Ayon sa award-winning singer-songwriter na si Yeng Constantino, mahalaga na magkaroon ng formal training ang isang artist para mas lalong ma-improve at ma-hone ang kanyang talento. Ito raw ang ino-offer ng Academy of Rock school kung saan siya ang global ambassador.

“Naniniwala po talaga ako na iba pa rin po kapag merong nagtuturo or may formal training sa school. Kasi po dati, nung nag-start ako sa industry, ang akala ko no’n ay mainam (marunong) na ako. Kasi nag-start ako singing contest from nine years old to fifteen years old. From 16 naman, 17 and 18 nagbabanda na ako sa Marikina.

“So parang in a night I will sing 30 songs. So ang feeling ko noon ay ang galing-galing ko na. But when I got into the industry do’n ko na-realize na sobrang kulang pa pala even meron na akong natural talent, hindi pa rin, eh.

“Masuwerte lang ako na after I won Pinoy Dream Academy, Direk Lauren (Dyogi) and Pinoy Dream Academy production nag-hire po sila ng vocal teacher and even performance teacher for me, so kaya po ako mas naging refine as perfomer po kasi we had to… Kaya po naniniwala talaga ako sa training.

“Ang daming talented sa atin, pero may mga rough edges pa po na kayang i-improve pa para kuminang pa po lalo,” paliwanag ni Yeng sa ginanap na contract signing niya para sa Academy of Rock school nitong February 27, 2023.

Ibinahagi rin ni Yeng na kasama sa kontratang pinirmahan niya sa AOR ang maging mentor o magturo sa school ng mga aspiring songwriters or singers.

“Kasi alam naman po natin na ang mga Pilipino talaga ang gagaling magsulat pero iba pa rin po talaga kapag meron kang kasama na community na magba-bounce back yung ideas mo. Magkakaroon po kami ng music camp at isa po ako sa mga magme-mentor do’n kaya abangan n’yo po yon,” pagbabahagi pa niya.

LOOK: Yeng Constantino and husband Yan Asuncion enjoy wine tasting in California

Eh, anong klaseng mentor or teacher ba naman siya kung saka-sakali? Magiging matiyaga ba siya sa pagtuturo?

Sagot ni Yeng, “Yes, I guess so. Kasi po ako po’y isang musician na naging baguhan din dati, so alam ko po yung pakiramdam ng pagiging upcoming musician. Kaya ko pong ilagay yung sarili ko sa sitwasyon nila na yon at alam ko po kung ano yung dapat ibigay ng isang mentor. 

“Siguro po, dati kung may magtuturo sa akin hindi lang patience yung importante. Kailangan din yung understanding ng… kasi pag artist po medyo may pagka-weirdo talaga at lahat naman po talaga ganun, so kailangan na sa isang teacher meron kang heart to understand yung uniqueness ng bawat magiging estudyante mo so that’s something na I’m really ready for.”

Taong 2013 nang unang maging ambassador si Yeng ng AOR and after 10 years ay nagbabalik siya dito.

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AOR is now in partnership with Global Academy of Rock in Quezon City. Pinili nila si Yeng bilang ambassadress dahil sa kanyang talents bilang isang singer-songwriter.

“The reason why I chose Yeng to be our ambassadress years ago was because of her authentic and genuine artistry, as well as her exceptional attitude that would serve as a wonderful role model for our students. 

“A whole decade later, those reasons have only deepened and solidified themselves, with her resilience and positive mindset through everything. Our connection has blossomed and maintained over these years and distance and it has been beautiful to watch her grow into who she is today.

“Yeng is more than just a working collaborator – she is a good friend and part of us, and I am nothing but honored to welcome her back to our family,” ayon kay Priscila Teo, Founder of Academy Of Rock

Ayon naman kay Yeng, “I feel excited to be an ambassadress of Academy Of Rock once again, knowing that they are a premier music school in Singapore, Philippines. and beyond.

“I am looking forward to collaborating with Academy Of Rock with future projects that may include music production, songwriting or even mentoring upcoming artists. I believe in the power of music to enhance and enrich any person’s life and I know that it is also at the center of Academy Of Rock’s heart and mission as they train new musicians, songwriters and music producers.”

The school caters to a large demographic pool, starting at the age of 3 up to adults, as well as those with different learning abilities, abiding by their belief in inclusivity.

Academy Of Rock has expanded to countries such as Myanmar, Malaysia and Philippines throughout the past 16 years and has attained a myriad of awards, both locally and abroad.