Johnny Chia

Guzheng

Johnny, born and raised in Singapore, is a classically trained guzheng player and Co-Curricular Activity (CCA) instructor in schools. His love for Chinese traditional music started from his primary school CCA being Chinese Orchestra. His interest in Chinese music did not falter as he continued on to joining the Chinese Orchestra in his secondary school as well. Johnny started picking up the Chinese flute in his first year in Balestier Hill Secondary School, but was his attention was soon drawn to the beautiful sound of the ancient instrument known as the guzheng which he picked up later.

Johnny started properly training in guzheng 1994, under the tutelage of Mdm Chen Hui Lan, Mdm Yin Qun and Miss Xu Hui. In September 2006, he was enrolled in the China Music Conservatory, under guidance of renowned guzheng performer Miss Qiu Ji and obtained his Bachelor of Performing Arts in Chinese Traditional Music (Guzheng) upon graduation in 2010. Johnny’s guzheng learning journey was tough yet fruitful. On top of learning guzheng, he realized that rich culture was connected to Chinese music and that it enabled him to come in touch with something our forefathers have left behind. From then on Johnny decided to do his part in the conservation of Chinese music in hopes of advocating for the precious heritage.    

Actively involved in the local art scene, Johnny has participated in many music activities like: Millennium Concert in 2000 and Extravaganza of Strings in 2002 both held by Singapore Chinese Orchestra, Remembrance of Maestro Liu Ming Yuan Concert held by China Conservatory at Beijing National Theatre in 2007, Remembrance of Maestro Qiu Da Cheng Concert held by China Conservatory at China Conservatory Concert Hall in 2008, Chinese musical play "Xiao Er Hei" held by China Conservatory in 2009 and 2010 at Beijing National Theatre and China Conservatory Theatre, recorded guzheng sections for the themed soundtrack of the Olympics in 2008, recorded guzheng sections for Subway Singapore’s 2014 new year advertisement etc. Also, he has performed with several local Chinese Orchestras and music organizations: Cheng San Community Centre Echoes of The Valley Chinese Orchestra, Braddell Heights Community Centre Chinese Orchestra, Singapore OmniArts, The TENG Ensemble, Guzheng Association (Singapore), Siong Leng Music Association.

Upon graduation from China Music Conservatory, Johnny has been engaged as a music instructor to coach Chinese Orchestra and Guzheng Ensemble CCAs in various schools across Singapore ranging from primary schools to polytechnics. Over the years the schools taught be him have achieved numerous Distinction awards in SYF presentations. Apart from teaching, Johnny has also been working on music projects with various organizations to advocate development for Chinese instrumental music. With The TENG Ensemble, Johnny is engaged as a guzheng player to perform newly rearranged compositions - developed from both classic and traditional Chinese works which feature challenging playing techniques and unprecedented depth at the same time. As vice president of the Guzheng Association Singapore, Johnny has been planning and directing performance events for the association’s members. He also works closely with the association to promote and develop Guzheng Art locally; creating new works for the locally bred art form - a Guzheng Ensemble.