The History of London Music School Jakarta

Mission

Vision

Motto

Corporate Values

Business Philosophy

Unique Product Features

Our New Logo Philosophy

The History of London Music School Jakarta

The London Music School Jakarta was founded on August 17, 2017 as Big Ben International, by Mr. David Cadlum Saraza, FLCM, ALCM(TD). The school began humbly in Gading Serpong, Tangerang. In its early days, the school not only offered music education but also hosted an English Language Department, founded and managed by a business partner and educator from Belgium. However, as demand for English courses declined and the music department continued to thrive, the school transitioned to focus exclusively on music education.

Mr. David Saraza faced the challenge of running the school single-handedly, without financial backing or external support. Despite these challenges, the music department flourished. The school successfully organised three face-to-face London College of Music Exams, with all students passing and most receiving distinction awards. In 2017, the school also hosted its first public event, the Big Ben Singing Stars competition, which attracted hundreds of participants from Jakarta and Tangerang. The competition, held at Bunda Mulia School and QBig Mall in BSD, significantly raised the academy’s profile.

The year 2018 brought even more achievements. Selected students participated in two international music festivals. In Singapore, two students received Gold awards, and one received a Silver award. In Vietnam, all six participants won Gold awards, with one participant from its Philippine sister school, Uriel Saraza, also earning the prestigious Greatest Performer award. From June to September 2018, the academy hosted a music theatre and acting workshop led by Mr. Charlie Curilan, a renowned theatre, TV, and movie actor from the Netherlands. The workshop culminated in a performance and a formal certificate awarding ceremony for students who had completed the London College of Music Exams, held at Froggy Theatre in BSD.

In early 2019, a new opportunity arose when the parents of one of the school’s students, recognising the school’s potential, offered to support its expansion by relocating to Pantai Indah Kapuk (PIK). After careful consideration, the school moved to Golf Island in Pantai Indah Kapuk. However, due to the new business partners' lack of experience in running a music school and complete lack of knowledge in music education, Mr. David Saraza continued to lead the school, building its entire system from the ground up. He developed the music education strategies, curriculum, training manuals, and all operational procedures. Mr. Saraza also designed the school's website, social media presence, studio layouts, and marketing materials. He trained the teachers and staff, ensuring that the school maintained the highest standards of music education and professional services. At Big Ben PIK, Mr. Saraza directed and organised many events and recitals. He organised three music competitions, directed three major recitals and plenty of mini recitals and outside performances. Under his leadership and his task as an LCME representative, he successfully booked two face-to-face examinations and hundreds of registrations for digital exams. The school's former logo as Big Ben International was created by Ms. Porche Caina from the Philippines, personally commissioned by Mr. Saraza in 2017.

At the end of 2023, Mr. Saraza discovered multiple violations and other immoral decisions within the management at PIK that gravely conflicted with the school's corporate values and moral standards. Consequently, Mr. Saraza, along with several other teachers who witnessed these issues, decided to leave at the beginning of 2024, leading to the dissolution of the partnership. The previous business partners agreed to cease using the Big Ben original brand name and logo, and the separation also led to the immediate loss of LCME accreditation for the school, as Mr. Saraza (the LCME Representative) was no longer associated with it.

In May 2024, The school embarked on a new and promising direction. Mr. David Saraza entrusted the rights to the school's brand name and system to a trusted musician, Mr. Michael Tandinata, through a fully legalised agreement. Mr. Michael, with his extensive experience in music performance and teaching, assumed the roles of operational manager and Director. His integrity and commitment to genuine music education make him the ideal person to lead the academy.

Today, The Big Ben International Academy for Music, rebranded as the London Music School Jakarta, now located in Pluit, is proudly managed by musicians and educators who prioritise honesty, integrity, and excellence in music education, ensuring that students and parents are treated as partners in the educational journey, not just clients. At our school, there are no false claims—just genuine dedication to nurturing musical talent.

Michael Tandinata

The Operational Manager & Director

Michael Tandinata began his classical piano journey at the age of eight. By the time he finished high school, he had already been appointed as a piano instructor at the very music school where he had trained. During this period, Michael also pursued advanced studies in music theory, music history, and solfeggio, while simultaneously teaching part-time. He later continued his education in economics at university, skillfully balancing his academic pursuits with his teaching responsibilities.

Michael's early piano training was under the guidance of Rose Carin. In 2003, he earned 5th prize at the Yamaha Music Festival under the mentorship of Elys Chandra. His skills were further honed with Keniawaty, leading to his 1st prize win at the Elly Lim Music Studio International Piano Competition in 2006. Recognizing his rapid development, Michael advanced his piano performance studies with esteemed instructors Stephanie Neeman and Adelaide Simbolon. He also had the privilege of participating in masterclasses with renowned pianists Dr. P'ng Tean Hwa and Sam Haywood.

Michael's performance career includes notable recitals such as the ABRSM High-Scorer Concert, the Charity Night Concert featuring winners of the Elly Lim Music Studio International Piano Competition, and several faculty recitals hosted by the institutions where he has taught.

Since 2007, Michael has played a pivotal role in preparing students for both local and international piano competitions, often guiding them to achieve distinctions. His deep passion for classical music has inspired many of his students to pursue formal studies at music conservatories, and he has successfully prepared them for university auditions.

In addition to his teaching career, Michael has also served as an accompanist for choirs in competitions, including Pesparawi and the Bali International Choir Competition.

Currently, Michael serves as the Operational Manager & Director of the London Music School Jakarta, where he continues to lead with dedication and passion.

David Cadlum Saraza, FLCM, ALCM(TD)

The Founder

David is a music professional with a diverse background in composition, conducting, music direction, and education. He is a former Roman Catholic seminarian where he studied philosophy and theology in preparation to be a religious priest with the Congregation of the Sacred Stigmata (Stigmatine Fathers and Brothers) before he left to pursue a dedicated career in music.

David is the first Filipino to be awarded a Fellowship from the London College of Music of the University of West London, UK, earning the prestigious Fellowship diploma and the right to use the post-nominal letters "FLCM". He has also achieved an Associate Diploma in Music Teaching, specialising in Musical Theatre ("ALCM (TD)"), through the London College of Music Examinations. His academic background includes studies in Conducting and Piano at the University of Santo Tomas Conservatory of Music in Manila. During his time there, he was a member of the Coro Tomasino and a guest member of the internationally acclaimed Ateneo de Manila University College Glee Club, with which he participated in world choir competitions, concerts, and festivals across Spain, Italy, Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands. Currently, he is pursuing a professional doctorate in Music Education.

David has made significant contributions to music education as a representative for the London College of Music Examinations in the Philippines and Jakarta, Indonesia. He is also a member of Broadcast Music Incorporated (BMI), a performing rights organisation in the United States.

As a composer, conductor, and music director, David has worked with various organisations, schools, and events. One of his notable achievements includes composing the musical score for Navel Animations' "Road to 7th Avenue", which was a finalist in the Asian Animation Superpitch 2005 held in Singapore. The International Jury recognised the positive impact of his music on the success of this newly conceptualised animation show. In 2020, David composed and arranged the song "Next Christmas", dedicated to overseas workers and healthcare professionals worldwide affected by the pandemic. The song was featured by the Philippine Embassy in Jakarta and received over 10,000 hits in just two days across various platforms.

David has performed in various high-profile events, including as a singer, pianist, and musical director for the United Nations Environment Programme's World Environment Day celebration in 2011 at the Qatar National Theatre, and as a singer and band director for the Doha Tribeca Film Festival in 2011. He also served as a baritone choir member of the Ateneo de Manila College Glee Club during its participation in world choir competitions, concerts, and festivals across Europe.

In addition to his performance career, David has directed and choreographed successful musical theatre productions such as "A Day of Broadway", "The Sound of Music", and "The Wizard of Oz" at various international schools in Jakarta, Indonesia. He has also organised and directed several music competitions in Jakarta, including the Big Ben Inter-School Singing Stars 2017, the Big Ben Inter-School Music Festival 2019, the Big Ben International Online Music Competition 2020, and the Big Ben Inter-School Music Competition 2022.

In August 2023, David was appointed by the University of West London as the head organiser and overall director for the London College of Music Graduation Ceremony for LCME graduates from across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Oceania. Held at the Bali International Convention Centre, the event was a resounding success, attended by over 300 individuals, including the University President Peter John, heads of LCM Exams, and representatives from various public exam centres. This occasion was particularly significant as it marked the first time the event was held in Indonesia.

As an educator, David has prepared international students to achieve distinction awards in the London College of Music Examinations. He has also trained students who have become finalists and champions in various local and international music competitions. His achievements have been featured in Entrepreneur Magazine by Summit Media Corporation in a two-page article entitled "Strike the Right Notes", highlighting his success as a young musician and entrepreneur.

David has held numerous teaching positions throughout his career, including roles as a music teacher, Grade 7 homeroom adviser, and head of the Computer, Arts, Music, and Foreign Language Department at MIT International School in the Philippines. He has also served as a music teacher and Music Centre Director for the Jakarta International Multicultural School in Indonesia and as a Piano, Keyboard, and Vocals instructor at IAID Qatar. Additionally, he has worked as a music teacher and choir conductor at Westfield Science Oriented Schools and Colleges, Don Bosco School, St. Gaspar Bertoni College Seminary, and many other schools and colleges.

David is the Founder of Big Ben International Academy for Music in Jakarta (now rebranded as London Music School Jakarta) and the Saraza Music Centre in the Philippines. He currently works as the Head of the Music Department, senior music education consultant, & teacher training specialist for the International Academy for Intercultural Development (IAID) Qatar.

Mission

At The London Music School Jakarta, our mission is to cultivate musical talent with integrity, honesty, and excellence. We are committed to providing a genuine and transparent music education that prioritises the progress and satisfaction of our students above all else. Through a curriculum aligned with the London College of Music Exam syllabus, we ensure that our students receive internationally recognised qualifications and the highest standard of music education.

Vision

Our vision is to be a leading music academy renowned for our commitment to truth, authenticity, and the ethical development of musicians. We strive to foster an environment where students not only excel in their musical abilities but also grow with the values of integrity and honesty, becoming both skilled artists and upstanding individuals.

Motto

Honesty, Integrity, and Excellence in Music Education

Corporate Values

Integrity: We uphold the highest standards of honesty and transparency in all our interactions and teachings.
Excellence: We are dedicated to providing the highest quality of music education, ensuring our students achieve their full potential.
Authenticity: We value genuine progress and real achievements, free from exaggeration or false claims.
Student-Centric: Our students' growth, happiness, and satisfaction are at the core of everything we do.
Community: We foster a supportive and inclusive environment where every student is respected and valued.

Business Philosophy

Our business philosophy is rooted in the belief that true success comes from ethical practices and genuine dedication to our students' growth. We reject the pursuit of profit at the expense of integrity and are committed to offering a music education that is as honest as it is high-quality. At the London Music School Jakarta, we believe in nurturing not just musicians, but individuals who carry the values of honesty, integrity, and excellence into every aspect of their lives.

Unique Product Features

Truthful Progress Representation: Unlike other institutions, we ensure that every student's progress is accurately represented without any exaggeration, providing a clear and honest assessment of their abilities.
LCME-Accredited Curriculum: Our curriculum is seamlessly integrated with the London College of Music Exam syllabus, offering students internationally recognized qualifications and ensuring a programme that meets global standards.
Ethical Teaching Practices: Guided by our proprietary teacher manual, our instructors are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of teaching, with a focus on creating a friendly and encouraging learning environment.
Performance Opportunities: We offer regular recitals, competitions, and festivals to validate and showcase our students' progress, helping them gain confidence and recognition in their musical journey.
Genuine Commitment: Our academy is managed by musicians and educators who prioritize the truth and integrity of music education, ensuring that our students receive an education that is both honest and enriching.

These guiding principles and unique features are what set the London Music School Jakarta apart as a school that truly values and nurtures the talents and integrity of every student.

Our New Logo Philosophy

Six Pillars on the Roof
The six pillars symbolize harmony and balance. The number six, often considered lucky, signifies smooth progress and good fortune, embodying the academy’s vision of nurturing success and growth in every student’s musical journey.
Three Windows on the Roof, Three Pillars on Each Side, and Three Stars
These elements collectively represent the academy’s guiding motto: honesty, integrity, and excellence in music education. They emphasize the core values that drive the school to deliver a meaningful and ethical learning experience.
Piano Keys on the Roof
The piano keys highlight the school’s dedication to music education, particularly its strength in piano instruction. They reflect the academy's seriousness in providing structured and high-quality music learning for all students.
Notations on the Roof (La, Mi, Si)
The notes “La,” “Mi,” and “Si” symbolize the importance of sight reading and proper musical learning, both of which are integral to the academy’s teaching philosophy. Additionally, they cleverly represent the initials LMS (London Music School), embedding the institution’s identity into the design in a meaningful way.
Clock with the Treble Clef
The clock, centered with a treble clef, conveys the timeless message of the importance of consistent practice. It serves as a reminder that dedication and discipline are essential for faster progress and for becoming a skilled, independent musician.
Color Symbolism
- Blue: Represents honesty, peace, trustworthiness, and reliability, reflecting the academy’s commitment to ethical and trustworthy practices.
- Red: Embodies integrity, love, courage, and sacrifice, highlighting the passion and dedication required in the pursuit of musical excellence.
- White: Signifies excellence, perfection, and simplicity, emphasizing the school’s aspiration for high standards while maintaining an approachable and inclusive environment.
Arrow and Stars Pointing to the Right
The arrow and stars convey a sense of forward motion and progression. Together, they represent the academy’s commitment to always doing the right thing, promoting continuous improvement, and striving for excellence in every endeavor.

Overall Vision:

The logo beautifully encapsulates the mission and values of London Music School. Every element serves as a visual representation of the academy’s dedication to cultivating a harmonious and balanced learning environment that fosters honesty, integrity, and excellence in music education. This design underscores the school's unwavering commitment to shaping well-rounded musicians who excel not only in their craft but also in their character.

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