Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Cora Chung. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Cora, thanks for joining us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?
Yes, a hundred percent yes! I love being an artist.
I was born and raised in the southern countryside of Taiwan. I come from a conservative society where no one I knew chose a career such as a film composer, or an indie musician.
Before I became a freelancer, I was a high school teacher, and also performed with a professional orchestra and choir part time. I am grateful for many experiences where I had the opportunity to analyze classical masterpieces, appreciate diverse music styles, and engage with amazing conductors and musicians. I assembled and conducted an all-girl choir. Over summer school breaks, I traveled around the world for inspiration. I enjoyed teaching, it was blessing to share my knowledge and passion.
However, I found it hard to fit into the system. The nine to five routine was killing my creativity little by little. I usually recorded myself humming musical ideas in my head, then one day I learned that MIDI can actually make everything happen. After long research and deliberation, I decided to pursue a master’s degree with music scoring, in order to start a career as a film composer and independent artist. I moved to the United States to start my journey, stepping out of my comfort zone.
I have to admit, the journey was rough at times, but life will push you to become who you really are.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Cora (Yi-Huan) Chung. I am a film composer and cellist from Taiwan. I received master degrees for both music composition for screen and cello performance. After graduating from Columbia College Chicago, I moved to Los Angeles, where I interned with 5 Cat Studios, and worked under the mentorship of Alliance of Women Film Composers (AWFC) with Christopher Lennertz and the prestigious Film Music and Sound Design Lab at Skywalker Sound with Sundance Institute. I feel tremendously grateful for all these experiences, which has shaped me to be a better composer, brainstormer, and philosopher.
I am now back in Taiwan. I make music for multimedia such as commercials, trailers, games, and films. I also take gigs such as cello recording or performing. Since I was trained as a classical cellist growing up, I have quick sight-reading and perfect pitch skills, which every good session musician needs.
In 2021, I was selected for the Marché du Film “Spot the Composer” program at Cannes Film Festival. Due to the COVID pandemic, I participated online. This year, I was honored to be selected for the CASA CINE residency, which brought me back to the festival again. I connected with many talented filmmakers and storytellers from different continents. I am beyond appreciative for this transformative experience.
Thanks to technology, my clients are now from everywhere around the world.
I believe a good story is universal. Through the power of cinema, we can break the barrier, and invite the audiences to connect with each other. I enjoy being a composer and musician in order to share perspective, beauty, and joy.
As a collaborator, I hope to provide a different dimension to help with storytelling. I often ask my director what they want the audiences to feel. To me, music is very abstract. It is subconscious and personal, like dye on canvas. The colors will evoke the deepest emotion and feelings of human beings. l enjoy all my projects and wish all of them to be as successful as possible. Each project is unique, which excites my creative soul! I wish my future clients can come challenge me and allow me to help their project transform into something special through music.
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
To be not afraid. To accept myself as who I am.
There’s a lot of unspoken rules surrounding my culture, which people need to follow in order to be considered “established”. I used to be very confused about my life, but I learned that everything I do leaves footprints. Once I kept going, something wonderful waits ahead. Adversity leads to prosperity. You just have to be patient and don’t stop believing.
The more I learn about myself, the more I stop competing with others. I am definitely my own worst enemy. What I learned through my journey is to understand my ability and weakness. And from there evolve from my cocoon into butterfly.
Choosing a career as an indie artist is a marathon. It’s never been easy and there’s no guarantee of success. However, I know I am on the right path.
The more I run, I feel thankful. From the bottom of my heart.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
To share my passion, to provide an idea, to inspire others, and to be a better me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.corachung.com
- Instagram: @corayihuanchung
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cora-chung-551283237/
- Other: IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10999825/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5IBFz0iUbPyKuPt8TFAvyH
Image Credits
barbera visser, Ron Thomas, mirabelle jien, Elsa Cornevin, Anthonia Chang