VietNamNet Bridge – A music teaching center for children will be opened in HCMC by Vietnamese-Australian singer Thanh Bui, who finished in the Top 8 of Australian Idol 2008, this July.

Calling it “Soul Academy,” the singer, who has recently joined well-known Thai singer Tata Young in a duet of the song “Where Do We Go”, which is broadcasting on Asian-wide channels, describes his center as a playground for children to play with music.

“I want the kids coming to my place to exclaim “Wow! So cool!” They can play any kind of musical instrument they like in the Red Room (Passion Room) or the Yellow Room (Creative Room) with teachers,” he shared.

“We need to raise a generation from now. I expect that Soul Academy will bring kids great moment, like our slogan ‘Where music fulfills you’ says”, he added.

The singer, who has already opened two similar centers in Sydney and Melbourne, also talked about his plan to hold concerts as well as to build an international-standard studio at the center.

“I’ll pick some potential kids who feel interested in singing for the local music industry. My place is not a singer training center, it’s just a place that allows you to be creative with your music,” Thanh said.

While talking about his cooperation with Tata Young, Thanh said it’s just the first step on the road to bring Vietnamese music to the world.

“Firstly I want to work with Asian singers, since their cultures and music are close to ours. In the near future, after the studio is completed, you will see more collaborative projects,” Thanh shared.

Commenting on the local music industry, which is widely considered to lack singers with specific personalities, the 29-year-old artist said people give away the title of ‘singer’ to easily.

“I find it unfair that people have to study hard for five to seven years to be a doctor or lawyer, while it takes just months to become a singer. How can you have a long career if you don’t have a strong basis about it,” he expressed.

VietNamNet/Tuoi Tre