Shining star
New York-based pianist, composer, arranger and producer Shereen Cheong tells Dennis Chua about her musical voyage
SHEREEN Cheong Hui Ting, 23, is many things - pianist, composer, arranger and producer. Most recently, she became the newest member of Victory Boyd’s all-girl band, pouring out her passion on black-and-white keys to bring out eclectic fusions of jazz, soul and folk.
Classically trained under the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music and having studied for diplomas under Trinity College London and Yamaha Music School, Shereen was guided by some of the country’s most notable pianists, including Michael Veerapen.
After completing her Berklee Transfer Programme with Malaysia’s International College of Music, she was awarded the Asia Scholarship Tour Award to hone her skills at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, the United States.
She made her first splash as orchestrator and conductor during a concert at Berklee Performance Centre featuring Latin Grammy and Grammy Award Winner Pablo Ziegler in November 2016.
Baton in hand, she led the orchestra in an arrangement of her own, a medley of Carlos Gardel’s Volver and El Dia Que Me Quieras. She also performed alongside Taiwanese superstar Wang Lee Hom, conducting her own orchestral arrangement to the artiste’s hit Big City, Small Love at the Symphony Hall in Boston.
Shereen graduated last year with a dual degree in Contemporary Writing and Production and Music Business and Management. She then moved to New York and was introduced to Victory Boyd at Blue Note Jazz Club.
Shereen is currently collaborating with artiste Jamilah Abu Bakar on her new track Imaginasi.
WAS BECOMING A MUSICIAN ALWAYS YOUR DREAM?
Yes, I have always wanted to pursue music as a career since I was 10. Music is not just a dream, it’s part of me, a gift from God.
WHO IN YOUR FAMILY INFLUENCED YOU TO BE A MUSICIAN? AS A PRE-TEEN, WERE YOU ACTIVELY ATTENDING MUSIC LESSONS?
My mother. She picked up musical instruments such as the acoustic guitar, harmonica and recorder, eventhough her family couldn’t afford music education. My parents enrolled me in piano classes when I was 3. I had great mentors such as Saw Wee Qin and Michael.
WHERE WAS YOUR VERY FIRST PERFORMANCE? HOW DID YOU FEEL WHEN YOU WERE APPLAUDED FOR THE FIRST TIME?
That was in 2004 in one of those Yamaha concerts. It was definitely encouraging as a young kid being applauded for the first time.
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON YOU’VE LEARNT AS A MUSICIAN? WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE MOST IMPORTANT INGREDIENT FOR ANY SUCCESSFUL MUSICIAN TO GO GLOBAL?
Standing firm and grounded in all that I do. I always strive to stay on top of my work, I am punctual and not afraid to ask questions or talk to different people. These skills are vital to thrive in the global music industry. I always stay humble and I believe in working hard and being passionate about my work.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO BE BASED OVERSEAS?
I’ve always dreamt of bringing the Malaysian brand worldwide. Since I’ve completed my degree in the United States, I’ve decided to stay put for more exposure. I’m thankful to be with Victory, who was discovered by Jay-Z. It’s been amazing playing with Taylor Moore on drums, Victory’s sister Thalia Mozia or Momo on bass, and Victory on lead vocals.
WHO ARE YOUR BIGGEST MUSICAL INFLUENCES IN MALAYSIA AND ABROAD? WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT THEM?
I grew up listening to Chinese pop — Wang Lee Hom, S.H.E., Fish Leong, J.J. Lin and Angela Chang. I also enjoy Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza, Datuk Sheila Majid and Tan Sri P. Ramlee. I was later introduced to jazz — Bill Evans, Tony Bennett, Chick Corea and Antonio Carlos Jobim. Arrangers and conductors who have influenced my writing include Vince Mendoza and David Foster.
What I like about them is a cross-cultural exchange occurring through music which unites different cultural backgrounds.
WHICH MUSICIAN DO YOU DREAM OF COLLABORATING WITH BUT HAVE NOT HAD THE CHANCE?
Anybody who has a burning desire and passion for music. It would be amazing to orchestrate for Disney productions one day, and meet maestros Danny Troob, Alan Menken and Foster.
DO YOU EVENTUALLY PLAN TO ORGANISE INTERNATIONAL CONCERTS FEATURING MANY FAMOUS ARTISTES?
Yes, that is a tentative plan. David Foster’s Hit Man Returns concert in 2011 inspired me to organise something similar. My ultimate musical dream is never-ending progress and growth.
TELL US OF YOUR COMING PROJECTS FOR 2019.
There will be a lot of shows with Victory Boyd for sure. I’m looking to cut a short album featuring my original compositions and orchestral works.
IS THERE ANY TALENT YOU WISH YOU HAD BUT REGRET NOT MASTERING YET?
I wish I could play more instruments but everything happens for a reason. We just have to live life to the fullest and make the most of what we have.