Roland Yeung
Roland Yeung, originally from Melbourne, Australia, has built an impressive career as a music educator and conductor. His journey began with a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Melbourne, which laid the foundation for his continued pursuit of musical excellence. Seeking to deepen his expertise, Roland moved to New York City to study at Columbia University’s Teacher’s College, where he earned a Master of Arts in Music and Music Education with a specialization in conducting.
For 14 years, Roland served as the music coordinator at Blackburn High School, where his leadership shaped the musical education of countless students. He then spent nearly two decades as Director of Music at Carey Baptist Grammar School, overseeing music programs for students from primary through secondary levels and creating an enriching musical environment across two campuses.
A specialist in the Saito Conducting Method, Roland combines this expertise with his knowledge of bio-mechanics and exercise physiology to help conductors refine their technique, making their work clearer, more musical, and more sustainable. His conducting skills have been guided by renowned mentors such as Robert Rosen, Yoshinao Osawa, and Wayne Toews. Roland has participated in prestigious workshops around the world, including at the Eastman School of Music, the University of Michigan, and the University of South Carolina, as well as in Singapore, Korea, India, and Saskatoon.
In the last few years, Roland has also served as a guest professor of conducting at Christ University in India. His international engagements include attending the WASBE Conference in Seoul and the Saito International Conducting Workshop in Saskatoon.
Though retired from full-time teaching, Roland continues to teach VCE Master Classes and private lessons in conducting and music direction, passing on his knowledge and skills to the next generation of musicians.
As music director and principal conductor of The Grainger Wind Symphony, Roland brings together a range of musical traditions, blending Australian compositions with Asian and European influences. His thoughtful programming and innovative approach create performances that honour tradition while exploring new artistic boundaries. Under his direction, The Grainger Wind Symphony is a space where creativity thrives, offering audiences rich and immersive musical experiences.
Roland’s work with the symphony pays tribute to the legacy of Percy Grainger while also striving to redefine the role of wind symphony in contemporary music. His leadership fosters an environment where innovation and collaboration are celebrated, ensuring that the music performed remains both deeply rooted in tradition and forward-looking in its artistic vision.
Awards:
- Life Member, The Grainger Wind Symphony October 1996
- Victoria Branch Excellence Award, Australian Band and Orchestra Directors Association December 1999
- Life Member, Association of Music Educators Victoria August 2003
- Life Member, Australian Band and Orchestra Directors Association National June 2006
- Life Member, Association of Directors of Music of Independent Schools 2012
- Outstanding Professional Service Award, The Council of Professional Teaching Associations of Victoria December 2014
- Music Educating For Life Award, Australian Society for Music Education National October 2019
e: roland.yeung@graingerwindsymphony.asn.au
e: roland.yeungmusic@gmail.com
w: rolandyeung.net
m: 0432 44 55 77