SOLOMON TONG: (JP/Indra Harsaputra)Classical music encourages good health and exercises the brain. It is also relatively easy to learn and offers career opportunities with salaries as high as a politician's -- or so says Solomon Tong, 68, the conductor of the Surabaya Symphony Orchestra.

As a variety of experts have revealed, playing or listening to classical music has been linked to effective brain development. Unsurprisingly, the news has pushed pregnant women around the world into a Mozart craze, often tending to their daily chores with walkmans attached.

But Solomon is not particularly concerned about the positive effects of this musical genre on the brain, although he is well aware of the widely publicized findings of psychologists.

"I simply love it," said the conductor, who has 55 years of experience in classical music.

Solomon has been popularizing classical music actively in the country's second largest city of Surabaya, East Java, since 1957.

With the end of Dutch rule in the 1940s, ownership of Surabaya's Youth Center Building -- which had served previously as a Dutch dance hall -- was transferred to the city government. In 1957, the Surabaya Music Association (PMS) began using the center for its orchestral concerts.

Around 1958, when the PMS was headed by Suryo Sumarwoto -- who replaced Slamet Abdul Sjukur, a Surabaya musician who studied art in France -- the East Java capital became the hub for concerts staged by Jakarta's classical musicians, which led to the increasing popularity of this refined music.

Despite the dissolution of the PMS in 1966, today, Surabaya has about 6,000 violin players, with thousands of classical music fans.

Though it might have no relation to kung-fu, the serene and elegant style of classical musicians can be likened to the supple movement of Tai Chi masters.

Playing or listening to classical pieces, according to Solomon, does not require any jumping around or hip shaking like rock music or dangdut. Musicians need only be conversant with musicality, tonality and other aspects of technique they have learned to stage their performances.

Notwithstanding their tranquil appearance, both the conductor and musicians must be capable of synchronizing their physicality and mental acumen.

As a conductor, Solomon guides musical rhythm, harmonizes tones, direct all players and is generally immersed in the compositions performed.

"So it really makes us healthy to be engaged in classical music," he pointed out, adding that in order to enjoy a concert, the audience should remain quiet and dedicate a high level concentration to it.

Classical music audiences do not munch food or drink carbonated beverages when a concert is in progress.

At a recent Christmas concert, a young fan said the occasion was "right for losing weight and encouraging greater affection from my lover".

Solomon stressed that it was not difficult to learn classical music. However, it requires patience and perseverance to achieve a good command of the music -- he said it takes a maximum of 15 years to become a professional player.

"Persistent exercise with discipline is the key to success," said Solomon.

Of the dozens of classical music schools that exist in cities across Indonesia, Surabaya alone has 30 schools, including the Surabaya Symphony Orchestra (SSO) school located on Jl. Gentengkali 15.

Founded in 1996, the SSO has 300 registered students, 60 percent of whom are studying the violin, with the rest studying the piano, woodwinds and vocals.

They may also pursue ranking through examinations organized by the Association Board of Royal Schools of Music in London.

"Music school fees range from Rp 300,000 to Rp 500,000 a month," said Solomon.

As for instruments, a good violin may cost over Rp 10 million, but a standard violin is still cheaper than a PlayStation II or automobile modifications at about Rp 600,000.

A piano costs as much as a laptop, and prices range from Rp 5 million to Rp 20 million.

Diligent students keen on deepening their skills and knowledge of classical music have an opportunity to become music teachers or professional musicians -- occupations that provide a considerable income, sometimes as high as the salary of a House of Representatives member.

According to Solomon's tips, those interested in becoming a "Mozart of Indonesia" must have great discipline, determination and high zeal in musical studies. As instructors and parents, they must be able to provide sufficient support to encourage the interest of their students and children.

Popular

Militarizing civilian space

Govt aims for year-end launch of tax-friendly financial center

Prolonged rolling blackouts squeeze small businesses in Kalimantan