Our Staff

Head, Singapore National Youth Orchestra

Ramu Thiruyanam is a distinguished vibraphonist, percussionist, and drummer, celebrated for his dedication to both music education and performance. A highly sought-after performer, clinician, and educator, he graduated summa cum laude from Berklee College of Music and is a recipient of the National Arts Council Arts Bursary. As a versatile musician, he leads Project Ra: The Vibes Collective, a Latin jazz ensemble, and performs regularly with the Metropolitan Festival Orchestra while contributing to numerous theatre and musical productions. His approach, grounded in improvisation, bridges the gap between classical and contemporary music traditions.

Ramu is currently the Head of the Singapore National Youth Orchestra under the Singapore Symphony Group. In this role, he is expanding the programme, fostering collaborations, and providing members with performance opportunities that challenge and stretch their musical abilities. His vision is to elevate the orchestra’s artistic standards while creating meaningful experiences for its young musicians.

Previously, he was a faculty member at the School of the Arts for 13 years, where he taught the IB Music Curriculum, served as a CAS Advisor, and led interdisciplinary projects, creating cohesive and engaging educational experiences that connected various art forms. Committed to lifelong learning, Ramu completed professional development courses with Harvard’s Project Zero on Visible Thinking and Differentiated Instruction and holds a Smithsonian Folkways World Music Pedagogy certification.

During his time at Berklee, Ramu studied with some of the world’s most renowned musicians and educators, including Grammy Award winners Dave Samuels and Mark Walker. He also worked closely with Victor Mendoza, Ed Saindon, and Nancy Zeltsman, focusing on his primary instruments: the marimba and vibraphone. These experiences deeply shaped his musical approach, blending classical and contemporary percussion traditions with jazz and Latin influences.

As a performer, Ramu has worked with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, Singapore Chinese Orchestra, Singapore Lyric Opera, and Boston Civic Orchestra, among others. He has been involved in numerous recording projects both locally and internationally. His versatility as a percussionist has allowed him to explore a wide range of musical styles, from traditional Nanyin music with the Siong Leng Musical Association—representing Singapore at the Singapour en France Festival and the Asia Society Museum in New York—to Mandopop, musical theatre, and jazz performances across the region.

A Ludwig/Musser Artist and Vic Firth Education Endorser, Ramu continues to inspire the next generation of musicians through his innovative and comprehensive approach to music education. He remains involved with SOTA as an adjunct faculty member, working with the Contemporary Percussion Ensemble and the pop/rock band Pocket Pugs.

Beyond music, Ramu has a keen interest in cars and automotive work, enjoys cooking, building PCs and playing video games, and is currently experimenting with different coffee brews.

Manager, Singapore National Youth Orchestra

As the Orchestra Manager of the Singapore National Youth Orchestra, Tang Ya Yun oversees the development and execution of key orchestra programmes while spearheading engagement efforts with alumni and the broader music community. She manages the orchestra's social media platforms and fosters connections with past and present members, ensuring the orchestra maintains a vibrant and supportive network.

With over a decade of experience in the arts and music industry, Ya Yun has a deep passion for working with youth and supporting their musical journeys. She collaborates closely with the artistic faculty, educators, and members of the SNYO to facilitate enriching experiences, from large-scale orchestral performances to international exchange programmes. She has played a vital role in organising overseas tours and partnerships in cities such as Dresden, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Leipzig, and Tokyo.

Beyond her administrative expertise, Ya Yun has vast experience performing symphonic repertoire with orchestras including the Orchestra of the Music Makers and The Philharmonic Orchestra. She has also appeared as a cellist with the Philharmonic Wind Orchestra, Voices of Singapore, Junges Symphonieorchester Koblenz and various chamber ensembles. During her university years, she completed a summer internship at Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, further enriching her insights into arts management. A National University of Singapore graduate, Ya Yun has been with the Singapore Symphony Group since 2016, dedicating her work to nurturing young musicians and building a thriving orchestral community.

Assistant Manager, Singapore National Youth Orchestra

Sing Yee is the Assistant Manager of the Singapore National Youth Orchestra, where she plays a pivotal role in developing and executing youth orchestral and chamber music programs. She oversees the Singapore National Youth Sinfonia (SNYS), guiding its artistic and educational development, and manages the SNYO ChamberVerse, the orchestra’s chamber music initiative designed to cultivate ensemble skills among young musicians.

Her interest in arts management was sparked during her pre-university years when she worked behind the scenes in campus productions. A graduate of Royal Holloway, University of London, with a Bachelor of Music degree, Sing Yee has gained diverse experience in arts administration. She has contributed to artistic initiatives such as the global street piano installation Play Me, I’m Yours and supported Benjamin Britten’s Aldeburgh Festival as a Hesse Student. She has also interned at IMG Artists and the Singapore Symphony Group before officially joining the SNYO.

With a strong commitment to nurturing young musicians, Sing Yee works closely with faculty and orchestra members to create meaningful learning experiences. She brings her expertise in concert production and artistic planning to ensure high-quality performance opportunities. Sing Yee enjoys cycling and climbing outside of work, reflecting her passion for adventure and resilience.

Executive, Singapore National Youth Orchestra

As the Executive overseeing logistics at the Singapore National Youth Orchestra (SNYO), Ridha Ridza plays a crucial role in ensuring smooth operations for the orchestra’s activities. He manages the SNYO Studios, oversees studio bookings, and is responsible for instrument logistics, working closely with musicians, faculty, and community partners. Ridha also coordinates the SNYO Percussion Ensemble, supporting its rehearsals, performances, and development. Additionally, he administers the Individual Instrument Tuition Scheme (IITS), which provides young musicians with structured instrumental coaching.

Ridha’s passion for music began with the French horn, which he played as part of his school’s Co-Curricular Activity from primary school through his national service with the Singapore Armed Forces Ceremonial Band. He has performed with ensembles such as the Singapore Wind Symphony, Mus'Art Wind Orchestra, and various self-organised chamber groups. A Singapore University of Social Sciences graduate, Ridha joined the Singapore Symphony Group in 2022, bringing his deep appreciation for music and organisational expertise to the SNYO team. Through his role, he ensures that the orchestra’s logistical and instrumental needs are met, enabling young musicians to focus on their artistic growth. In addition to music, Ridha also enjoys puzzle-solving games where he hones the skills and patience needed to navigate the everyday challenges in his work.