Chew Jun Ru

In this Chinese name, the family name is Chew.

Chew Jun Ru (Chinese: 周俊如) is a Singaporean musician known for his contributions to the country's erhu scene. In 2013, he became the first graduate of the Royal College of Music (RCM) to play a Chinese traditional instrument.[1]

Early life and family

In his early life, Chew was already an avid player of the erhu. He attended Rosyth Primary School,[1] Nanyang Junior College and the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts.[1] Born to a working-class family of four children (Chew being the eldest), his father Sin Hwa is a business person[2] and founder of ICO Music and Culture Consultancy[3] while his mother is a homemaker.[2]

Career

Pursuing his interest in the erhu, Chew applied to study at the Singapore Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) validated by the London-based Royal College of Music (RCM) in collaboration with the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing, China.[4] He managed to take up erhu as an instrument, despite RCM not having a Chinese traditional instrument department. Graduating in August 2013 at his alma mater (NAFA), he became the "first graduate [of RCM] specialising in a Chinese traditional instrument".

References

  1. ^ a b c "Keeping the family in tune".
  2. ^ a b "S'porean makes history at Royal College of Music". The Straits Times. 11 August 2013. pp. 8–.
  3. ^ Leong, Weng Kam (2 May 2008). "More private patrons work to promote Chinese arts". The Straits Times. pp. 1–2.
  4. ^ "拿中国奖学金保送读硕士，他是新加坡华乐界第一人". Yan.sg. 2 December 2016. Retrieved 23 October 2018.