Leong Tek Ka
Instructor of Guqin, Guzheng and Music Appreciation at the Macao Conservatory of Music / Macao
About
Leong Tek Ka, instructor of Guqin, Guzheng, and Music Appreciation at the Macao Conservatory of Music under the Cultural Affairs Bureau of Macao. Currently a member of the Chinese Musicians Association, council member of the Chinese Kunqu and Guqin Research Association, president of the Macao Guqin Research Institute , president of the Macao Guzheng Association, partner of the Portuguese newspaper *O Riomaiorense*, and coordinator for Music and Performing Arts Events in the Asia-Pacific region for the UNESCO Cultural Heritage Club of Rio Maior, Portugal. As the first musician from Macao to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Instrumental Performance from the China Conservatory , her graduation recital was broadcast on CCTV's 'Fenghua Guoyue' program, setting a precedent in Macao's music scene.
Trained by eminent Chinese traditional music masters including Professor Li Xiangting, Mr. Gong Yi, Professor Lin Ling, and Professor Cui Junzhi, she has developed a distinctive performance style that masterfully blends scholarly precision with artistic sensibility. Her accolades include the Macao Cultural Affairs Bureau Award, multiple gold medals from national and international music competitions, and the prestigious Outstanding Teacher Award.As a cultural representative of Macao, she has performed on world-class platforms such as CCTV, Beijing Television, and Portugal's 'Happy Chinese New Year' festival. Her international recognition includes serving as jury mentor for the 5th German Philharmonic Competition (Wettbewerb der Deutschen Philharmonie), and being invited to present Guqin and Guzheng performances at Chinese Consulate General in Frankfurt (Germany), Nouvelles d'Europe and Zitadelle Berlin (historic fortress).
In recent years, she has actively promoted the cultivation of young musical talents in Macao, creating and directing multiple musical theater productions and charity concerts. Her efforts are dedicated to revitalizing traditional music with contemporary social relevance and cultural vitality in the new era.
In June 2025, she was invited to join the Asian Art Association Singapore (Chinese Traditional Instruments) and served as a judge for the "World Chinese Music Competition".
Artist Statement
Regarding the development of guqin and guzheng, I believe they are currently experiencing a flourishing era. According to internet data, there are over 3 million people worldwide learning the guqin. While this number may seem insignificant compared to instruments like the guzheng or piano, it represents an unimaginable breakthrough for the guqin. In the past, most guqin learners were culturally sophisticated adults, but in recent years, the demographic has gradually shifted to younger ages. Many parents now bring their children to learn the instrument, drawn by its profound cultural and artistic allure.
The guzheng, with its beautiful timbre and rich expressiveness, has attracted a large number of learners, particularly among younger generations. Unlike the introspective and profound nature of the guqin, the guzheng leans more toward mass appeal—capable of interpreting traditional repertoire while also integrating modern compositions, showcasing its dynamic versatility.
"Preserving the art of guqin and guzheng is a lifelong mission," requiring continuous exploration and study. The guqin carries millennia of musical pieces, theoretical studies, and notation techniques, while the guzheng boasts a wealth of stylistic schools and classical works. Both must remain rooted in tradition—"only by mastering tradition can one innovate." Respecting tradition while staying grounded, yet adapting to contemporary needs, is key to advancing these two art forms.
Artistic Achievements
Academic and Professional Appointments
• Instructor in Guqin, Guzheng, and Music Appreciation at the Macao Conservatory of Music (Affiliated with the Cultural Affairs Bureau)
• President of the Macao Guqin Research Institute
• President of the Macao Guzheng Association
• Member of the Chinese Musicians Association
• Council Member of the Chinese Kunqu and Guqin Research Association
• Partner at O Riomaiorense Newspaper (Portugal)
• Coordinator for Asia-Pacific Music & Performing Arts Events at the UNESCO Cultural Heritage Club of Rio Maior (Portugal)
Education and Mentorship
• The first Macao resident to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Instrumental Performance from the China Conservatory
• Guqin training under: Professor Li Xiangting , Master Gong Yi ,Associate Professor Huang Mei
• Guzheng training under Professor Lin Ling
• Konghou (Chinese harp) training under Professor Cui Junzhi
Honors and Awards
• Macao Cultural Affairs Bureau Grand Award
• Multiple Gold Medals in International & National Competitions
• Outstanding Educator Award
Performances & International Engagements
• Graduation recital featured on CCTV's Fenghua Guoyue program (first Macao musician to achieve this)
• Repeatedly represented Macao in performances for CCTV and Beijing Television
• Participated in international cultural events including Portugal's "Happy Chinese New Year" festival
• Served as expert jury mentor for the 5th German Philharmonic Music Competition and was invited performances at Chinese Consulate General in Frankfurt , Nouvelles d'Europe ,Zitadelle Berlin (historic fortress)
Education Promotion & Social Contributions
• Chief Editor and Director of multiple original musical theater productions
• Founder and Organizer of disaster relief charity concerts
• Dedicated to cultivating local young musicians with patriotic values and social responsibility
• Students admitted to:
oCentral Conservatory of Music
oChina Conservatory of Music
oBeijing University
oSouth China Normal University
• Student achievements include:
oServing as Guzheng principal in Beijing University Chinese Orchestra
oInvited as Guzheng instructor by Stanford Center at Beijing University