Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dr. Yuking Chou Brandenburgh. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Dr. Yuking Chou, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
Growing up in Taichung, Taiwan, there was this neighborhood dumpling shop that held a special place in our hearts. Each delivery came with a touch of warmth, thanks to the elderly gentleman who often brought them to our doorstep. He exuded kindness and had a surprising talent—he was a pianist. Whenever he visited, we’d eagerly invite him inside to serenade us with his music. For a young child like me, the sound of the piano was utterly captivating and resonated deeply within me. I couldn’t help but marvel at the sheer power and beauty coming from that instrument, though sometimes I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of concern for its well-being amidst the enthusiastic banging! His performances left an indelible mark on me, igniting a passion for the piano that would shape my future.
As I made my way through elementary school, my interest in academics
dwindled, overshadowed by my growing fascination with the piano. Homework became a secondary concern, evident in my hastily scrawled handwriting that often left my teachers perplexed. Concerned calls from school soon followed, prompting discussions with my mother about my lack of enthusiasm for conventional studies. Yet, amidst it all, my love for the piano remained unwavering. It was a passion that burned brightly within me, guiding my path forward.
Reflecting on those formative years, it became clear that my destiny lay not in traditional education, but in the realm of music. Inspired by the humble deliveryman who had unknowingly sparked my love for the piano, and encouraged by my parents’ remarkable foresight, I made the bold decision to pursue a career as a professional pianist.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Having spent my formative years in Taiwan and having received my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the Vienna University of Music and Performing Arts in Austria, and my doctorate at the University of Cincinnati in the USA, I can confidently describe myself as a global citizen.
As a child, my passion for the piano was undeniable. Growing up in Taichung, Taiwan, there was a piano store in town that always captivated me. Whenever my family passed by, I couldn’t resist running inside to try out every piano on display, and my parents often had to drag me away from the store. It was clear to them that I had a deep love for the piano which led them to enroll me in lessons when I was just in kindergarten. While other kids spent their weekend watching movies, I was in the next room, having piano lessons. Those early days set the stage for my lifelong musical journey.
In elementary school, there were occasions when I would sneak away from classes and slip downstairs to the basement, where the practice rooms were located, to practice piano. Surprisingly, it seemed the teachers didn’t keep close tabs on attendance during those moments. Perhaps they were aware of my absences but chose to turn a blind eye, understanding that I was always preparing for the next competition.
I am the founder and CEO of Yuking Chou Piano Studio and GlobalScale Piano. I’m also on the
faculty of the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati. I provide comprehensive piano instruction and coaching services, catering to students both in-person and online. Thanks to modern technology, geographical barriers are eliminated and my professionally equipped studio ensures a seamless transition between the two modes of learning. Whether my students reside in different corners of the globe, preparing for prestigious international competitions, refining their teaching skills, or simply pursuing piano mastery for personal enjoyment, I am dedicated to delivering high-quality instruction tailored to their individual needs and goals.
In my piano lessons, I frequently address challenges related to technique, as it serves as the cornerstone of various aspects of performance. From dynamics and expression to speed and dexterity, a solid foundation in technique is paramount for progress. Without it, students may face hurdles in other areas as they advance. Therefore, I place significant emphasis on cultivating a strong foundational technique in my students, understanding its crucial role in shaping their musical journey.
As part of my teaching approach, I guide students to understand musical structure and explore various sound palettes before focusing on execution. Understanding these elements is essential because mere theoretical knowledge without the ability to translate it into performance is comparable to a young surgeon who possesses theoretical expertise but lacks the skill to perform surgery successfully. Conversely, someone who enjoys wielding a scalpel without proper medical training will struggle with diagnosis. Therefore, I emphasize the importance of integrating theoretical understanding with practical application in piano performance, ensuring students develop both comprehensive knowledge and proficient skills.
What sets my teaching approach apart? I’d say it’s my meticulous attention to detail. I don’t simply instruct students to practice more; I provide comprehensive guidance tailored to their needs, particularly for those who are still developing their skills and aren’t yet at a professional level. It’s not enough to just encourage more practice; students need specific instructions on how to practice effectively, including which fingers to use, dynamics, and other nuances. By offering detailed guidance from the outset, students gain a thorough understanding of how to navigate various musical challenges. I firmly believe in the saying: “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; teach him how to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.”
Before providing answers or step-by-step instructions, I prioritize asking questions to prompt students’ understanding of the underlying reasons. For me, teaching isn’t only about offering solutions or methodologies; it’s about fostering comprehension of the fundamental principles. While some piano instructors avoid micromanaging, I find it essential, especially when shaping young pianists toward professional proficiency. Once they attain that level, they’re empowered to soar independently. Higher-level or professional pianists deserve the freedom to express their individuality and artistic vision.
What brings me the greatest sense of pride are the students who demonstrate a genuine commitment to their piano studies and continuously strive to elevate their skills to the next level. Within my piano studio, I am particularly proud of those who have achieved success in international competitions, with some even receiving invitations to perform at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall in New York City and other renowned concert halls worldwide. Over the past two years alone, I have had the privilege of preparing five of my students for their debut performances at Carnegie Hall.
While I am undoubtedly proud of their accomplishments, what truly impresses me is their unwavering dedication and attitude towards piano. I am well aware of the countless hours they dedicate to preparing for these events, and I recognize that this commitment extends not only to the students themselves but also to their parents. The investment made in their training is invaluable, and I am grateful to witness the remarkable progress and achievements that result from their collective efforts.
In the quest to cultivate a young artist into a professional, the influence of nurture often surpasses that of nature. It becomes a collective endeavor involving the entire family. Reflecting on my own journey, when I pursued studies in Europe immediately after completing elementary school, it necessitated sacrifices from my entire family as our time together became very limited. Today, with the boundless digital opportunities available, the prospect of accessing top-tier professional training in any field from anywhere and at any time is truly remarkable. We’re fortunate to live in an era brimming with endless digital possibilities!
To parents of aspiring young pianists, I offer this advice: The path to becoming a professional pianist is not a short one. It’s filled with challenges and hardships, much like any other profession. Despite the inevitable obstacles, the journey is immensely fulfilling. If your child has a deep love for the piano and dreams of mastering it, I urge you to wholeheartedly support their aspirations. Trust me, the sacrifices made along the way are truly worth it, as their passion will enrich their lives in countless ways.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Transitioning from Taiwan to Vienna, Austria, at 14 tested my resilience. Leaving behind the familiar for the unknown demanded courage, but I embraced it as a chance to grow. Learning German, a completely new language and a difficult one nonetheless, while navigating daily life in a new city was a daunting challenge, but I faced it head-on with determination.
During my first year living there alone, I learned how to cook, hunt for an apartment, pay the bills, and carry coal for my heater in my third-floor apartment. Thinking back, even though I often felt like Cinderella, I am very grateful that I never caused any fires or suffocated myself. You get the picture!
Despite those challenges, my passion for music fueled my perseverance. Each obstacle became a chance to grow, and setbacks taught me resilience. Through determination and a willingness to embrace change, I thrived in my new environment.
Today, my resilience is evident in my ability to overcome adversity, adapt to change, and pursue my musical aspirations relentlessly. It reflects my inner strength and unwavering commitment to excellence, regardless of the challenges I encounter.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
In today’s interconnected world, the boundaries of geography no longer restrict education. Through virtual collaboration, individuals from diverse backgrounds can come together to learn and train, transcending physical distances. The increasing popularity of online international competitions reflects a growing preference for digital platforms as sources of motivation and validation. My mission is to democratize high-quality piano education by bringing it directly to individuals who prefer to learn from the comfort of their own homes, regardless of their location.
This initiative fosters a collaborative environment where educators from around the world can unite, much like the viral spread of videos across social media platforms, reaching audiences worldwide. The approach I envision blends elements of Asian, European, and American styles, leveraging the strengths and mentalities of each continent to deliver a truly enriching educational experience.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.yukingchou.com, http://www.globalscalepiano.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yukingchou/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yuking.chou
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-yuking-chou-brandenburgh-458243a1/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrYukingPianoChannel
Image Credits
Mark Lyons Bill Brandenburgh