Thomas Chiu is a drum circle facilitator, percussionist, and music educator based in Hong Kong. He specializes in early childhood music education, rhythm-based music workshop facilitation and drum-set teaching. Thomas is a Village Music Circle Certified Facilitator and has completed the HealthRHYTHMS training. Thomas operates under Backstage Drum Circles in Hong Kong, facilitating rhythm events for education, wellness and recreation.
Thomas received an undergraduate degree in music from Berklee College of Music and a postgraduate degree in music education from The Education University of Hong Kong, where he currently serves as a guest speaker on percussion improvisation pedagogies in music education. Thomas is trained in the Orff-Schulwerk approach and is accredited by Australia's NSW Orff Schulwerk Association. In addition, Thomas has completed the Music Rhapsody teacher training program developed by internationally recognized music educator Lynn Kleiner.
Thomas has over ten years of freelance professional teaching experience in various capacities in Hong Kong, such as music director, ensemble conductor and artist-in-residence. In recent years, Thomas has collaborated with many corporate clients, utilizing percussion as a tool for team-building and professional development. He was recently featured in the TEDxTinHau Women event in December 2024, where he facilitated a drum circle involving over 1,000 participants in the theatre of the Xiqu Center.
In August 2024, Thomas was awarded the Outstanding Alumni Award from the Education University of Hong Kong for his contributions to music education in Hong Kong, particularly his work with rhythm-based workshops and drum circles.
After spending over a decade working in the professional aviation industry, the power of group drumming and community music-making gravitated Thomas deeper into sharing his passion for music and the joy of drumming with the community. Thomas wanted to reconnect the community through music-making as a form of communication, self-expression, emotional regulation and a creative outlet, especially in a society where formal music training and instrumental examinations are deeply embedded into the education system.
Thomas hopes to allow working professionals to rediscover the pleasure of playing an instrument and encourage more people to pursue music playing again. Remember, it is not about perfection but all about participation!
