An artist bio

My name is Jason and I play classical piano. I have been passionate about classical piano performance since childhood, especially when I first heard solo piano music that deeply moved me. This early inspiration sparked a lifelong desire to study music. To improve my skills and broaden my repertoire, I began formal piano training and studied works from different historical periods. I successfully passed the ABRSM Grade 8 Piano Performance Assessment with “Merit” during elementary school.

In addition to solo recitals, I have actively participated in ensemble and orchestra performances both within and outside of school. These experiences helped me develop collaborative skills and gave me a deeper appreciation of chamber and orchestral music-making.

While my foundation is in classical music, I also enjoy exploring other genres. At my high school graduation ceremony, I performed Golden Hour by JVKE, showcasing my interest in pop repertoire. I also had the privilege of performing as a keyboardist with Jazz at Lincoln Center Shanghai during the YCYW International School Charity Gala.

My EPK reflects a commitment to both technical excellence and expressive versatility. It includes solo and collaborative work, and highlights my experience across classical, jazz, and popular styles. Looking ahead, I hope to expand my performance opportunities, continue growing as a professional pianist, and develop my presence in the creative industries. 

My skills, strengths and experiences

As a developing classical pianist with a strong interest in performance and pedagogy, I have cultivated a wide range of musical skills, personal strengths, and valuable real-world experiences. Years of disciplined practice have enabled me to build solid technical control and a refined sense of musical expression. My playing is rooted in classical piano traditions, but I also explore a variety of styles to enrich my artistic interpretation and performance versatility.

My technical strengths include clear articulation, control of dynamic range, expressive pedaling, and an awareness of tone color, all of which contribute to delivering nuanced performances. I have experience performing solo repertoire from various stylistic periods, from Baroque and Classical to Romantic and 20th-century works, and have successfully passed the ABRSM Grade 8 Piano Performance exam with “Merit.”

In addition to performance skills, I have developed strong academic knowledge in music theory, composition, and music history. I believe a well-rounded pianist must understand not just how to play, but why the music was written, and how to interpret it in context. These areas of knowledge help me approach new repertoire with analytical insight and historical awareness.

Beyond my own learning, I have gained valuable experience in music education and ensemble coaching. In the summer of 2024, I assisted my piano tutor at the Shanghai Sendi Piano Company in teaching junior high school students. I was responsible for instructing basic music theory and leading small group rehearsals that included students playing different instruments. Within just two weeks, we worked together to prepare ensemble pieces that were performed publicly at the Shanghai Acoustic Arts and Crafts Concert Hall. This experience not only enhanced my communication and leadership skills, but also helped me understand the importance of empathy and adaptability when working with younger learners.

Collaboration is also an essential part of my musical identity. I have participated in both school and public ensemble performances, including orchestral and chamber settings. These opportunities have taught me how to listen, adjust, and contribute effectively as part of a musical team. I also enjoy performing across genres. For instance, I performed Golden Hour by JVKE at my high school graduation ceremony, demonstrating my comfort with contemporary repertoire. I also served as a keyboardist during a charity gala organized by Jazz at Lincoln Center Shanghai in collaboration with YCYW International School, further expanding my exposure to jazz and live event performance.

I am constantly seeking new ways to grow, both artistically and professionally. I regularly engage with new music, explore contemporary trends in piano performance, and aim to broaden my portfolio by learning about music technology and media production. My short-term goal is to continue performing and collaborating with other musicians across diverse genres and settings. My long-term goal is to establish myself as both a performer and educator in the creative industries—someone who combines classical foundations with innovative thinking.

Performance video and Composition 

Chopin Etude Op.10 No.8 (Performance Video)

https://leedsconservatoire.cloud.panopto.eu/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=6d179bf3-3ef7-4ee7-a48c-b2ec002d622c

Tipsy (Audio)

My musical, creative and technical skills
My musical skills are rooted in a thorough understanding of classical music theory. This includes knowledge of harmony, counterpoint, and structure, which guides my interpretation of works from composers like Bach, Beethoven, and Chopin. For example, when performing a Bach fugue, I am able to clearly differentiate each voice, ensuring that even the most complex counterpoint remains audible. My familiarity with harmonic progressions allows me to shape the music dynamically, adding emotional depth to every phrase. I always strive to go beyond simply playing the notes. I aim to bring out the nuances of the music, such as its ebb and flow of tension, release, and emotion. 

Creativity is central to my performances as a classical pianist, but it extends beyond the traditional repertoire as well. While my primary focus is classical music, I also enjoy exploring pop music in my spare time. I’ve taught myself some common pop music chord progressions and have spent time experimenting with these in my own compositions. I have written some pop song on Muse Score before, one of them is a R&B style music called ‘Tipsy’, which used oboe, piano and drum set. I intend to write more pop music using Logic since writing pop music is a refreshing outlet that allows me to step outside the boundaries of classical form, using simpler harmonic structures and catchy melodies. This has expanded my creative range, as I’m able to draw on elements from both genres to enrich my classical performances.

On the technical side, my proficiency allows me to execute even the most demanding passages with precision and fluidity. Finger independence, hand coordination, and control over the pedal are crucial for producing a clean, expressive sound. When playing fast, virtuosic works like Mendelssohn’s Rondo Capriccioso, I rely on my finger strength and agility to handle rapid runs, intricate trills, and gradual dynamic shifts. The piece requires both technical dexterity and the ability to maintain a playful, light touch, particularly in the fast, spirited sections, while still being able to give weight to the lyrical, contrasting moments. Pedal technique is equally important; I’ve developed the ability to sustain notes for a smooth, legato sound or lift the pedal for clarity, depending on the piece. My technical skill enables me to focus on musical interpretation without being hindered by the physical demands of the piano.

My goals

As a professional classical pianist, my interests and ambitions extend beyond traditional performance and into new musical territory. One of my main interests is learning the art of improvisation, particularly in the jazz style. I was deeply attracted by the liberty in the jazz music, and I am eager to learn about the jazz improvisation since then I could perform anytime.  I want to develop the ability to create music spontaneously, to respond in the moment to chords, rhythms, and other musicians. My short-term goal is to learn the basic music theory about jazz music, then join a jazz band and perform on the stage. I would also like to adapt my favorite pop music to jazz since I have listened to so many jazzes version composition and they brings me a sense of chilling. 

Additionally, one of my main targets is to create my own studio that contains many professional musical equipment. I envision this space as more than just a personal project—it would be a platform to support other musicians, particularly those who need a high-quality place to record their performances. Whether it’s for competition submissions, college auditions, or professional video content, many talented artists struggle to find accessible and affordable recording environments. I want to solve this problem. I am planning to equipped the studio with excellent acoustics atmosphere, a high-quality piano, video and audio recording equipment. My goal is to provide a reliable offline platform for musicians, and capture their best work. Through this, I hope to give back to the music community, support emerging talent, and contribute to a more inclusive and resourceful environment for all kinds of artists.

Group work reflection 

The group collaboration really supports me to shaping my Electronic Press Kit, such as providing me a clear outline and concise content. The discussion and team work helped me to express my self-promotion more professional. 

As someone with various music performance experience and strong understanding of how musicians should propaganda themselves effectively, I assisted others to create a compelling and effective EPK. The main thing that I did is to given out reliable online examples of some professional musician’s self-introduction. Additionally, I analyzed and explained the elements of how the content in EPK can be attractive. Although it was my first time making an EPK, I made a list of commonalities contained in some successful music producer’s wonderful bios and shared it with others so that they could have a basic framework of what to include in their EPKs. 

After the group discussion, I also received different suggestions that helped me tremendously with my own EPK. For example, when I first started to make the EPK, I only reflected some personal information and experiences of playing and competing, but as the content was a bit monotonous. Therefore, it was suggested that I should add some videos and audios to show my level and style, and even my own compositions would make my EPK more interesting. After I added some videos of me playing classical music, as well as audio clip of pop songs I’ve done, as suggested by others, the whole thing became much more accessible and compelling. I put all of this information in the paper so that others can watch and listen to it directly. It was also suggested that I talk more about my accomplishments and experiences because as a classical piano player, they felt that I should let the viewer hear more of my playing so that they could get to know me better.

Moreover, the group discussion let me realized I should furnish some evidence that proves I am capable to cooperate with others. At first, I only illustrated my own work, not my ability to collaborate, and the panelists mentioned that this was not desirable. My biggest takeaway from talking EPK with others again was that I realized that I sometimes have misconceptions about myself, but the seminar will allow me to understand what the audience is really thinking, which will make my message more authentic and well-rounded. The different perspectives of the team not only made my EPK more relevant to me, but also allowed me to learn about aspects of myself that I hadn’t focused on.