Mr. Kian Chong
(B.MUSIC; M. MUSIC)
VIOLIN, VIOLA fACULTY; school director
Kian has played regularly in Malaysia as well as abroad. Some highlights of his performance experience were L’Orchestra Giovanile Collegium Philharmonicum in Naples, Italy and multiple concerts for the Royalties of Malaysia and Cambodia. His musical ventures included numerous teaching, learning and performing opportunities in many parts of Asia (Singapore, Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Hong Kong) and Europe (Italy, Austria, the Netherlands, Switzerland).
He graduated magna cum laude from the Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver (Colorado, U.S.A.) with a Masters degree in Music, studied violin performance under Prof. Mark Rush and Suzuki pedagogy under Prof. Kathleen Spring.
A passionate teacher with almost 2 decades of teaching experience, Kian has run his own studio and served as faculty member of several music academies in Malaysia from 2005-2012, and in the Denver metro area upon his arrival in 2012. His studio consisted of students as young as 3 years old to adult violinists, encompassing the very beginners to advanced players.
As a Suzuki-trained teacher, Kian often appears as a clinician at summer institutes; teaching repertoire classes, chamber classes, individual masterclasses and note reading/musicianship classes. Spring Studio, Suzuki Strings of Denver, CO. USA, Suzuki Institute of Indonesia and Albyrd Violin Studio Suzuki Camp (Bangkok, Thailand) are among the institutes that he has been involved in.
To teach is to learn twice, every lesson I have with my students is a chance for me to get to know more about them as much as about myself. I enjoy seeing my students grow; musically, physically, and spiritually. The very reason why I would teach Twinkles for many years to come! - Kian
Apart from teaching, chamber and orchestral performances are a staple of Mr. Kian’s musical diet. When he is not busy teaching or performing, Kian savours tea, drinks coffee, runs, hikes or practices yoga.
He looks forward to working and growing with the beautiful minds at the Hong Kong Suzuki Music Institute!
Please see Mr. Kian’s complete Suzuki profile and training at https://suzukiassociation.org/people/kian-chong/
“I feel fortunate to have worked with Kian, both as a mentor and as a colleague. He is still missed by many of us in Denver! Those who study with Kian are fortunate to have an exceptional teacher. In addition to benefiting from his skills as a player and pedagogue, students thrive under his careful, creative, and caring approach.”
- Kathleen Spring - Suzuki Pedagogy Instructor, Lamont School of Music, University of Denver