For the songs you love
About JCMS Online
We teach pop piano through reusable arrangement skills. Learn to take a simple lead sheet (melody + chords) and build a beautiful, playable version at your level—straightforward steps that scale as you grow.
Our Story
JCMS began as a small studio in Johor Bahru. On 1 August 2019 Paulin Leong and Danny opened Jazz Classical Music Studio to bring practical, musical teaching to students who wanted both structure and creative freedom.
On 22 August 2019 we started our YouTube channel to share short lessons and approachable arrangements. Like many arts educators we faced the uncertainty of 2020–2022 when COVID restrictions and closed borders changed how we taught and connected with students. We kept refining lessons and supporting learners remotely.
On 1 January 2023 we opened our Singapore (Bedok) branch to better serve local students. In March 2024 we launched JCMS Online to teach globally, with structured learning packs and guided pathways.
Meet the Founders
Paulin Leong
Founder & Director
Paulin studied Classical Piano Performance and Jazz Studies in Duluth, Minnesota. She received scholarships totaling more than USD $40,000 and made the dean’s list for nine semesters. Before studying abroad she played in live bands from 2008–2013 to earn a living and save for her studies. Paulin has taught for 17 years across Malaysia, the USA, and Singapore, working with beginners, returning players, and intermediate students who want to move from simply copying to creating. She focuses on clear, repeatable arranging techniques and building musical confidence so students can play songs they love.
Danny
Co‑Founder & Managing Director
Danny is Co‑Founder and Managing Director of JCMS and JCMS Online. A pianist and experienced teacher, he works across classical and contemporary styles to help students bridge technique and musicality. Danny focuses on practical pathways: solid basics (reading, chords, rhythm) paired with small, creative arranging tasks so learners steadily gain independence. He manages curriculum development and ensures our lessons remain friendly, achievable, and directly useful for real‑world playing — whether that’s accompanying songs, playing for family, or rediscovering the piano after a break.
Our Method: From “Copying” to Creating
We teach pop arrangement techniques that you can reuse across songs. Instead of following fixed transcriptions, you’ll learn to read a lead sheet (melody + chords) and build a playable version that fits your level.
What you’ll learn to do
- Arrange a song from a lead sheet so it sounds finished and approachable at your skill level.
- Create useful left‑hand patterns that support the melody without complicated theory.
- Simplify a song and then level it up—small changes that make a big musical difference.
- Add fills, transitions, and tasteful touches that sound intentional, not flashy.
- Build chord and rhythm confidence so you can accompany yourself and others.
Apply these techniques to our YouTube library or our guided learning packs for step‑by‑step practice.
Who Are Our Students
Busy Adult Beginners
Short, focused modules designed for limited practice time.
Build steady progress with clear daily steps and realistic goals.
Returning Pianists
Especially helpful for classical players re‑learning modern songs.
Practical arranging lets you bridge technique to real music you love.
Parents Guiding Their Kids
Structured lessons and clear checkpoints to support practice at home.
Tools to help your child enjoy music while building musical independence.
Our Values (MUSIC)
Mentorship
Guided learning with patient, practical support tailored to each student.
Unveiling
Expose simple, repeatable techniques so music becomes understandable and playable.
Supportive Discipline
Consistent, encouraging practice routines that build real skill over time.
Integrity in All We Do
Clear expectations, honest guidance, and respectful teaching practices.
Compassionate Connection
We teach people, not scores—listening and adapting to each learner’s needs.
Ready to start?
If you’re just beginning, start with foundations: note reading, chords, and rhythm. If you already play, try a pop arranging pack and learn to make lead sheets sound like full, personal performances.