The Team
Instructors
Meet the instructors of Catalyst Music Lab — a team of professional musicians and educators bringing real-world experience, patience, and passion to every lesson.
Drums
Sam
Say hello to Sam, the vibrant heart of Catalyst Music Lab! His musical journey began with piano at age 6 and took off with church drumming. Co-founding Catalyst in 2019, Sam's dedicated to top-notch music education in our modern space. As our drum kit dynamo, Sam excels in rock, pop, and fusion, making rhythm electrifying with his energetic teaching style. His lessons are engaging and effective, guided by his expertise in the RSL Rockschool syllabus. When he's not rocking local gigs or teaching, Sam enjoys coffee and has a quirky love for bread over rice.
Piano
Sean Lo
Get ready to hit the right notes with Sean Lo, our enthusiastic piano teacher and co-founder of Catalyst Music Lab! With five years of teaching experience and an ABRSM Piano Grade 8 qualification, Sean makes every lesson both fun and fulfilling. Outside of teaching at Catalyst and his church, where he plays and conducts, Sean rocks as a choir accompanist and records demos for songwriting competitions. His secret? Turning each lesson into a musical adventure where students groove while mastering the essentials.
Drums
Nathanael Tsen
Introducing Nathanael Tsen, our energetic drum teacher with a Diploma in Music from Sabah Institute of Art and top Trinity grades in Drum Kit and Piano. Nathanael's musical journey took off at 18 with the Sabah Tshung Tsin Wind Symphony Percussion and has since led him to perform in Japan, Thailand, and Kuala Lumpur. A finalist and first runner-up in the Roland V-Drums Championship 2023, he also collaborates with local artists like Velvet Aduk and excels in jazz fusion, pop, and drum tracking for albums. At Catalyst, Nathanael makes learning music a fun and creative experience for all levels.
Piano
Hui Li
Meet Hui Li, an exceptional classical piano expert with a flair for the dramatic and a Bachelor of Classical Music (Hons) along with top certifications like ATCL and ABRSM Grade 8. Her career sparkles with highlights such as performing Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 2 with the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra and dazzling audiences at the Rising Star Competition and Venus Piano Dance Academy Melbourne Annual Concerts. Now at Catalyst in KK, Hui Li makes piano lessons a delightful adventure, blending personalized instruction with a touch of fun. When she's not creating magic on the keys, you might find her scoring points on the badminton court!
Guitar
Kai
Meet Kai, our capybara-loving guitar maestro from Keningau! With a Diploma in Music Performance from JMC Academy in Brisbane, Kai brings expert skills in contemporary music and tech to Catalyst. He's rocked the stage as Music Director for "Neojuice" at the Sabah Jazz Festival 2023 and "Aniqist" at the North Borneo Rainforest Music Festival 2023. Specializing in both acoustic and electric guitar, Kai turns music into an exciting adventure for his students. Outside of music, he's passionate about capybaras and enjoys geeky hobbies like soldering electronics and creative projects.
Guitar
Cassey Gregg
"Strum, shred, and solo!" That's the vibe with Cassey Gregg, our electric and acoustic guitar dynamo! Holding a Diploma in Music Studies from Sabah Institute of Art and serving as a part-time lecturer at UMS, Cassey infuses both teaching and performing with boundless energy. He's wowed audiences at KK Jazz Fest, Sugandoi, and various Yamaha Band gigs, and is a master of Electric Guitar, Modern Harmony, and Solo Improvisation. In the classroom, Cassey combines creativity, discipline, and emotional depth to help students find their unique sound.
Drums
Dareen
Dareen is our rhythmic maestro at Catalyst, making waves in Pop, Fusion, and Church music since 2023. With a solid background as a church drummer and high school percussionist, Dareen knows how to keep the beat and spark enthusiasm. In his drum lessons, Dareen is all about turning rhythm into an adventure. His approach combines creativity with technique, ensuring that every student not only learns but also loves the process of discovering their own rhythm. When he's not drumming, Dareen enjoys experimenting in the kitchen.
Piano
Kety Yapp
Introducing Kety Yapp, our classical piano guru who began her musical journey with the Church and earned her Grade 8 ABRSM in 2007. As Catalyst's very first teacher since 2019, Kety has become a cornerstone of our musical family. Specializing in classical piano, she brings deep expertise and inspiration to her students. Beyond the piano, Kety is a gifted lyricist and occasional songwriter, adding a creative flair to her work. Kety's passion for music and creativity shines in her lessons, and while she may seem reserved at first, she has a fantastic sense of humor.
Violin & Piano
Natasha
Meet Natasha, our versatile violin and piano instructor at Catalyst! An accomplished classical musician, she has showcased her talent in ensembles like Friday Rhapsody and Toccata Concert at Singapore Raffles Music College. With a strong foundation in music performance and education, she is passionate about helping students of all levels develop their skills and love for music. Natasha holds a Bachelor of Music (Honours) from the University of West London and an Advanced Diploma in Music from Singapore Raffles Music College. Fun fact: when she's not playing the violin or piano, she's honing her swing on the golf course!
Piano
Sammie Yew
Step into the musical world with Sammie Yew, our passionate piano guide with over a decade of experience! Sammie combines classical expertise with creative flair, turning every lesson into an imaginative journey. Her diverse musical adventures include performances in "Light in The City," composing for "Dunia Baru by Zuhal Kolektif," and rocking events like WIP KK and the R&B Jam Session BTW. Sammie's teaching secret? Igniting a love for music in students of all ages with creativity and fun. When she's not making music, Sammie perfects her coffee-making skills and bakes delicious treats.
Want to be a part of the team?
We're always keen to meet passionate musicians and educators. Drop us a line and introduce yourself.