Abescar Jr Galan Base
Piano, Keyboard & Music Theory Teacher in Dubai
Head of Piano Department & Piano, Keyboard & Music Theory Instructor · Piano, Electronic Keyboard, Music Theory & Trinity Exam Preparation
16+ years with Melody Makers
About Abescar
Jun (Abescar) is the Head of the Piano Department at Melody Makers and has been teaching piano, keyboard and music theory at the centre since 2010. He holds a Bachelor of Music, majoring in Piano (1988) and Music Education (1986), from the Colegio de la Inmaculada Concepción School of Music in Cebu City, Philippines, and is a holder of the Licentiate of Trinity College London (LTCL) for Piano Performance (2014), the post-Grade 8, post-ATCL professional performance diploma.
His playing journey began at age seven under prestigious Filipino piano directress Mrs. Aida B. Labra, where he taught himself to read notes. His graduation recital in 1988 closed with Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Major, performed at the Colegio de la Inmaculada Concepción auditorium with his piano professor Mila Nadala on the second piano. After graduating he moved to the United States to teach in the Music Department at the University of Charleston, West Virginia.
His teaching career spans over four decades across two countries: Yamaha School of Music (1983–1986), Lyrics Piano (1986–1988), University of Charleston Music Department (1988–1989), Reyco Music Centre (1990–1999), private piano studio (1999–2008), University of San Jose Recoletos and Cebu Normal University as a college music lecturer (2004–2009), and Mandaue City School for the Arts mentoring gifted children (2006–2009). He joined Melody Makers in 2010 and has now been with the centre for over 15 years.
At Melody Makers, Jun has dedicated himself to Trinity College London exam preparation, taking students from Initial through Grade 8 in piano, keyboard and music theory. Most of his students sit with Distinctions, a number have scored 100% in keyboard exams and performed at the Trinity College London Toppers Gala in Dubai, and he has prepared a student through the ATCL piano performance diploma, who passed with flying colours and went on to study in the United States.
Beyond exam coaching, he is the resident piano accompanist at Melody Makers for violin students preparing practical exams at every grade, working in close collaboration with the violin faculty. He also runs advanced music theory training for Melody Makers teachers and gives seminars and workshops on Trinity Grade 5 to Grade 8 practical and theory requirements. He champions ensemble playing and motivates students and teachers to perform together regularly, including piano duets.
As a performer, Jun was featured as a soloist with the Philippines Orchestra (1991) playing Mayon Fantasia de Concerto by Buencamino, a Filipino classical masterpiece. From 1990 to 2009 he was a member of a 5-Piano group, performing classical works arranged for five pianists across schools, malls and churches in the Philippines for charity, alongside many of his former college professors. He has also collaborated with Madame Ingrid Sala Santamaria, an internationally renowned concert pianist, on piano duets, and has served as accompanist for violin recitals and choral groups across the Philippines.
Notable Highlights
Trinity ATCL Diploma | Piano Performance, passed with flying colours
Jun prepared a student for the Associate of Trinity College London (ATCL) diploma in Piano Performance, the post-Grade 8 performance diploma. The student passed with flying colours and went on to complete his studies in the United States.
Trinity Toppers Gala (Dubai) | students with 100% Keyboard marks
Multiple students of Jun have scored 100% in Trinity Keyboard examinations and were invited to perform at the Trinity College London Toppers Gala in Dubai.
Most students pass with Distinction | Trinity Piano & Keyboard
Most of Jun's students secure Distinctions in Trinity College London piano and keyboard examinations across Initial to Grade 8.
LTCL Piano Performance | Licentiate of Trinity College London, 2014
Jun holds the Licentiate of Trinity College London (LTCL) in Piano Performance, awarded in 2014. The LTCL is Trinity's post-Grade 8, post-ATCL professional performance diploma, equivalent to a final-year music conservatory recital.
Bachelor of Music | Major in Piano (1988) + Music Education (1986)
Jun graduated Bachelor of Music, Major in Music Education (1986) and Major in Piano (1988) from the Colegio de la Inmaculada Concepción School of Music in Cebu City, Philippines. His graduation recital closed with Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Major, performed with his piano professor Mila Nadala on the second piano.
Head of Piano Department | 15+ years at Melody Makers
Jun has led the Piano Department at Melody Makers since 2010, mentoring fellow teachers, running advanced music theory training for the faculty, and delivering seminars and workshops on Trinity Grade 5 to Grade 8 practical and theory requirements.
40+ years teaching | Yamaha, university, school for the arts, conservatory
Jun's teaching career spans over four decades: Yamaha School of Music (1983–1986), Lyrics Piano, University of Charleston Music Department (USA, 1988–1989), University of San Jose Recoletos and Cebu Normal University as a college lecturer (2004–2009), and Mandaue City School for the Arts mentoring gifted children (2006–2009).
Soloist with the Philippines Orchestra | Mayon Fantasia de Concerto, 1991
Featured as a soloist pianist with the Philippines Orchestra in 1991, performing Mayon Fantasia de Concerto by Buencamino, a Filipino classical masterpiece.
5-Piano group | charity tours across the Philippines, 1990 to 2009
For nearly two decades Jun was a member of a 5-Piano group, performing classical works arranged for five pianists in schools, malls and churches across the Philippines for charity. Most members were his former college professors.
Piano duets with Madame Ingrid Sala Santamaria
Jun has collaborated with Madame Ingrid Sala Santamaria, an internationally renowned concert pianist, on piano duets.
Resident violin accompanist | Melody Makers Trinity exam students
Jun is the resident piano accompanist for violin students preparing Trinity College London practical exams at every grade, coaching examinees in close collaboration with the violin faculty.
What Students & Parents Say
“I began my musical journey at Melody Makers in 2017, where I completed my Grade 6 Piano examination under the guidance of Sir Denver Perera and Teacher Jun Galan Base, achieving a Distinction. In 2025, I advanced my studies and successfully completed the LTCL Advanced Diploma in Classical Piano Performance, a highly demanding qualification, with commendable results. This achievement reflects the consistent support, discipline, and high standards upheld by the institution.”
“Highly motivating and dedicated team in Melody Makers helped my first son to learn Keyboard over 7 years and my second son has been learning Piano over 3 years. It is nothing but a pleasure to see kids progress from one level to another under the sincere guidance of Keyboard and Piano teacher, Jun Sir, over the years. Highly recommended if any parent is looking for a music academy for their children.”
“Jun sir is a very supportive teacher and he helps me perform my best, and thanks to his help I have gotten amazing Trinity grades in Melody Makers. I have been here for a few years and made amazing progress. All because of Jun sir.”
“I have been learning keyboard under Jun sir in Melody Makers. He is incredibly patient and always takes the time to make sure I understand and improve, especially when correcting mistakes. His encouragement makes learning feel comfortable and motivating. I would definitely recommend Melody Makers to anyone interested in music and the arts.”
“Highly recommend Jun Sir and Melody Makers.”
Classes with Abescar
Electronic Keyboard
1 hour per session (flexible split between theory and practical) | Private (1-to-1) or small group (up to 3 students, each with their own keyboard)
Music Theory
1 hour per session | Individual and small group options available
Piano
1 hour per session | Private (1-to-1) or small group (up to 3 students, each with their own instrument)
Part of the Melody Makers Team
Abescar is part of the Melody Makers faculty, a team of dedicated professionals who have been nurturing musical and creative talent in Dubai for nearly three decades. As a Registered Exam Centre of Trinity College London, our teachers are experienced in preparing students for internationally recognised qualifications alongside developing a lifelong love of their art.
Ready to learn with Abescar?
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