Meet Dr. Christopher Janwong McKiggan, an esteemed pianist whose extraordinary artistry has earned him multiple awards and accolades. Beyond his musical brilliance, Dr. McKiggan is a compassionate mentor, shaping young artists’ lives through his dedication to teaching and his profound belief in personalized education.
With a reputation that precedes him, Dr. McKiggan’s piano performances have been hailed as “masterful, highly contrasted and sharply characterized” by Gramophone. As the co-founder and head faculty of the Piano Academy of Bangkok, he has played a pivotal role in nurturing young talents, guiding them to win hundreds of national and international awards.
Beyond the concert hall, Dr. McKiggan’s creative pursuits extend to the realm of filmmaking and producing. As the CEO of Chris the Pianist Productions, he has garnered numerous awards for his directorial and production ventures, creating music videos, documentaries, and commercials for renowned brands such as AIS and Yamaha. Notably, his feature-length Thai documentary, “Pain of Silence,” has received multiple accolades from international film festivals, including the esteemed Best Documentary award at the BAFTA qualifying film festival, Carmarthan Bay Film Festival.
The musical talents of Dr. McKiggan extend even further as a composer, with some of his compositions being distributed by Universal Music Thailand. His artistic prowess and dedication have left a profound impact on the world of music and filmmaking.
Reflecting on his journey, Dr. McKiggan acknowledges the transformative influence of three esteemed professors: Bennet Lerner, Robert Weirich, and Jon Kimura Parker. Each played a pivotal role in shaping his artistic and musical growth, paving the way for his successful career.
As a teacher, Dr. McKiggan’s philosophy revolves around recognizing the unique strengths and skill sets of each young artist. He tailors his teaching methods to suit each individual’s needs, allowing them to progress at their own pace. His flexible and caring approach to mentorship has helped countless students blossom into true musicians.
In his illustrious career, Dr. McKiggan realized that his most significant achievements lie beyond personal accolades. The joy and smiles on his students’ faces when they perform stand as the truest testament to his impact as a mentor. Witnessing their growth and happiness eclipses all other achievements.
Among his favorite performers, Dr. McKiggan admires the artistry of Emanuel Ax, Yuja Wang, and the legendary Freddie Mercury. Their unique styles and powerful performances inspire him in his musical journey.
Driven by his compassionate spirit, Dr. McKiggan chooses to support the humanitarian project Doctors Without Borders. Recognizing the organization’s dedication to providing medical care to those in need worldwide, he advocates for their vital work in saving lives and alleviating suffering.
Dr. Christopher Janwong McKiggan’s multifaceted journey encompasses excellence in music, dedication to teaching, and a genuine commitment to making a difference in the world. His remarkable achievements in music and film, coupled with his compassionate mentorship, make him an extraordinary artist and human being.