Yu-Chen Tseng

In the world-renowned music hub of New York, Yu-Chen Tseng has secured a prominent position in the music scene through his distinctive musical style, exceptional talent, and unwavering dedication. Born in Taiwan, Yu-Chen Tseng is a versatile artist proficient in piano, violin, composition, and arrangement. His jazz performances exhibit profound classical techniques, while his musical compositions seamlessly blend tradition with innovation. His unique musical style is marked by unforgettable moments, leaving a lasting impression on listeners.

Yu-Chen’s exposure to music began at an early age, starting piano lessons at five and violin lessons at seven. Possessing perfect pitch, he intricately and precisely controls the accuracy, timbre, and technical variations of each note. He has consistently achieved championship and accolades in numerous major music competitions. In 2017, Yu-Chen enrolled in the National Taiwan University of Arts for a degree in classical violin performance. Fueled by his passion for jazz, he embarked on in-depth studies and research in jazz piano. In 2021, having completed his classical violin performance degree, he boldly stepped out of his comfort zone and moved to New York in 2022 to pursue jazz studies, further enhancing his artistic prowess, culminating in the attainment of a master’s degree in jazz piano performance the following year.

As an Asian jazz musician, Yu-Chen has actively engaged in the vibrant New York music scene, gaining recognition from industry professionals and a widespread global audience. His notable collaborations include performances with the Tzu-Chi Young Orchestra at Carnegie Hall, a violin rendition of the U.S. national anthem before an NBA game, and a jazz solo piano performance in collaboration with the renowned piano brand Steinway & Sons at John F. Kennedy International Airport. Additionally, he led a jazz band performance during the Lunar New Year and Taiwan Orchid Festival at the Queens Botanical Garden.

In May 2023, Yu-Chen had the honor of representing Taiwan, being invited to perform at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO). Also serving as an arranger, he showcased his jazz-adapted Taiwanese folk classics, blending Eastern and Western cultures before an international audience, conveying his profound musical expertise and passion, fostering a closer global connection to Taiwan.

In terms of composition, Yu-Chen’s musical style seamlessly fuses traditional jazz with classical elements, captivating the public’s ears with unique composition and arrangement techniques, creating memorable and evocative pieces.Yu Chen's debut jazz album "Gratitude Voyage: Embarking" was released in January 2024.

Throughout his musical journey, Yu-Chen has had the privilege of collaborating with some of the brightest stars in the jazz world. Collaborations with National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Jazz Master George Coleman, Jazz Legendary Bassist Rufus Reid ,Grammy Award winner Luis Perdomo and Grammy-nominated Antonio Hart have enriched his jazz repertoire, expanding his musical horizons and solidifying his position as a rising star in the jazz domain.

Yu-Chen’s musical prowess continues to shine, drawing audiences and redefining the boundaries of jazz. Rooted in Taiwan but with his heart in New York, he represents the cross-cultural spirit of this dynamic city’s music scene. As this exceptionally talented artist continues to push the boundaries of musical creation, his mastery of performance and composition is increasingly deserving of global attention.

Awards

Roland Hanna Award