James Chen

ABOUT ME:
Currently based in Sydney, I was previously a violinist of the renowned Philharmonia Orchestra in London and have graduated from the Royal Academy of Music London on a full scholarship studying with the legendary Rodney Friend. I have also received close guidance from internationally acclaimed musicians such as Midori, Augustin Hadelich, James Ehnes, Itzhak Perlman, Yuzuko Horigome, Pinchas Zukerman and Gyorgy Pauk.

During my time competing internationally, I was the only Australian invited to take part in the Paganini Competition in 2021 and the Sendai International Violin Competition in 2022. I have performed internationally as a soloist, most recently at Hellensmusic Festival in the UK, Talent Music Festival in Italy, Southbank Centre and for the Australian World Orchestra's Gala Concert in London.

As an orchestral musician, I was the youngest violinist performing casually with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra in 2018. In 2021, I won the prestigious Philharmonia Orchestra MMSF Fellowship Award which allowed me to work on a regular basis as section violinist and co-principal with the famous Philharmonia Orchestra in London as well as perform solo recitals and lead music education projects across the UK. In 2021, I also won the highly coveted Tait Memorial Trust Award and the Australian Music Foundation Award.

TEACHING EXPERIENCE:
With the guidance that I have received from some of the best violinists in the world as well as my considerable performing experience and knowledge of the violin repertoire, I am confident that there are not many people in Australia with a resume of my level.

My teaching experience ranges from working as a Benedetti Foundation Ambassador (working with esteemed violinist Nicola Benedetti) where I was able to teach people across the world to countless educational outreach programs in Europe, UK and Australia as well as several years of private teaching experience. I have also taught as an ensemble coach at Sydney Grammar School.

Having won scholarships to both Sydney Grammar School and the Royal Academy of Music, I can also help to prepare audition material and guide students on how they can do well for any scholarship auditions or college applications alongside AMEB exam preparation a student may need.

Please feel free to contact me on my email: james.chen246@gmail.com or text ONLY on 0477856311 for any enquiries you may have. I have attached a link to my Youtube channel on this page if you would like to watch some of my performances!