Workshops and Masterclasses
Derek offers a wide variety of pedagogical workshops, and is a highly sought after masterclass clinician - please see below for a selection, or contact today to inquire for your specific needs.
Workshops
Derek Chiu is a dedicated piano pedagogue who has presented pedagogical workshops on the utilization of 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. Chiu has presented at the Colorado State Music Teachers’ Conference, The Colburn School, the University of Windsor, Lakehead University and Providence College to name a few.
Chiu is also a clinician for the Royal Conservatory having presented workshops in Canada and The United States.
Chiu is a member of the online teaching team at Virtuosity.Online. The mission of Virtuosity.Online is cultivating curiosity, inspiring personal exploration for musician's practice, shared and online! He has led lectures on piano technique, motivating teenagers and a four-part series on teaching, studying and performing the keyboard works of Mozart for the new online music education platform.
Derek Chiu is available to present lectures and workshops. Please contact him to book him as a speaker.
Workshop Topics
Bach: Why Editions Matter Does it matter what edition we use when we study music? Did you know that there are currently 100 editions of Bach’s Well Tempered Clavier on the market? Learn why editions do matter as we will analyze different editions of Bach’s Well Tempered Clavier. Discover how the editors’ markings will influence your study and performance of these pieces. Compare four different editions of J.S. Bach's Prelude and Fugues against his own manuscripts.
The Keyboard Works of Mozart Explore the study and practice of keyboard works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Mozart’s keyboard works exhibit traits of all of his major genres – symphony, chamber music and most importantly opera. Discover and explore how knowledge of these genres are the backbone of Mozart’s keyboard works. In addition to exploring these ideas, concert pianist and piano pedagogue Derek Zhi Guang Chiu will illustrate the importance of improvisation, singing and harmonic analysis in preparing Mozart’s music.
There are five workshops
Workshop #1 – Fantasie in d minor K. 397
Workshop #2 – Sonata in C major K. 545
Workshop #3 – Sonata in A major K. 331
Workshop #4 – Variations on “Ah vous dirais je ma’man” K. 265/300e
Workshop #5 – Mozart and the Classical Concerto Form
All five workshops can be conducted as a series
Teens vs Music: Does it Have to be a Battle? Ask anybody who regrets abandoning their music lessons and they'll tell you: they gave up when they hit their teens. This session will provide teachers with strategies to keep their teenage music student focused, motivated and excited to study music. For teenage music students, discover how engaging in performances, community music engagement and experiences abroad will empower you to chase artistic greatness.
Creative Piano Technique Teaching and Practising Take the mindlessness of technique practice and explores cognitive practice methods for technique that will promote musicality and creativity. Learn how practicing technique can improve your aural skills, ability to read music, enhance your musicality and deepen your understanding of music theory. Develop your grounding in musicianship including memory, harmony and inter-relationship of keys with the study of these technical idioms.
Online Teaching Approaches, Strategies and Practises Teaching online is not a diminished experience in comparison to in person lessons. Every thing music teachers do with in person lessons can be conducted online. This workshop looks at how music educators can create a virtual teaching studio. Discover web-based solutions for online teaching, resources that will support you and your student to learn remotely and audio equipment that will enhance your virtual classroom.
Workshop Testimonials
Workshop Testimonials
“Derek Chiu's recent online presentation on Mozart was incredibly informative, helpful, and entertaining. As a fellow professional musician, I learned a lot. My daughter, who is an aspiring college piano student, was so inspired that she ran to the piano immediately afterwards to learn and put into practice what Derek talked about. We had a terrific time!” – Carol Ou, cellist (Faculty at NYU Steinhardt School and New England Conservatory)
“Derek! Thank you so much for the useful and interesting information on Bach Editions! I love the extra personal experience you add and wonderful teaching tips.” – Wendy Bachman, piano (State College, Pennsylvania)
Masterclasses
An active masterclass teacher, Derek Chiu has been invited to conduct masterclasses throughout North America. Annually he leads masterclasses at the Cremona International Music Academy in Cremona, Italy.
Please contact Derek Chiu for availability to lead a masterclass at your institution or festival. He is available to lead masterclasses in person or online.
Selected Masterclass (please see Derek’s CV for full list of masterclasses)
The Colburn School: Community School of Performing Arts
Biola University Conservatory of Music
Mount Royal University: The Conservatory
Lakehead University Department of Music
Bishop’s University Faculty of Arts and Science
University of Regina Department of Music
Masterclass Testimonials
“Wow! I have been in many masterclasses, and Professor Chiu's masterclass was one of my top favorites. The overall atmosphere was so welcoming, warm, and non-judgmental, which distracts me from my nerves and enhances my learning experience. I am grateful for and have taken away substantially from his valuable tactics, insights, and inspirational approach towards piano concepts. And I admire his love and enthusiasm for teaching. Charismatic and engaging indeed!” – Minh Pham
“I had the great fortune to work with Prof. Chiu in a masterclass at the Colburn Community School of Performing Arts in Los Angeles. I am amazed with the depth of knowledge he possesses and how I have been able to implement his musical perspective into my studies. While getting direct feedback from him and watching the other students receive coaching, I was inspired by the enthusiasm and intelligence with which he approaches the piano. From this one experience, I acquired so much knowledge about further developing my technique and musical artistry and look forward to another opportunity to work with Prof. Chiu in the near future!” – Emily Webster-Zuber
“Just listened to your wonderful masterclass online. Thank you! I loved your ideas. Your musicianship is so clearly outstanding and much appreciated. I also appreciate the many great ideas to work on as I think about both of my students’ performances. Again thank you, I learned so much!” - Jane Petroni (Piano Teacher - Winnipeg, Manitoba)
