringing them to reach the No.1 hit single on the Serbian national radio. Currently, Marko also functions as an RSL international examiner.

Francesco Teopini- Guitars, Ukulele
Francesco Teopini Terzetti Casagrande is a guitarist, musicologist, educator, and RSL Awards examiner based in Hong Kong since 2012. Praised by Julian Bream andDavid Russell, he specializes in classical and contemporary fingerstyle nylonguitar. He has performed globally, including a solo debut with the Hong Kong Philharmonic. His recordings, including J.S. Bach: Sonatas and Partitas and Mozart on Guitar, have received critical acclaim and millions of online streams. He holds a Diploma from the Bologna Conservatory, a Postgraduate Diploma from the RoyalAcademy of Music, and a PhD in musicology from Hong Kong Baptist University. An active researcher, he has published in international journals and directed cinematographic music projects.

Kerry-Lee- Vocals & Band
Kerry-Lee McKibbin is a GME and PAA Rockschool Examiner from South Africa. She is a professional vocalist, songwriter and performer, with years of teaching experience in dance styles such as hip hop, freestyle, modern, rock 'n roll, funk, Latin hustle and slow dance. Kerry-Lee has completed examinations in Trinity Piano as well as her Grade 8 vocals with Rockschool. She completed her Level 4 and Level 6 teaching diploma's with RSL and runs her own international vocal training and stage performance company in studio and online. She is a qualified Foundation Phase teacher with a passion for child psychology and music therapy. Kerry-Lee has also produced and performed in multiple South African theatre shows with many music festivals under her belt.