From our archives

The memories behind the music.

Before today’s stages and classrooms, there were first lessons, annual concerts and small moments that shaped generations of musicians. A glimpse into our early Kawai years.

An early piano lesson from the Helen's Music Centre archives Helen’s archive
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Where every journey began

Quiet practice, patient guidance and the first notes of a lifelong relationship with music.

Helen's Music Centre

Tuning to A=440Hz...
EST. 1977 | KUCHING KAWAI MUSIC SCHOOL

Build Foundations,
Inspiring Talent.

Founded in 1977 as the Kuching Kawai Music School, our academy has been Sarawak's beacon of classical excellence for nearly half a century. We carry forward Madam Helen's original vision: transforming raw talent into professional-grade brilliance.

Begin Your Journey

Tracing Our Roots

The story of Helen's Music Centre is inextricably linked with the history of music in Kuching. In 1977, Madam Helen established the Kuching Kawai Music School (KKMS).

1977 — THE FOUNDATION

Kuching Kawai Music School was established with a mission to provide quality music education to the Kuching community. As one of the city's longest-standing music schools, it has nurtured generations of musicians through structured music education, dedicated teaching, and a passion for inspiring a lifelong love of music.

1990 – 2010 — THE DEVELOPMENT

During this period, the school expanded its curriculum beyond piano by introducing a wider range of music programmes, including Vocal, Guitar, and Violin.

2025 – PRESENT — THE BRAND

  • Rebranded as Helen's Music Centre by KKMS.
  • A new image with the same trusted legacy.
  • Continuing the vision of Madam Helen Bong Sut Moi.
  • Expanded our programmes with Drums, Ukulele, Cello, Viola, and more.
  • Now offering a wider range of music education for all ages.
  • Proudly serving a growing community of 180+ active students.

"In music, we find the discipline of the mind and the freedom of the soul."

"Expanding our horizons to nurture strings, woodwinds, and classical vocal brilliance."

"Honoring our heritage while inspiring the next generation of musical pioneers."

ABRSM

With over 30 years of experience in ABRSM examinations, we continue to nurture confident and successful musicians. .

100% Pass Rate

Every student we have ever put forward for ABRSM examinations has successfully passed.

Distinctions

Every year, about 50% of our students achieve Distinction, reflecting our commitment to quality music education.

Academic Disciplines

Comprehensive curriculum designed for all stages of musical maturity.

Instrumental Performance

Individualized mastery of Piano, Violin, Viola, and Cello.

GRADE 1-8 ARSM DIPLOMA

Vocal Excellence

Focusing on Breath Control and Italianate Resonance.

CLASSICAL POP VOCAL

Theory & Early Years

Foundation building through ABRSM Theory and Junior Music Course.

JMC (AGES 4+) ABRSM THEORY

Stories in motion

Inside Helen’s Music Centre.

Step inside our classrooms and discover the patient guidance, joyful practice and everyday moments that shape each musician’s journey.

Film Our School Length 01:38 Format Portrait

Pathway to Success

At Helen's Music Centre, we don't just teach pieces; we build musicians. Our structured pathway ensures that every student progresses with confidence.

1

Beginner, Prep Test & Initial Grades

Focusing on enjoyment and basic technique from day one.

2

Intermediate Mastery (Grades 1-5)

Intensive focus on ABRSM scales, sight-reading, and theory.

3

Advanced Artistry (Grades 6-8+)

Preparation for high-stakes examinations and performance diplomas.

100% ABRSM PASS RATE

Examination Preparation

  • Quarterly Mock Examinations
  • Aural Training Workshops
  • Annual Student Recitals
  • ABRSM Theory Group Classes
  • Post-Grade 8 Performance Diplomas

"Excellence in performance is the true objective."

Meet Our Teachers

The mentors, leaders and educators carrying Helen's Music Centre forward with experience, care and a lifelong love for music.

Madam Helen Bong

Madam Helen Bong

Founder / Piano, Vocal, Violin, Organ, JMC & Theory

Over 30 years in music education. Madam Helen has dedicated her life to nurturing generations of students, guiding them towards confidence, passion and musical growth.

Mr Gordon Tan

Mr Gordon Tan

Managing Director / Guitar & Violin

Mr Gordon specialises in Classical Guitar, Acoustic Guitar and Violin, while leading the centre's development, marketing and long-term growth.

Teacher Ginny Tan

Teacher Ginny Tan

Shareholder / Piano & Vocal

Teacher Ginny helps continue the centre's vision for quality music education, inspiring students to build skill, confidence and a lasting love for music.

Teacher Gladys Tan

Teacher Gladys Tan

Shareholder / Piano

A Malaysian university music graduate with private international school teaching experience, Teacher Gladys guides students with knowledge, creativity and care.

Mr Jason Chai

Mr Jason Chai

Shareholder / Advisor & Support

Mr Jason provides guidance, insight and support to strengthen the centre's development and help build a stronger future for Helen's Music Centre.

Teacher Amanda Kho

Teacher Amanda Kho

Piano, Keyboard, Electric Organ & JMC

Over 30 years teaching with us. Teacher Amanda has guided generations of students in developing musical skill, confidence and passion.

Teacher Dolly Crocker

Teacher Dolly Crocker

Piano & Vocal

Over 30 years teaching with us. Teacher Dolly inspires students through patient guidance, strong foundations and the joy music brings.

Teacher Monica Yap

Teacher Monica Yap

Piano, Violin & JMC

Teacher Monica helps learners build strong foundations, develop confidence and discover the joy of playing music through a patient, encouraging approach.

Teacher Crystal Kong

Teacher Crystal Kong

Piano, Violin & Ukulele

With her passion for music education, Teacher Crystal is dedicated to helping students develop strong musical foundations, build confidence and discover the joy of making music.

Social Proof

Academy Voices

"The discipline my children have learned here extends far beyond the piano. Truly exceptional teaching."

"Training for my ARSM Diploma was incredibly rewarding. The standard here is truly international."

"Helen's Music Centre provided the exact technical foundation I needed for my Bachelor's degree in London."

"It's never too late to start. The faculty's patience and structured adult pedagogy gave me back my passion for music."

"The discipline my children have learned here extends far beyond the piano. Truly exceptional teaching."

"Training for my ARSM Diploma was incredibly rewarding. The standard here is truly international."

"Helen's Music Centre provided the exact technical foundation I needed for my Bachelor's degree in London."

"It's never too late to start. The faculty's patience and structured adult pedagogy gave me back my passion for music."

"The emphasis on breath control and resonance transformed my vocal capabilities entirely."

"Seeing our daughter's confidence grow on stage during the annual recitals has been priceless."

"The ensemble practices are where everything clicked. It's a completely holistic approach to strings."

"Madam Helen's pedagogy is unmatched. The focus on Japanese technique built my foundational strength."

"The emphasis on breath control and resonance transformed my vocal capabilities entirely."

"Seeing our daughter's confidence grow on stage during the annual recitals has been priceless."

"The ensemble practices are where everything clicked. It's a completely holistic approach to strings."

"Madam Helen's pedagogy is unmatched. The focus on Japanese technique built my foundational strength."