Andrew Fong

Andrew Fong is a multi-instrumentalist specialising in clarinet, saxophone and piano. Upon completion of high school he moved from his hometown of Townsville to Melbourne to complete a Bachelor of Music at Melbourne University with Paul Dean. During this time he also studied Piano with Caroline Almonte and Clarinet with Robert Schubert and David Griffiths. These three years at the university saw Andrew performing regularly with the Eden Wind Quintet as well as principal clarinet with the Melbourne University Orchestra.

He went on to study at the Australian National Academy of Music with David Thomas (Principal Clarinet of Melbourne Symphony Orchestra). During this time he was fortunate to receive many inspiring lessons with Australian and International clarinetists such as Michael Collins, Dimitri Ashkenazy, Thorsten Johanns, Boris Allakhverdyan, Phillip Arkinstall, Justin Beere and many others. Andrew was also tutored by other instrumentalists such as Howard Penny (Cello), Tim Young (Piano) and Lyndon Watts (Bassoon). This time at ANAM saw him working alongside: the Australian World Orchestra with Simone Young; the ANAM Orchestra with Douglas Boyd, Anthony Marwood, Nicolas Carter and many other guests; Ensemble Modern; Melbourne Symphony Orchestra; Australian Youth Orchestra in many seasons and as Principal in their 2019 international tour; Orchestra Victoria in productions of Turandot, Faust and Sylvia; Victorian Opera as principal clarinet in productions of Parsifal, Hansel and Gretel; and finally in countless chamber music performances. In 2019 Andrew was selected to be the clarinet fellowship musician with Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, this successful fellowship resulted in him becoming a casual player in the orchestra in addition to casual positions at MSO, QSO and OV.

Since 2011 Andrew has been pouring the excitement and passion he has for music into teaching clarinet, saxophone and piano. He is currently based in Brisbane performing with Queensland Symphony Orchestra and teaching at John Paul College, Stuartholme School and his music studio.

His most recent accomplishment is the self-publishing of his first book, 'Clarinet: Essential Technique'. This beginner's workbook for clarinet has received rave reviews from clarinet pedagogues such as Paul Dean and David Griffiths as well as fantastic feedback and results from beginner students. It is currently the clarinet curriculum book at John Paul College.