Biography of Thomas Liauw
Thomas Liauw obtained his M.A. (music) as a research scholar at the National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. He graduated with a B.A. (Honours) Degree in music from Kingston University (London), obtained his Licentiate Diploma in teaching from the Trinity College of Music (London) and a Music Diploma from the LaSalle College of the Arts (Singapore). His works include arrangements and composition for solo guitar such as “Favorite Collections for Solo Guitar” (Books 1 & 2), “Jingle Bell Rock” (a Christmas Collection) and “Guitars in Harmony” (ensemble pieces).
He successfully completed his first recording in 1990, an album entitled “Time For Romantic Guitar” which turned out to be a sell out. The album was reprint into cds in 2003. His classical cd recording was done in 2003 - “Thomas Liauw playes A. Lauros, F. Terrega, A Barrios, H. Villa-Lobos & F. Martin”. Besides recording Thomas has performed at numerous recitals internationally, in Iceland, Italy and London, Poland, and regionally in Indonesia, Malaysia and also in Singapore. His other achievements include being a prizewinner at the Golden Kite World Song Festival 1991 when he represented Singapore, as well as other notable classical guitar competitions.
Thomas is also known for imparting his love of the classical guitar. He currently teaches at the local universities, tertiary institutions and guiding budding guitarists. Under his tutelage many have gone on to win numerous awards such as Singapore Guitar Festival and Gold with Honors in Singapore Youth Festival (Temasek Junior College). Besides teaching, he was involved previously in conducting music examinations (Guildhall School of Music & Drama, Yamaha Music School, etc), judging at International Music Competitions (such as The 2nd Selangor & Wilayah Persekutuan Guitar Competition, Japan Guitar Concore 06’ in Japan, etc) and increasing music awareness (participated in Musical Instrument Festival 2003 in KL). Mr Liauw was also invited to be guest speaker and gave performances at summer camps such as Krzyzowa’s Summer Guitar Camp 03’ in Poland and 2007 IZU International Guitar Festival & Summer School in Japan just to name some. He also gave a 13-part series titled “Strings Attached” which covered guitar history, technique and artistes that was aired over Radio FM 99.5 (Singapore) from October 2002. Following the success of the first series, a second 13-part series was added on guitar music appreciation. In addition, he was feature in many magazines and also in the collection of guitarist around the world – The Classical Guitar – it’s evolution, players and personalities since 1800 (5th Edition, Ashley Mark Publishing company).
To promote and enhance guitar music in his home country, Singapore, he set up Tomas Music Consultants Pte Ltd in 1994. His music consultancy has organized numerous notable recitals and performances including the famous John Williams & Friends, Manuel Barrueco, Kazuhito Yamashita, Paco Pena, Carlos Barbosa-Lima, Jorge Morel, Juan Martin, Julian Byzantine, Uto Ughi, I Solisti Veneti, Tango 2000, Flamenco Passion and the annual International Guitar Festival (Singapore) & Competitions. In 2001, he expanded his music business with Tomas Music Centre which stocks quality guitars, books and accessories.
Thomas is eclectic in his interpretations of both classical and contemporary music. Not only is he an exponent of the guitar, he is also in demand as a teacher and performer.
