About Kester Music

Kester Music has been an established music teaching practice in Penang since 2009. As part of the performing arts, we believe in the practical approach to music learning. With each performing experience gained, it helps to develop a better understanding towards music learning.

Our philosophy is to develop musical independence in our students. This includes notational skills, technical skills, listening skills, performance skills and the ability to develop own interpretation of music.

Towards the end of 2012, Kester String Quartet was formed to provide string quartet music for weddings, functions, events and celebrations. The string quartet is fully managed by Kester Music. Kester String Quartet has since performed for many occasions and is well received by both local and foreign clients.

In 2013, Kester Music began to offer students the opportunity to purchase string instruments as well as accessories. This allows the student and the teacher to select the proper sized instruments before starting / commencing their lessons especially string instruments such as violin. Advancing students also benefit from this when they require a better quality instrument. Teachers are able to give recommendation and feedback to the students on the instruments in the comfort of our studio.

Kester Music was engaged to guide Union Primary School’s string orchestra in 2016. It was an outreach program designed to teach primary school students to learn string instrument in a group with the aim of being able to perform as a string orchestra. The Union String Orchestra excelled by winning both national and international competitions under the guidance of tutors from Kester Music.

Kester Hong | Violin

Kester Hong has been teaching the violin for many years and is an experienced teacher. He holds a Diploma of The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (DipABRSM) and also Licentiate of the Royal Schools of Music (LRSM) in violin performance. Kester Hong used to teach at LSI Music Centre, Melody Music Consultant and ARECA Centre of Performing Arts before establishing Kester Music in the year 2009. His violin teachers have included Yong Oi Ling, Lo Mei Yoke, Yasufumi Shimano, Lillian Wang and Brian Larson. He regularly performs chamber music with Ensemble Koschka and has performed with the group in Japan since 2010. Besides that, Kester Hong was also a violinist in Kester String Quartet. He has always been actively performing and teaching until his demise in 2022.

Khoo Wei Min | Viola & Violin

Khoo Wei Min teaches the viola and violin. She holds a Diploma of The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (DipABRSM) in viola performance. Wei Min’s teachers who have influenced her musical learning journey includes Tham Kok Yin, Lo Mei Yoke, Toko Inomoto and Brian Larson. She is a member of Ensemble Koschka and in 2013, she performed with the ensemble in Japan. Wei Min is currently the violinist in Kester String Quartet.

Kester Hong with Ensemble Koschka in Usagi Hall, Japan, 19th August 2012
Jean Baptiste Charles Dancla: Résignation Op.59

Kester Hong and Khoo Wei Min with Ensemble Koschka in Usagi Hall, Japan, 18th August 2013
Franz Peter Schubert: Military March Op. 51 No. 1
Arranged by Yasufumi Shimano

Kester Hong and Khoo Wei Min with Ensemble Koschka in Usagi Hall, Japan, 18th August 2013
Joachim Raff: Cavatina Op.85 No.3
Arranged by Yasufumi Shimano

Kester Hong with Ensemble Koschka in Usagi Hall, Japan, 19th August 2012
Yasufumi Shimano: December’s Rasa Sayang Op.17 (2010)

Kester Hong with Ensemble Koschka in Usagi Hall, Japan, 19th August 2012
Shoukichi Kina / arr.: Yasufumi Shimano: Hana (花)