Mr Leonard Tan

Leonard Tan was appointed Assistant Conductor of the Philharmonic Winds in 2003. In that capacity he regularly conducts the ensemble in preparatory rehearsals and performances, and was also invited to guest conduct the Philharmonic Youth Winds in her inaugural concert.

Leonard spent his formative musical years learning the violin and tuba, and also studied harmony under well-known local composer Leong Yoon Pin. Formerly a Higher Music student at Raffles Junior College (RJC), he was awarded the Kripalani Challenge Trophy for outstanding contributions to the arts in RJC. He furthered his music studies first at the LASALLE-SIA College of the Arts, where he graduated with distinction, and then at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts.

He studied orchestral conducting with Robert Casteels for three years, and also participated in wind conducting masterclasses by Professor Craig Kirchhoff at the University of Minnesota , USA . His conducting experience include serving as assistant conductor in a production of Puccini's opera Madama Butterfly, as well as performances of such works as Walton's Façade and Stravinsky's Histoire du Soldat.

Since beginning his career four years ago as conductor and music teacher, Leonard has worked with a diverse range of ensembles. He is currently the resident conductor of the Singapore Polytechnic Concert Band, Serangoon Junior College Symphonic Band, St Margaret's Secondary School Symphonic Band and occasionally serves as rehearsal conductor of the Singapore National Youth Orchestra. In recognition of his educational contributions, he was awarded the Partner-In-Education Award in 2002 by St Margaret's Secondary School.

Leonard holds an LRSM diploma in orchestral tuba, and has performed with several ensembles including the Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra, Singapore Armed Forces Central Band and Regal Brass Quintet. He has also freelanced on several occasions with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. He has served as tuba tutor at Nanyang Technological University Symphonic Band, Singapore National Youth Orchestra, and Australian International School . Upon completion of National Service, he was invited back to the Singapore Armed Forces Bands to teach music theory.

Leonard is the recipient of several artistic awards including the National Arts Council Georgette Chen Arts Scholarship, Raffles Junior College Creative Arts Award, Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music High Scorer's Award, and the prestigious World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles (WASBE) Conducting Scholarship.