Leading the Way in Music Education
Background
Established in 2017, OUCH Music Academy has provided high-quality music education to over 700 local and international students across our two locations: Bukit Ceylon in Kuala Lumpur and The Campus in Ampang.
The OUCH Standard
Exceptional music education is at our core. Our dedicated academic team ensures that every syllabus, lesson plan, assessment, and practice assignment is delivered to the highest standard.
Team
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Our Academy comprises prominent music educators, accomplished recording artists, seasoned industry experts, and distinguished performers. Scroll down below to learn more about our esteemed team members.

Instrument
- Voice (Classical)
- Voice (Contemporary)
Ushera
Academy Director
Ushera is an esteemed vocalist, recording artist, and music education specialist. Her distinguished discography includes numerous singles alongside the critically acclaimed album, Semalam di Malaya. Since 2012, she has been a featured performer at prestigious international music festivals, and in 2015, she was formally honored with the Newman Creative Pioneer Award. With profound expertise spanning both classical and contemporary vocal disciplines, Ushera has made substantial and enduring contributions to the landscape of Malaysian music education for more than a decade.

Instrument
- Piano
- Drums
- Guitar
Ganesh Bala
Academy Director
M.A. (Musicology)., B.Mus. (Contemporary)
Ganesh Bala is a multifaceted pianist, musicologist, and author currently pursuing his Ph.D. at the University of Malaya. Bringing over twenty years of expertise in music education, he specializes in contemporary performance, 20th-century classical, and jazz. Active at major Southeast Asian festivals since 2010, he has released three solo albums and produced for numerous artists. His significant contributions to music literature and research include authoring The Malayan Songbook (2022) and presenting on tonal expansion theory at the 2024 Asian Conference on Arts & Humanities in Tokyo, Japan.

Instrument
- Saxophone (Alto/Tenor)
- Drums
Luqmanul
Academic Coordinator, Dip.Music
Luqmanul Hakim is a saxophonist, multi-instrumentalist, performer, recording artist, and music educator. He has released numerous singles, an EP, and a live album. He has also contributed to multiple tracks of other artists, notably Indie Rock Sensation and Midnight Fusic. Subsequent to earning his diploma in music from the National Academy of Arts, he has performed at prominent venues including the Bukit Jalil National Stadium and the SCAPE Theatre in Singapore. His areas of specialization encompass jazz performance and improvisation.

Instrument
- Vocal (Classical)
- Vocal (Contemporary)
Azahar
B.Mus (Vocal Perf.)., Dip. Mus. (Vocal Perf).
​Azahar is a distinguished vocalist proficient in both classical and contemporary musical genres. A former member of the National Choir, he garnered three gold medals at the prestigious Bali International Choir Festival. He has featured prominently in numerous theatrical productions, including the critically acclaimed "Chow Kit Road" and "Supermokh." Furthermore, Azahar emerged victorious in "The Band," the 2014 edition of the Astro Reality Competition. With over a decade of experience, Azahar is an established music educator and vocal coach.
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Instrument
- Trumpet
Fareed Aziz
B.Mus. (Trumpet Performance)
Fareed Aziz, a distinguished member of the Kuala Lumpur Orchestra, possesses over two decades of professional experience in both performance and instruction. Recognized as one of Malaysia's most sought-after trumpet players, he frequently performs for the National Broadcasting Networks and other prominent orchestras nationwide. While rigorously trained in classical music, Mr. Aziz demonstrates proficiency in contemporary performance styles. Furthermore, he has received training in traditional Malaysian folk instruments.

Instrument
- Piano
- Vocal
Natalie Tan
B.Mus (Classical)
Natalie Tan possesses a Bachelor's degree in classical music from UCSI University and is an accomplished pianist. Additionally, she is a vocalist specializing in contemporary music. She holds the conviction that music is a medium for narrative expression and fosters substantial interpersonal bonds, be it through vocal or instrumental performance. Furthermore, Ms. Tan is dedicated to facilitating the discovery of musical passion in students through engaging and stimulating educational approaches.

Instrument
- Guitar (Acoustic/Electric/Classical)
- Gambus
Abdul Hakeem
B.Mus (Hons.)., Dip. Music
Abdul Hakeem is a highly accomplished and versatile musician, renowned for his exceptional prowess on both the guitar and the traditional gambus. His profound musical journey began with rigorous training at the prestigious National Academy of Arts and Heritage, where he honed his skills and developed a deep understanding of various musical traditions. Mr. Hakeem has dedicated himself to music education, inspiring and nurturing the next generation of musicians. A significant highlight of his performing career was his remarkable appearance at the 2024 Malaysian Jazz Piano Festival.
