Assistant Principal Dizi, Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, for 47 years
1979–2026 · Retired
President, Hong Kong Bamboo Flute Society | Dizi tutor, CUHK Music Department | Artistic Director, Hong Kong Dizi Lab
Choo joined the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra in 1979 and served as Assistant Principal Dizi until retiring in 2026. Over 47 years with the orchestra he toured dozens of countries and regions, including the USA, Australia, Canada, Switzerland, Germany and Japan, and appeared as guest soloist with the Taipei Chinese Orchestra, the Singapore Symphony Orchestra and the Hong Kong Sinfonietta. Known especially for his bangdi playing — effortless high notes and agile tonguing — he recorded the dizi album Picking Tea in Spring Hills (Hugo Records), and in 2003 was invited by Columbia Pictures to play on the soundtrack of Warriors of Heaven and Earth.
Read full biography +
Born in Singapore, Choo began studying music in 1968, joined the Singapore Youth Chinese Orchestra in 1969, and in 1976 became a musician with the People's Association Chinese Orchestra, performing with it in Hong Kong at the first Festival of Asian Arts.
After joining the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra in 1979, he was often invited as guest soloist by other orchestras, including the Taipei Chinese Orchestra, Hong Guang Chinese Orchestra, NTUC Chinese Orchestra (Singapore), Singapore Youth Chinese Orchestra, Singapore Symphony Orchestra, Hong Kong Sinfonietta and Singapore Chinese Orchestra.
He has recorded for television stations, commercials, films and record labels. In 1995 he recorded the dizi album Picking Tea in Spring Hills for Hugo Records; in 1997 he recorded Shi Yongkang's symphonic poem The Story of the Yellow Crane with the Hong Kong Sinfonietta and arranged Vivaldi's The Four Seasons for Chinese orchestra; and in 2003 he was invited by Columbia Pictures to represent the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra in India for the soundtrack of Warriors of Heaven and Earth. He has served as an adjudicator at the Hong Kong Schools Music Festival.
Private Masterclass
$1,500 / lesson · 60 min$1,200 / lesson · 45 min
Booked in 4-lesson terms · fees per lesson · returning students keep priority slots
For diploma, competition and advanced students
※ No trial lessons; places are limited — please enquire first
The more you book, the less you pay per lesson; the 48-lesson plan has the longest make-up period Kids' junior-tutor class from $220/lesson (limited places) Seniors' morning class: daytime special rate · beginners welcome · Seniors' trial only $100
Mornings, after school or after work — there's a slot for you.
Mong Kok
🌅 New morning class
10:30 - 11:30
Tue morning · Seniors' dizi class
For retirees and soon-to-be retirees
Quiet daytime class at a gentle pace — breathing exercise and new friends. Beginners welcome; flute provided.
🏫 New after-school class · enrolling
16:30 - 17:30
Weekdays after school · Kids' group
Age 6–12
Straight after school: ensemble training and an exam pathway. Flexible days; Fridays 4:00pm junior ensemble prep class — see Chek Lok Dizi Ensemble below.
One-to-one · priced by grade · $200 trial available
Grade
30 min
45 min
60 min
1
$250
$375
$500
2
$270
$405
$540
3
$280
$420
$560
4
$290
$435
$580
5
$310
$465
$620
6
—
$480
$640
7
—
$510
$680
8
—
$540
$720
9
—
$570
$760
Diploma
—
$660
$880
Grade
30 min
45 min
60 min
1
$200
$300
$400
2
$220
$330
$440
3
$230
$345
$460
4
$250
$375
$500
5
$260
$390
$520
Junior tutors cover Grades 1–5; Grade 6+ students should choose a senior tutor
Per-lesson fees (HKD) for a 4-lesson term; book 12+ lessons for about 15% off (e.g. Grade 1, 60 min: $500 → $420/lesson); the 48-lesson plan has the longest make-up period
Grade 6+ lessons are 45 or 60 min For private masterclasses with Choo Boon Chong, see the Masterclass section above