Chew Jun Ru

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.

In this Chinese name, the family name is Chew.

Early life and family

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

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.[3] 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. "S'porean makes history at Royal College of Music". The Straits Times. 11 August 2013. pp. 8—.
  2. Private patrons of Chinese art
  3. "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.
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