Po Chan’s Background and Training

Before graduating from the prestigious Los Angeles College of Music, Mr. Po Chan studied drum performance with a distinguished group of mentors. His teachers included Professor Ralph Humphrey, Tony Inzalaco, Joe Porcaro, Ian Froman, Matt Starr, Gary Ferguson, and Jerry Watt. Po had been playing the drums since the age of 10. In fact, he had the unique opportunity to be mentored by some of Hong Kong’s and China’s greatest drummers, such as Simon Chiu, Man Ho Lam, Song Liang, and Zhaonian. This extensive training has provided him with a deep and versatile understanding of drum techniques.

A Musician and an Educator

In 2009, Po Chan attended a certificate program in modern music drum techniques at the renowned Beijing Institute for Modern Music. Beyond his formal training, Po shares his time equally as a performing musician and a music educator. For example, he is the drummer of a newly established rock band named “New Way Out” in the Greater Bay Area. Furthermore, Po has also performed with the Jazz Band — Fair Oaks Group in Japan. You can easily find Po’s work and performances throughout Hong Kong, Macau, and China. He brings this wealth of real-world performance experience directly into his teaching, inspiring students with practical insights.

A Dedicated Instructor at PURE

Po Chan’s teaching career spans more than 10 years, making him a truly experienced educator. Above all, his philosophy centers on fostering a love for rhythm and helping students build a strong, confident foundation. Po joined the faculty of Pure Orchestral Centre in 2015. In the years since, he has been appointed as an instructor-in-residence at prestigious institutions like Nord Anglia International School and Shrewsbury International School of Hong Kong. He has also shared his passion with a diverse student body at St. Louis School and many other schools. This dedication to his craft and his students is a cornerstone of the PURE faculty.