Derek Zhi Guang Chiu

Derek Zhi Guang Chiu is a seasoned Canadian pianist and piano pedagogue from Calgary, Alberta. His extensive training includes tutelage from notable Canadian teachers Dr. E. Gregory Butler and Joel Hastings at The University of Windsor. Chiu had additional studies in piano pedagogy with Dr. Thomas Green.

Under the guidance of Solomon Mikowsky (featured in Benjamin Saver’s book The Most Wanted Piano Teachers in the USA) and Donn-Alexandre Feder at the Manhattan School of Music in New York, Chiu graduated with a Master of Music degree in 2003. During his studies at the Manhattan School of Music, Chiu was mentored in chamber music by well-known pianist Daniel Epstein of the Raphael Trio and engaged in rigorous studies in Baroque and Classical performance practices with Kenneth Cooper, one of the world’s foremost music specialists in the music from those eras. Chiu has performed in master classes in Canada, Europe, and the United States for Janina Fialkowska, Robin Harrison, James Howsmon, Lorrin Hollander, Ramzi Yassa, Cecilio Tieles, and Jesus Angel Rodriquez.

In addition to maintaining a full performance schedule, Chiu presented pedagogical ideas on cognitive practice, aural skills development, sight reading and memorization of music. His academic lectures include the music of Bach, Chopin, Liszt, and Mozart. He is a sought after music adjudicator and guest teacher. Chiu has been an active member of The Royal Conservatory of Music’s College of Examiners since 2006 and is currently the Alberta Regional Representative for The Royal Conservatory.  He is a member of the faculty for the JVL Music in the Summer Festival (Canada) and Cremona International Music Academy and Festival (Italy).