Music Theory
Chia-En Hsieh
ABOUT
During my studies in music theory and composition, I often encountered theoretical challenges that were difficult to understand. The musical knowledge I memorized as a child gradually began to make sense through teaching. In class, I excel at explaining theoretical concepts in a simple and easy way. Currently, in addition to teaching general music theory courses, I also cover topics for entrance exams, harmony, and the ABRSM theory exam. My goal is to help students truly comprehend the material rather than rely on rote memorization, so that music theory no longer feels like an intimidating challenge.
One of the more unconventional things I've done in my music career was leaving the traditional academic path to play in underground bands. My interest in film scoring also led me to explore music production software, which I now incorporate into my teaching.
I really admire the film scores of composers like Philip Glass and Ryuichi Sakamoto. Through self-exploration, I strive to break out of conventional frameworks and find a role where I can contribute a bit of inspiration behind the scenes.
EXPERIENCE
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2024 Digital release of score compositions《Without Words》https://open.spotify.com/album/0PRvYpKQlK5jBFJLfgJ6v0
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2022-23 Film scoring 《Shadow Under the Bed》featured at the Kaohsiung Shorts Film Festival and was selected as a showcase film at the 45th Golden Harvest Awards, premiered at the Kaohsiung Film Festival(Winner of the Best Original Score for a Short Film at the 2023 Hong Kong Indie Film Festival in November)
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2020 Nintendo Switch game soundtrack, 《Forward to the Sky》
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2018 Composed theater music for 《La Clé de l'ascenseur》, performed at Thinkers Theater, produced by Wonju Factory（ToyFactory）
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2017 Musicwas selected for the China Airlines commercial《Teamwork Accomplishes the Journey: Wei-Yin Chen Edition》
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2014 Composed music for Huang Hua-Chen's solo exhibition《From Now On》at VT ArtSalon
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2013 Composed theater music for《Event : Faust is Dead》at the Experimental Theater, National Theater in Taiwan
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2013 Premiered 《the Primal Crime Scene of a Linguistic Serial Murder》for cello and pre-recorded sounds at Taiwan Modern Music Forum in the Forum Music Auditorium
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2011 Film scoring 《Uninvited》, screened at Miller Recital Hall, Manhattan School of Music
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2010 Premiered an orchestra piece at John C. Borden Auditorium, Manhattan School of Music
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2009 Premiered《Seven》for voice and nine woodwinds at Ades Theater, Manhattan School of Music(First Prize, Manhattan School of Music Woodwind Chamber Music Competition)
EDUCATION
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Graduated from the Manhattan School of Music, Master Degree in Music Theory and Composition
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Bachelor Degree in Composition, National Taiwan Normal University, Department of Music