Acclaimed Hanover Twp. Concert Pianist and Teacher Helps Gifted Student Become a Classic Rock Musician

It was not at all surprising for critically-acclaimed Hanover Township concert pianist and teacher Michelle Chen Kuo to see the fruits of her labor give birth to one of the state’s most gifted up-and-coming young classic rock musicians.

In fact, Kuo has been a strong wind beneath the wings of 18-year-old Michael Arrom of Warren Township, NJ, who has been studying classical piano under her private tutelage the past seven years.  Arrom, whose taste in music includes classical, rock and country, performs at concerts, recitals and other venues throughout the state.

He gained national recognition following an appearance last year on Fox TV’s “American Country Awards.” Arrom was the keyboardist for country music star and “American Idol” judge Keith Urban. 

Some of the world’s greatest music is created by the fusion of different kinds, said Kuo, who annually performs at New York’s Carnegie Hall.  “Classical music training provides a foundation, logic and discipline for all music,” she explained. “You always can learn a great deal from the great classical masterpieces and you can adapt that learning to anything else.”

Essential in music making, she said, “are how you express yourself, understand the music and become the bridge between the composer and the audience.”

A high school senior at The Pingry School in Martinsville, NJ, Arrom has been playing piano for 11-years.  He also sings and plays the saxophone, synthesizers and the organ.  He recently was accepted by the University of Southern California to study popular music in its prestigious Thornton School of Music.

Arrom considers music the ultimate form of expression. “I can say with music what I can’t possibly say in words and writing,” he noted. “It is the universal language with the power to make you laugh, cry, fear, relax, scream, think and change the world.”

He credits a “huge part” of his great proficiency in music to Kuo, whom he calls “a phenomenal teacher and an amazing person.” Few would disagree.  The New York Concert Review described her as “very gifted.”

Kuo’s formative years as a pianist began in her native Taiwan when she was seven-years-old. At 11, she made her professional debut with a local symphony orchestra. At 16, she made her solo debut in Taipei after winning the Taiwan National Piano Competition for three consecutive years.

Moving to the United States, she earned a bachelor of music degree at the University of Rochester (NY)’s Eastman School of Music and a master of music degree with high distinction from The Julliard School.

Kuo has performed extensively as a solo artist in the United States, Great Britain, Hong Kong and Taiwan.  Her upcoming appearances include a Sept. 28 recital at Boston University’s Tsai Performing Center and an Oct. 19 recital at Carnegie Hall where she has performed since 1997.  

Kuo has resided in Hanover Township the past 16 years with her husband, Cheng Kuo, and their sons, Anthony, 24, and Christopher, 22.  A nonprofessional pianist, Christopher performs with his mother from time to time. The two recently held a benefit for a New York City public school.  Kuo next will perform at a May 25 recital with many of her advanced students at the Steinway Gallery in Paramus, NJ. She later will have a June 8 recital with a student at the same gallery.

Other than family which is her highest priority, Kuo said that music is her life. “It is one of the greatest sources of inspiration, expression and freedom of the imagination.”

When not performing, Kuo gives private music lessons. She believes that talent, hard work and humility are key elements in expressing one’s self in music. She said Arrom, son of Carlos and Paula Whitehorn Arrom of Warren Township, possesses all three.

Kuo has no qualms about Arrom becoming a classic rock musician instead of a classical one.  “He’s incredibly talented,” she said. “I think he chose perfectly right. He knows his heart and what he wants and will achieve it.” 

(Billy Joel’s music director and keyboardist, David Rosenthal, also mentors Arrom and shares Kuo’s sentiments. He describes him as “an exceptional talent.”)