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Canadian pianist and piano pedagogue Derek Zhi Guang Chiu is enjoying an active and diverse professional career.  In 2016 and 2018 Derek was named by Steinway & Sons as one of the Top Piano Teachers in Calgary, Alberta. He has studied with notable Canadian pedagogue E. Gregory Butler at The University of Windsor. Derek had additional studies in piano with Joel Hasting and piano pedagogy with Thomas Green at The University of Windsor. Under the guidance of Solomon Mikowsky and Donn-Alexandre Feder at the Manhattan School of Music in New York, Derek 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 pianist Daniel Epstein and engaged in rigorous studies in Baroque and Classical performance practices with Kenneth Cooper. 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.

As a performer, Derek has performed solo and chamber recitals throughout Canada, the United States, and Europe. He has collaborated with artists Roberto Cani (concert master of the LA Opera), David Lakirovich (assistant concert master of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra), Meghan Jacoby (principal flute Chamber Orchestra Symphony by the Seas) and David Mitchell (clarinetist from the US ARMY Band).

Derek has presented pedagogical workshops on E-Learning/online music teaching, utilizing technology in the teaching studio, cognitive practice, aural skills development, sight reading, Baroque performance practice, memorization of music. His academic lectures have explored the music of Bach, Chopin, Liszt, and Mozart. He has been invited to speak at the Colorado State Music Teachers’ Conference, The Colburn School and Lakehead University to name a few.  Derek is also a clinician for The Royal Conservatory of Music and has presented annually at the Royal Conservatory’s Summer Summit. Derek was featured on CBC Music’s website on the topic of teens and piano lessons (November 2017).

He is the Alberta Regional Representative for the Royal Conservatory and a member of their College of Examiners. He is on the Faculty of the Cremona International Music Academy (Italy) and JVL Summer School for Performing Arts (Canada).