We recently connected with Shereen Cheong and have shared our conversation below.

Shereen, appreciate you joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I knew I wanted to pursue a creative and artistic path professionally from the time I was around 10 years old. I started piano lessons at the age of 3, and from the very beginning, I fell in love with the instrument. Every day, I was up early practicing the piano. By the time I was 10, I was certain that music was the only career I wanted to pursue. I was actively involved in Yamaha music concerts and competitions, where I began to really push myself as a performer.

It was also during this period that I first heard about Berklee College of Music, and from that moment, I was determined to study there. My dreams led me to New York after I graduated from Berklee, and since then, my journey has been both challenging and deeply rewarding. With every experience, I find myself falling more and more in love with music, its endless possibilities, and the way it continues to shape and inspire my life.

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.

I’m a New York-based Malaysian pianist, composer, arranger, producer, and educator. After receiving classical training, I studied jazz piano with Malaysia’s jazz veteran, Michael Veerapen. At age16, I toured with Farah Sulaiman & Friends on the Sparks of Broadway tour in Malaysia.

I’m a graduate of Berklee College of Music, where I earned dual degrees in Contemporary Writing & Production (CWP) and Music Business & Management (MBus). Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to arrange, orchestrate, and conduct for world-renowned artists like Wang LeeHom, Kaki King, Chelsey Green, and Grammy-winning artist Pablo Ziegler. I’ve also worked with incredible musicians such as Jamilah Abu Bakar, Amni Musfirah, Carmi Harris, Chan Luxe, and Keithian, creating compositions, arrangements, and producing their singles and albums.

As a keyboardist/pianist, I’ve had the privilege of touring extensively with RocNation artist Victory Boyd, who was discovered by Jay-Z, as well as with icons like Jussie Smollett on his Sum of My Music tour, Grammy-winning jazz artist Gregory Porter at City Park’s Foundation SummerStage in NYC, platinum-selling artist Lauren Daigle, and jazz artist Kamasi Washington. I’ve also performed at major events like the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, ESSENCE Music Festival, and LEAF Music Festival, and made appearances on ABC’s Good Morning America and Sirius XM’s Heart & Soul station. Additionally, I had the honor of performing and recording with electropop/rock artist Marina on her Ancient Dreams Live from the Desert release, and appearing on NBC’s Late Night with Seth Meyers.

As a solo artist, I’ve released several singles and a Christmas EP, 2512, which featured collaborations with up-and-coming artists like Amni Musfirah, Anthony Muthurajah, and Jamilah Abu Bakar. My second EP, Amygdala, was released on January 7th, 2022, and showcases my improvised piano compositions. You can expect a full-length album from me in the next year and I will be performing as a solo artist for the first time with my project. So stay tuned!

My sound is an eclectic fusion of classical, jazz, gospel, and R&B influences, blending the textures of Weather Report, the Pat Metheny Group, Vince Mendoza, and Allan Holdsworth. My musical approach is deeply rooted in my classical training, while also reflecting my passion for arranging and orchestration. When I sit at the piano, I think of myself as playing not just the keys, but the entire orchestra. I’m drawn to creating rich soundscapes, ambient textures, and seamless colors—anything that resonates as tasteful and emotionally engaging to me.

In addition to my performance and composition work, I teach music to both adults and children. I’ve had the privilege of working with students ranging in age from 4 to 60, and many have made remarkable progress under my guidance. My teaching method is straightforward and adaptable: I focus on what excites my students, building on their interests to develop a strong technical foundation. My approach blends classical and contemporary methods, tailored to the individual. I strive to make each lesson interactive, engaging, and enjoyable, creating an environment that encourages hands-on learning. I believe that this personalized, immersive approach is the most effective way to help my students not only grow as musicians but also deepen their love and understanding of music.

I aim to make a powerful musical statement as an Asian woman in the industry. My mission is to inspire and empower other Asian women to step into their full potential as artists, leaders, creators, and entrepreneurs. Every goal I pursue and every dream I chase is driven by that vision of breaking boundaries and redefining what’s possible for us.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the opportunity to represent a community and give voice to stories that need to be heard. As an Asian woman in the music industry, I’m driven to make a meaningful musical statement and inspire other Asian women to step into their power as artists, leaders, creators, and entrepreneurs. I believe we have so much to offer, and I want to encourage others to own their space and their voice in a world that often overlooks them.

Through music education, I’ve also found a deep sense of purpose. I’m passionate about nurturing and guiding young minds, helping children develop confidence and creativity through music. At the same time, I find fulfilment in helping adults rediscover themselves and express their emotions more fully through music. It’s incredibly rewarding to see my students grow, not just as musicians, but as individuals who are more connected to their own identity and potential.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Recording a livestream show in the Mojave Desert in 2021 with the incredible Marina Diamandis was one of the most intense and exhilarating experiences of my life. Marina was an absolute joy to work with, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity—huge thanks to my colleague, Fabian Egger, who was the music director for the show and made it all happen.

We spent 10 days in intensive rehearsals, but that wasn’t the hardest part. The real challenge came from the desert itself. Our soundcheck took place at 1 p.m., and the heat was unbearable—scorching, even. To keep my keyboards from overheating, I had to cover them with zinc sheets. But as the sun set and filming began, we had to contend with powerful winds. During the second or third song of the set, my top keyboard flew off the stand! Luckily, I managed to catch it in time and keep playing. We had to take a brief pause to tape everything down, but in the end, it was all worth it.

Despite the challenges, the experience was incredible, and I’d absolutely do it again. The energy, the music, and the setting made it an unforgettable adventure.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shereencheong.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scheongmusic
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shereencheongmusic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ShereenCheong

Image Credits

Stephen Pyo, Zhen Qin