Who I am, what I do, all about me……

At that late afternoon hour, when day fades giving way to night, I love to listen to the violin.  Contemplative spirits know well the consoling powers of that most metaphysical of instruments.  Sometimes I dream and imagine what the invisible, unknown creature to which the violin lends its voice might look like.  What strange god, what curious spectre, what a weird animal it would surely be.  Seductive and whining, caressing and moaning, captive and plaintive.  Yet violins are made, not born, and though they are at their best in the hands of a maestro, they are only ever as good as the master who first made them.

I work with children and adults with learning difficulties.  Only a handful of teachers craft their pupils from the first piece to the last.  The fact is there are only a few who can justifiably take this name and make it their craft.  I am a restorer, my set-up simple in the extreme.  There is no ‘shop’, the only work I do is my own, all is ordered by the student, determined by Parents and Schools seeking the highest calibre.  That said, I sometimes repair and adjust before restoring.  And why my referrals come from miles.

I have a great deal to say about my trade, my Associates, my friends, and our relations. We must after all, be indulgent about virtuosi.  Progress is neither linear nor technical, it is the overall vision which matters. 

For 27 years I have worked with Dyslexic people and educated them in beautiful surroundings. At first at Oxford in England where I was subsequently awarded Associate Membership of the British Dyslexia Association. I came to Singapore in 1995 as Head teacher of the Dyslexia Association of Singapore (DAS).  In 1998 I formed Enigma and my original foundation of 10 scholars grew into The Enigma Variations, at first in Tanglin Place, then Camden Medical Centre.

The experienced teacher has an intimate knowledge of the students vibratory qualities.  Like music, our students are taught to transcend time.  And talk about it.  For if we listen carefully, from Mozart to Beethoven, from Schubert to Bach, Handel to Grapelli, it speaks with a gentleness which we share with learning and understanding.

Violins begin with an assemblage of some 80 pieces of wood and meticulously prepared with knife, chisel and file.  It calls for intense concentration and a sure eye.  Just like a teacher, a visionary of sound, who calculates its power, tone and reach even before putting the finishing touches to the different parts and preparing for the finale, a balanced, confident person equipped to achieve to their highest abilities.

…..in the quiet solitude of the early evening, I share this knowledge with you.

Janette Pope Menken
BA, AMBDA, RSA DipSpLD

PLEASE telephone me on 96607800 or 96608000.  I will be happy to talk, discuss and advise.  Better still Email me on - janette.enigma@gmail.com

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