Brenton Chan, M.Mus, B.Mus
About Brenton
Known
for his ingenuity in merging classical music with pop-culture,
cellist Brenton Chan has performed in numerous concert halls and
alternative venues across Canada and abroad. He shares his skill and
passion with the University of Toronto as a cello ensemble
coordinator.
As a featured artist and arranger at Music in the Morning, Brenton performed alongside Shauna Rolston, Barry Shiffman, and Joseph Elworthy at the Vancouver Academy of Music and at CBC Studio 1 in Vancouver. He has also appeared at the Glenn Gould Studio, most notably for John McDermott’s fundraise Music in the Key of Giving. In his continued pursuit of artistic excellence, Brenton has performed in many international music festivals including the International Festival of the Duchi d’Acquaviva (Italy), where he received a scholarship to study with acclaimed German cellist Maria Kliegel, and the Orford Music Festival (Québec), where he was invited by the Gryphon Trio to participate in their pilot project.
In the realm of jazz, Brenton has collaborated with Juno Award winner Molly Johnson as well as Laila Baili. He has also released an independent trio recording of Beatles ballads available through iTunes and cdbaby.
Brenton holds a Master of Music degree from the University of Toronto in Cello Performance. He is highly sought after as a guest coach for various music programs in the Greater Toronto Area. Brenton performs on a beautiful copy of a Brothers Amati cello made by Michèle Ashley. Brenton teaches cello lessons here at Neighbour Note.
Philosophy Of Teaching
My objective as an educator is to motivate and empower my students by teaching them the practical and intellectual aspects of cello playing in a constructive environment.
My
objective as an educator is to motivate and empower my students by
teaching them the practical and intellectual aspects of cello playing in a constructive environment. Lessons are catered to the individual
to match his or her unique personality and learning style. Gaining
independence is also of great significance. I encourage my students
to be active in their learning process by exploring, experimenting,
and seeking solutions. This perseverance nurtures confidence while
allowing their creativity to flourish.
As a performer and
teacher, I have discovered that music is a multifaceted language,
allowing us to express ourselves in addition to fostering cognitive
thinking. More importantly, through the enjoyment of learning,
creating, and playing, music inspires unity. It bridges the gap
between cultures and beliefs, setting aside differences of religion,
ethnicity, gender, and sexuality.
Cultivating a passion for
music will not only help students become better musicians, but
ultimately better human beings. The skills developed through music
education will enable individuals to excel in whatever they put their
mind to, opening the doors to limitless possibilities. Last but
certainly not least, learning to play music is just plain old fun so
let’s start!