ABOUT US
A Place Where Music Grows Naturally
We walk alongside every student, from their very first lesson to serious musical study.
WELCOME
Welcome to Cephas Music School
We see music as a journey that shapes character as much as skill, from a student’s first lesson to advanced study.
Students are prepared for graded exams, but our teaching goes well beyond exam pieces. The aim is well-rounded musicians who enjoy playing, listening, creating and expressing themselves through music.
🎯 Our Mission
To inspire a lifelong love for music through caring instruction, meaningful learning and genuine artistic growth.
💡 Our Philosophy
Lessons are tailored to your pace, personality and goals, or your child’s, with joy and curiosity at the heart of music-making.
✨ Our Motto
Lux et Veritas: Light and Truth. A cornerstone of musical foundation for our students, and a light beyond our classrooms.
FOUNDER & PRINCIPAL
Dr. Andjelita Chendra (曾博士)
I’ve always believed that music should be something we carry with us for life, not just for exams or performances. At Cephas, we guide students toward musical excellence, but more importantly, we want them to find joy, confidence and meaning in what they do.
As founder and principal, Dr. Chendra established Cephas Music School to bring her experience and educational philosophy to students in Singapore, creating an environment where learning is both personal and meaningful. She believes music education should extend beyond technical training to encompass emotional well-being, creativity and character. She has also mentored many music educators, including members of the Cephas faculty.
Dr. Chendra is a classically trained pianist and educator from Indonesia. She moved to Belgium in her youth and was selected to study at the prestigious Royal Conservatory of Brussels, earning her PhD in Piano Performance and Music Pedagogy under professors including Jean Brouwer, Daniel Blumenthal and Patricia Montero.
She spent two decades in Europe performing as a soloist and chamber musician, competing internationally and teaching students from many backgrounds. Besides piano, she is an accomplished flautist and well-versed in a wide range of instruments. Back in Indonesia and Singapore she remains deeply involved in curriculum development, and is regularly invited to judge music competitions. Her teaching blends European rigour with an empathetic, student-centred approach.
OUR HISTORY
From Medan Music School to Cephas
Our story begins more than seventy years ago in Medan, Indonesia.
Archive photographs and concert programmes from the Medan Music School
A legacy of classical music education
The Medan Music School was founded in 1948 by Nonnie S. Y. Lemye-Tjong. Originally known as Sekolah Musik Murni, it became a cornerstone for nurturing musical talent in Medan and beyond. Nonnie, the youngest daughter of philanthropist Tjong A Fie, was a classically trained pianist who studied at the Geneva Conservatory, and she created the school to bring formal classical training to a region that had little of it.
Founding and growth
Renowned for its piano teaching, the school expanded to violin, voice and other disciplines, and was renamed Sumatra Conservatoire to reflect its broader ambitions, blending Western classical technique with local cultural sensibilities.
The leadership of Mdm. Karminia Bongsu
A significant chapter came under Mdm. Karminia Bongsu, who served as principal for many years. A Premier Prix (Master’s equivalent) graduate of the Royal Conservatory of Brussels, she brought exceptional musicianship and a modern teaching approach, upholding the school’s high standards while introducing new methods to keep it relevant.
Connection to Cephas
Dr. Andjelita Chendra, Mdm. Bongsu’s daughter and a fellow graduate of the Royal Conservatory of Brussels, leads Cephas Music School with the same commitment to excellence, carrying the principles established in Medan into Singapore and pairing classical tradition with innovative teaching.
Enduring impact
Generations of musicians trained in Medan have gone on to perform and teach across Indonesia and abroad. The vision of Nonnie S. Y. Lemye-Tjong and the leadership of Mdm. Bongsu laid the groundwork for a thriving culture of classical music education, a torch Cephas is proud to carry forward.
OUR NAME
🌱 Why “Cephas”?
Cephas (pronounced “SEE-fuhs”) comes from Aramaic and means “rock”, a symbol of strength, foundation and steadfast growth.
The name reflects our belief that every student deserves a strong, lasting musical foundation: something to stand on, lean into and carry for life.
OUR COMMUNITY
🌟 Join Our Musical Family
A thoughtful approach to music learning that looks beyond results to the why behind every note.
