Episode #113: Cheryl Ann Spencer

Cheryl Ann Spencer is a Singaporean jazz pianist specializing in classical and modern jazz.  Aside from a banking and finance degree, she has a second degree in Jazz Music from the LaSalle College of Arts. She is pursuing classical composition and piano pedagogy at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music at the National University of Singapore. She majored in jazz piano under her principal study teacher Mr. Kerong Chok at La Salle,. Cheryl reconnects with her first love in music and draws inspiration from the vibrant jazz community around the world including Kenny Barron, Mc Coy Tyner, Oscar Peterson, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, and Chok Kerong.

Cheryl grew up in a music-centered family. Her late father, Mr. Teo Chin Huat, was a pianist/ music educator previously from the Vienna Conservatory. Cheryl's natural love and inclination towards music was evident at a young age as she developed a great ear and could play the right notes on any musical instrument despite not having formal training. Since she was young, she has played in numerous school events and chapel services as teachers appreciate her ease and confidence in playing the piano.

A mother of two children, Cheryl took a break from work when her children were born in the last decade. Motherhood gives her great joy and inspiration to create music. Since then, she took up her second degree in Jazz Music and formed the 'Evolution Quartet band with Tamagoh (drums), Fabian Lee (Double Bass) and Cheryl Ann Spencer (piano), and Rit Xu ( Flute).

Cheryl has performed at Esplanade Recital Studio, Maduro, Blu Jazz, Harry's Bar at Boat Quay, and British High Commissioner's Fundraising Dinner at Nassim Road. She recently held her personal recital concert at the LaSalle College of Arts. In this episode, Cheryl shares her background, education, and musical journey.

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