Today we’d like to introduce you to Darren Chan.
Hi Darren, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I went to school for music. I’ve always played music since starting piano at the age of 4. I picked up the viola at age 12 and went on to receive a Bachelor of Music in Viola performance then a Masters in Violin Performance. During Covid, I had to rely on restaurant work for a living and restaurants brought me to Grand Rapids. In 2022 I decided to become a full time musician again and that’s when I decided to build my own private teaching studio. From that and older connections I had from my time at Western Michigan University, collogues and I formed the Grand Rapids String Quartet. I also have been fortunate enough to win auditions with the Lansing Symphony and Battle Creek Symphony.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No real major bumps. Luckily things have been going fairly smoothly. A lot of things have aligned and I’ve had a lot of help to build what I have.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Mostly classical music using the Viola and Violin as the medium. I teach privately, I teach at schools as a guest artist, I play in a wonderful string quartet, and I play with many orchestras in the area.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I feel like luck is the catalyst for the opportunity to push. There’s been situations in my life that has allowed me to push the way I have been able to. So many things could not have happened if things out of my control did not align. This city is also ripe with opportunity. I feel like there is a need to teachers and passionate performers.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://darrenchanmusic.com
