Howard Chen

Pianist, Howard Chen is currently a senior in the Bachelor of Arts program at UCI, studying under internationally renowned pianist Dr. Lorna Griffitt. Before attending UCI, he studied under Esther Ko and completed Level 8 of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) and Level 10 and Advanced Panel Level of the Music Teacher’s Association of California (MTAC) Certificate of Merit (CM). In addition to playing the piano, Howard also played first chair violin in the Diamond Bar High School orchestra program and participated in various piano programs within the school as well. 

Howard has also performed in numerous recitals and won awards in several competitions throughout Southern California, including 1st place at the San Fransisco Festival of Gold, 1st place in the Cypress Piano Competition, 2nd place in the International Los Angeles Liszt Piano Competition, 2nd place in the American Protegé International Piano Competition, 2nd place in the open Chopin ballade category of the Southwestern Youth Music Festival, 3rd place in the Bach Prelude and Fugue category of the Southern California Jr. Bach Festival, and honorable mention in the Glendale Piano Competition. He has also performed in Carnegie Hall and will be attending the 2023 Orfeo International Music Festival in Vipiteno, Italy. 

Howard shares his love for music through teaching students of all skill levels, from beginner through advanced. He enjoys helping each student be the best musician they can be by designing custom lesson plans suited to each student’s learning style, musical preference, and musical goals. Outside of music, Howard enjoys watching good movies and playing tennis.