We decided to feature Olivia Chiang beacuse it is an example of how musicianship can be inspired at an early age. The important part of the message is not the awards and the success but remembering how much time and hard work we must put into building up musicianship and virtuosity. This Discipline is essential no matter how young or old any player is. Bach is probably on the hardest arranged works any guitar player can undertake. The endeavor requires musicianship, understanding of counterpoint, knowledge about the baroque style and ultimately a hint of a personalize approach that makes the interpretation stand out.
Fortunately for Olivia Chiang, all those elements are present in her performance of Bach and the reason is the fact that her understanding of music was developed from an early age. Olivia studied piano starting at the age of five at Yamaha Music school. After many awards as a pianist, her father gave her the chance to switch to the classical guitar at age seven. At the same time, Olivia was receiving an educational award from the White House and was also the student of the year at Vejar Elementary School. Olivia's first public performance was at the age of seven where she played both Guitar and Piano at Mt SAC. Later on, at eleven years of age, the Royal School of Music in London awarded her with a Music Diploma of Theory and Performance. During those years, Olivia was also invited to attend masterclasses by Christopher Parkening's and Roland Dyens. Olivia was the 2nd place winner of the National Solo Competition from American Strings Teachers Association (ASTA) in 2015. She is also member of American Guitar Foundation, American Guitar Society and Orange County Guitar Circle, where her father James Chiang is the Showcase Director.