History & Experience

Founding Vision and Origins

Viva School of Music and Ballet was founded in 2014 by a team of highly experienced educators and performing arts professionals with a clear and focused mission: to provide a premium, student-centered education in music and ballet, that fosters both artistic excellence and character development. The name “Viva,” meaning “life” or “live” in Latin, was chosen to reflect the school’s vision of inspiring vibrant, expressive, and lifelong learning through the performing arts. From its inception, Viva set out to blend technical rigor, artistic expression, and character development, establishing itself not as a generic enrichment centre, but as a premium, dedicated and values-driven performing arts institution.

Early Years and First Campuses

Viva School began modestly, with a small number of committed students and instructors in its original location at Paya Lebar Square #01-16. Even in its early phase, the school earned recognition for its high-quality instruction, personalized coaching, and outstanding student results both locally and internationally. In response to increasing demand, the school expanded to new branches post-COVID in 2022, including a prominent location at Orchard Gateway #04-17—a prime arts and retail district—and a sister campus at Kinex Mall #03-03, in Fine Momentum. These expansions allowed Viva to serve a broader and more diverse student population, including both local and international families.

Growth, Curriculum, and Expansion

Building on its early success, Viva broadened its curricular offerings to include instrumental music (piano, violin, saxophone, oboe, guitar, etc.), conducting, and a full spectrum of dance styles, including classical ballet (RAD and Vaganova methods), modern, jazz, contemporary, and freestyle dance. The school also began offering masterclasses, international exam preparation, and performance opportunities to support students with professional aspirations. Private coaching and scholarship tracks were introduced for high-potential learners, with the school positioning itself as a launchpad for those seeking entrance to elite global conservatories and dance academies.

Academic and Artistic Milestones

Viva students have consistently achieved Distinctions in ABRSM and Trinity music exams, as well as RAD ballet examinations. Many have won prestigious regional and international competitions, participated in recitals and well known festivals, and taken part in Viva’s own signature concerts and showcases. On average, students perform at least once per year, building both technical skill and stage confidence. Notably, Viva alumni have gone on to train for top-tier local schools as SOTA and NAFA, and globally recognized institutions, including the Royal Academy of Dance, Trinity College, European Conservatories and The Juilliard School.

Innovation and Technology Integration

In line with its progressive approach, Viva integrated digital tools into its teaching environment from an early stage. The school adopted online music theory platforms, video-based dance feedback systems, In keeping with its forward-looking philosophy, Viva School embraced technology in performing arts education. Digital platforms were integrated for theory lessons, virtual rehearsals, and interactive learning virtual lesson models that were further enhanced during the COVID-19 pandemic and this technological adoption enabled Viva to deliver high-quality education both on campus and remotely, equipping students to thrive as digital-native artists and creators. The school introduced tools such as video analysis for dance technique and digital music composition platforms, enabling students to become not just performers, but also creators in the modern digital landscape.

Community and Culture

Viva cultivates a warm, inclusive, and values-led culture centered around discipline, empathy, creativity, and collaboration. Through annual recitals, parent-student showcases, and charity performances, the school fosters a strong sense of purpose and belonging. Family engagement is integral to Viva’s philosophy, with regular progress reviews, goal-setting discussions, and personalized development pathways forming the basis of each student’s artistic journey.

Recent Developments

In the years following COVID-19, Viva demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability by transitioning smoothly to hybrid learning models. The school continued to operate without pause, delivering remote assessments, virtual recitals, and digital feedback sessions. Post-pandemic, Viva introduced new areas of focus including mental wellness in the arts, creative expression, and sustainability-themed performances, further diversifying its educational impact.

Looking Ahead

Viva School remains future-focused, with plans to integrate arts entrepreneurship, cross-disciplinary collaborations, composition, and choreography into its curriculum. As it continues to evolve with the changing landscape of the arts and education, Viva stays true to its core mission: to empower students to live with purpose, artistry, and confidence in a dynamic, globalized world.

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