Rhythm of Life

About the Book

Rhythm of Life: A Pioneering Journey in Singapore’s Percussive Arts The idea of being able to put my work out there that is worthwhile makes me feel humbled, and I would hope that it would be passed on. I am blessed that I am still able to share my love for my work, which is to bring joy through drumming and make our lives more beautiful. In Syed’s Rhythm of Life, we join the author on a fifty-year pioneering journey through the world of percussive arts in Singapore. From performing and teaching to leading and innovating to revolutionise the arts, Syed’s story is a testament to the transformative power of the arts in our lives. His path winds through schools, corporate boardrooms, healthcare institutions, and community initiatives, demonstrating that the arts can educate the heart and shape the mind. Through his experiences, Syed learns the values of responsibility, discipline, and humility while challenging the fine line between confidence and risk-taking. His narrative is woven in encounters not only with remarkable individuals from all walks of life who have fuelled his artistic flames, but also with others who left him burnt. His collaborations with fellow artists, educators, healthcare professionals, CEOs, policymakers, and community leaders reveal the boundless possibilities when diverse worlds unite. As the founder of OneHeartBeat Percussions, Syed spread his wings wide, reaching mainstream and marginalised youths, healthcare professionals, and community builders. Now, as an independent community artist/educator and art practitioner, he returns to his roots, reaffirming the arts’ core value in serving humanity. The rhythm of life carries on. Community Artists are visionaries who break the rules to forge new ways to encourage community building for our nation. MAJULAH SINGAPURA!

About the Author

Syed's fervor for the arts is a lifelong affair. In his sixties, the veteran arts practitioner earned a Master's in Arts Pedagogy and Practice from Goldsmith College, University of London and being awarded Honorary Doctorate by the American Trinity University. His journey was never ordinary. Syed's accolades read like a symphony of accomplishment - he earned the prestigious Meritorious award from the Composers and Authors Society of Singapore, a tribute to his relentless dedication. The Percussive Arts Society (USA) recognized him with the esteemed Citation of Excellence in Percussion Education, a testament to his groundbreaking work in percussion music and ensembles. Syed was also granted the status of "Enhanced Arts Educator" by the National Arts Council, Singapore. With over five decades in the arts, he revolutionized percussion music and group drumming across diverse landscapes - from educational institutions to community centers, special needs communities, elderly care facilities, and even the boardrooms of corporate giants. Syed is an unwavering advocate for the enduring power of learning and creativity. His story is one of resilience, innovation, and a lifelong journey to touch hearts and minds through the universal language of the arts.