Tommy Chiu

A native of Hong Kong based in Boston, Dr. Tommy Chiu is a sought-after educator with more than a decade of international experience in brass pedagogy. His students over the country continue to find success in region and all-state auditions, as well as getting accepted into youth orchestra programs such as the BYSO and NEC Prep, and college music programs such as Boston University, Boston Conservatory, San Francisco Conservatory of Music, University of Michigan and University of Southern California. Locally, he serves on the faculties of the Noble and Greenough School, Brimmer and May School, Dedham School of Music, Performing Arts Center of MetroWest, and the Rhode Island Philharmonic Music School. Beyond private instruction, he has also taught classes and led rehearsals at schools from elementary through college, including Boston Public Schools, Dedham Public Schools, Newton Country Day School, South Shore Conservatory, Brandeis University, Wellesley College, and the University of Rhode Island.

As a soloist, Dr. Chiu shared the stage with the University of British Columbia Chamber Orchestra, Boston University Wind Ensemble, Boston University Trombone Choir and the Brookline Community Band, and was named finalist in various concerto competitions, including those of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestral Institute and PRISMA Festival & Academy. As an orchestral musician, he is Principal Trombone of the Boston Civic Symphony, and has appeared with the Vermont Symphony Orchestra, Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra, Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra, Atlantic Symphony Orchestra, Lexington Symphony, and The Chorus of Westerly Festival Orchestra, among others. Locally, he is a frequent recitalist in the Greater Boston area, with past performances being recorded and live streamed by local televisions such as Access Framingham and Dedham TV. During the summer season, he also served as an artist fellow in the Atlantic Music Festival and attended the International Graduate Music Conference hosted by the University of Calgary as a lecture presenter.

Dr. Chiu holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Brass Performance from Boston University, where he was a recipient of the Brass Department Award, with previous degrees from Rutgers University and The Chinese University of Hong Kong. His primary teachers include Toby Oft of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Colin Williams of the New York Philharmonic, Jarod Vermette of the Hong Kong Philharmonic, Don Lucas, and Gabriel Rice.

As a strong believer in the life-changing power of music, my teaching is driven by my purpose to serve and inspire students of all backgrounds to realize their full potential and leave a positive impact on the lives of others. My approach in teaching is firmly grounded in developing a healthy relationship with music making and a self-driven practice culture in my students. As a practicing teacher, I strive tirelessly to lead by example. I ensure my students feel empowered after each lesson and meanwhile hold them accountable to commit to their own daily grinds. When working with young aspiring artists, it is my goal and mission to inspire the drive and commitment to pursue excellence in them, and to be adaptable in coping with challenges and learning from setbacks. Especially during times of difficulty, I love to encourage my students to follow their curiosity and guard their motivation as we share the journey of music making together.