Keat Zhen Cheong

Motivation to pursue a graduate degree

FSU provides exceptional faculty, especially the opportunity to study with my violin professor, Dr. Benjamin Sung, along with extensive resources, teaching assistantship opportunities, and abundant orchestral performance experiences in Florida. I also love how vibrant, inclusive, and supportive the community is.

Importance and/or impact of research and work

My research is on designing a string chamber music curriculum for undergraduate performance majors. I aim to provide educators with guidance on selecting repertoire that effectively matches student levels and supports their developmental growth, while also giving students a deeper understanding of diverse repertoire and progressively developing their collaborative and ensemble skills throughout their undergraduate studies.

Career aspirations

I hope to become a university professor of violin and a professional orchestral musician.

Advice for anyone considering graduate school

Go for it and don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Take advantage of all the resources, opportunities, and connections graduate school offers, as these experiences will help shape and guide you into the person you aspire to be.

Accomplishments during graduate career

My proudest accomplishments include publishing my first scholarly work, receiving the P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship for two academic years, and presenting four public solo, chamber, and lecture recitals at FSU, in addition to outreach engagements and orchestral performances with the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra, Panama City Symphony Orchestra, Sinfonia Gulf Coast, and Valdosta Symphony Orchestra.