Biography

Born in Seremban, Malaysia, pianist Geraldine Ong has performed recitals in China, France, Malaysia, United States, and Vietnam, including a debut at the Kennedy Center, Washington DC. Geraldine specializes in 19th/20th century French music, in particular, the piano works of composer Maurice Ravel.

Geraldine has performed Rachmaninoff's 2nd Piano Concerto with the Houston Symphony under the baton of Robert Franz and Northwestern University Symphony Orchestra (NUSO) under Victor Yampolsky. She has also performed Ravel's Left Hand Concerto with the Houston Civic Symphony and Symphony North of Houston. As an avid collaborative artist and chamber musician, she is seen in many concerts throughout the year. Past collaborations include concerts with Yamaha artist, Jason T. Laczkoski, saxophonist, and Vandoren and Buffet Crampon artist, Cecilia Kang, clarinetist. In addition, she has been in concerts with Houston's Greenbriar Consortium, Houston Grand Opera Co., and AURA Contemporary Ensemble. Her performances have been featured on Fox Television Network KRIV Channel-26, Chicago’s WFMT 98.7 FM – Chicago’s Classical and Folk Music radio, and Houston’s KUHA 91.7 FM radio The Front Row.

In 2011-2013, Ong was selected as a Da Camera of Houston Young Artist, a fellowship program for emerging professional instrumentalists, singers and composers. Other accolades include special recognition at the San Antonio International Piano Competition, fourth place and audience prize at the Ima Hogg National Concerto Competition, first place at the New Orleans Piano Institute Concerto Competition, and third place at the Music Teachers National Association Young Artist Competition.

A teacher in demand, Geraldine is known to be very dedicated, enthusiastic, and passionate in her teaching. She has given lectures as well as masterclasses around the country. Her students have participated in festivals and competitions, and have been laureates of several local and state competitions, such as Steinway Junior Piano Competition, Janice Kay Hodges Piano Competition, Texas State University Young Artist Competition, Texas Music Teachers Association's Performance Contests and NODAK Music Competition.

Geraldine also enjoys being on the other side of the competition, as an adjudicator. She has judged a number of competitions, including Music Teacher National Association State and Division Competitions, Texas Music Teachers Association Performance Competitions, Houston Forum Young Artist Competition, Crown Ridge Music Festival, Janice Kay Hodges Piano Competition, and Missouri Music Teachers Association Pre-College Auditions. Geraldine is grateful for the opportunity to listen to these young aspiring pianists.

Geraldine earned a Doctor of Musical Arts from University of Houston Moores School of Music studying with renowned pedagogue Nancy Weems. She was awarded the prestigious Presidential Graduate Fellowship, Winifred and Maurice Hirsch Memorial Scholarship, and Charles and Dorothy Bishop Scholarship. Prior to doctoral studies, Geraldine received masters and bachelors degrees from Northwestern University and Missouri State University respectively. Past principal teachers include Alan Chow, Wei-Han Su, and Chong-Lim Ng.

Geraldine is currently based in San Antonio, Texas. She teaches at San Antonio College and maintains a small private studio. From 2013-2017, she was a faculty member at Valley City State University as Assistant Professor of Piano. Prior to that, she held adjunct positions at Houston Community College and University of Houston. She is a member of the San Antonio Music Teachers Association, Texas Music Teachers Association, Music Teachers National Association, and Pi Kappa Lambda.