Shan Chua
Teaches Voice, Piano, Guitar, Ukulele, Songwriting & Music Production Lessons
About Shan
Hi everyone! I teach voice, piano, guitar, and ukulele. Currently, I am reaching towards a Bachelors Degree in Vocal Performance and a Masters in Music Education at the University of the Arts. There I am studying the teachings of classical, jazz, musical theatre, RnB, soul, folk, pop music, etc. but I love all types of music! I aim to teach the practice of proper instrument technique, knowledge of music theory, as well as building creativity, comfort and confidence within my students. Music is a great creative outlet and I push my students to write, arrange and produce original music as well.
“Music is a great creative outlet and I push my students to write, arrange and produce original music as well.”
When did you start playing music, what brought you to it?
I started singing as a toddler and I remember when my mom always made me sing through karaoke machines at home or at family parties. However, I didn't seriously get into playing music until I was 10 years old, starting piano lessons and being in my elementary school's choir. I also started teaching myself how to play guitar, and then later on I learned ukulele. And in middle school, I started to write songs- doing this made me realize how much the music room and being able to do all of this brought so much comfort in expressing myself.
What style(s) of music do you like to play the most? Why?
Jazz, Soul, RnB, Musical Theatre, folk, pop - All of this music were what I listened to heavily growing up in my household and performing any of these styles are just super fun.
What are some of your favorite teaching moments?
Having students beat a musical obstacle they thought would be impossible to face. Seeing their faces light up when they have played something they thought they couldn't with their instrument is so cool to see.
What are some musical goals you hope to achieve in the future?
Some musical goals I hope to achieve in the future is to graduate from music school, and go for music education or jazz studies! I also hope to release an EP of original music. Overall, I hope to collaborate with many other people on original music or arrange music for other people. The end goal is to be able to create music that connects with people emotionally and hopefully inspire them to also make music.
What is a musical obstacle that you remember overcoming? How did you overcome it?
I remember in high school my music teacher told me to learn and perform a complex classical piano piece that was many, many pages long. I was TERRIFIED by it. I had never played a song like this before and I felt that I wasn't technically ready to learn, play and perform it. But, all I had to do was practice it at my own pace and learn a couple rhythms...measures...pages at a time! Putting the practice in through small blocks and taking breaks was how I overcame this intimidating piece of music. I also made the point to listen to recordings of the song on repeat to get the feeling of the piece, then put my own personal twist into my playing. When I finally performed it for my teacher and peers it was so rewarding because I didn't think I could do it before!
What advice could you give to someone who has just begun learning music?
Play and listen to what makes you happy. Have fun learning music and go at your own pace. At times, you may make mistakes but that is the process! Always keep going, practicing, and pushing yourself through the process and you will be satisfied with the music you've made.
What other instruments, aside from the ones you teach, have you played before?
I have played the vibraphone, clarinet, flute, drums, and bass.