Louisa’s lifelong romance with music
SHE may be only one of many Malaysians making waves in music internationally, but Louisa Foong, 31, has achieved quite a lot since she graduated from Berklee seven years ago.
The pianist, music producer, composer, arranger and music educationist is a Summa Cum Laude graduate from Berklee College of Music in Boston, the United States, and also holds a diploma in Music Performance from Trinity Guildhall in London, the United Kingdom.
As an artiste, she has opened for French pianist Richard Clayderman’s concert in Kuala Lumpur six years ago and Taiwanese-American singer Wang Leehom’s ‘Open Fire Concert’ at the Boston Symphony Hall in 2017.
In addition, Foong has produced pop legend Beyonce’s Original AllFemale Band’s 10-year anniversary concert trailer for the 2017 event in Boston and served as a guest judge in talent search ‘Sing China’ in 2017.
INNOVATIVE EXPERIENCES
In November 2021, Foong formed the Pine Music Academy in Los Angeles.
It provides students with innovative learning experiences designed to unleash their full potential.
A classical pianist since the age of 4, she has been passionate about music for “as long as she can remember”.
“Music has been synonymous with me. My parents would catch me totally absorbed in melodies at home,” she said in a recent interview.
“They signed me up for piano lessons and a brief stint in ballet, and despite my early exit, those rhythmic adventures set the stage for my lifelong romance with music.”
INTERNATIONAL MUSIC
Foong said growing up, her home was like an “international music festival”.
“It was filled with Malay, Chinese, Bollywood, pop and R&B music which my parents and I enjoyed.
“Later, college immersed me in jazz, funk, neo-soul, hip-hop and gospel.”
Foong added that going deeper into the origins and evolutions of these genres, her appreciation for them grew and this broadened her approach to music.
“My musical journey began in Puchong, Selangor, at 3½, with group lessons at Yamaha Music School, Petaling Jaya. College was when I started experimenting with the guitar and ukulele,” said Foong.
As for singing it has always been her passion, whether belting out tunes in the shower or humming them when doing household chores.
EAGER MUSICIAN
Foong recounts fondly her student days in Berklee.
“Berklee felt like a mini global music festival. I got to soak up music from all corners of the earth.
“We, eager musicians, were often packed around mixing desks and screens pouring everything we had into our music,” she recalled.
She said the get-togethers with her Southeast Asian buddies were the best moments there.
“We would cook up some of our favourite Malaysian dishes to make the place feel more like home.
“Along the way, I learnt to stand on my own and embrace new experiences.”
In the United States where Foong is based, musicians exhibit an incredible courage to showcase their unique styles.
“There is a deep appreciation for the arts, with numerous opportunities and platforms available to showcase creativity.
“This fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, and I am delighted that setting foot in America has been thus far a journey of self-discovery and perseverance.
“This journey wasn’t just about music but also building meaningful relationships, and embracing life’s adventures.”
MEMORABLE ENCOUNTERS
When asked about her most memorable encounters with world-class artistes, Foong said she will never forget Canadian superstar Celine Dion’s concert in Kuala Lumpur during her ‘Taking Chances World Tour 2008’.
“I remember memorising and singing ‘My Heart Will Go On’ after watching the film ‘Titanic’ when I was 3.
“Another great show I will cherish is Kanye West’s ‘St Pablo Tour’ in 2016 which was equally out of this world,” she said.
Foong loves artistes across many music genres. They include locals Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza, Nicholas Teo, Misha Omar, Anuar Zain, Gary Chaw, Suki Low, Jaclyn Victor, Jess Lee and Yuna, as well as international artistes Dion, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Alicia Keys, Shania Twain, Destiny’s Child, Christina Aguilera, Adele, Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift, Kelly Clarkson, Wang Leehom, GEM, Jay Chou, JJ Lin, Rain and BlackPink.
“Each artiste has left a unique mark on me, whether through their catchy tunes, powerhouse vocals or electrifying performances,” she said.
When asked about her best experience working with an artiste, Foong said it was Jackson Wang’s debut performance in ‘Coachella 2023’.
“Wang was incredibly humble and dedicated to his craft. He had a superb work ethic and genuine appreciation for every member of his crew.
“His dedication and willingness to start afresh speak volumes about his commitment to his craft, switching careers from fencing to music,” she said.
Foong also enjoyed working with Grammy Award-winning singer Ciara who performed as a guest artiste during Wang’s set.
“She was great too, her warmth and kind words of encouragement left a lasting impression on me.”
IN PRODUCTION
Foong is currently creating and finetuning her debut personal album, set for the second quarter of this year.
“It is a tapestry woven with melodies. I will also host my very first workshop for young budding talents in Malaysia, for I hope to bridge talents from the US and Malaysia,” she said.
If Foong did not become a musician she would have become a dentist.
“I’ve been going to the dentist since I was 7. I had eight missing teeth as a kid, but the good dentists soon rectified my condition.
“As a result, I was inspired to dive deeper into dentistry because I was very grateful to the people who helped me regain my smile,” she said.