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Dr Timothy Chiang of Bupa Dental in Doncaster, Victoria, has built a career in dentistry while pursuing his passion for piano at an international level.
Music has been there from the very beginning for me. My mum is a piano teacher and started teaching me when I was five. In high school, I studied with another teacher, Mikhail Solovei, who I owe so much to. His priority was always about making music; technical aspects came second. He really fostered a deep understanding and love for music and inspired me to keep playing.
“When I was finishing school, I was thinking about becoming a concert pianist, but I wasn’t sure how realistic that would be. I also thought about becoming a surgeon, but I knew the path would be very long and probably wouldn’t allow me to pursue music until much later, if at all. Dentistry felt like the right decision—a career I could commit to while keeping music alive. I kept playing throughout my studies and was the official accompanist for the Music Society of Victoria while I was at uni.
“Since then, I’ve been fortunate to perform and compete internationally. One of the most meaningful wins was my first major prize in an international piano competition accredited by the Alink-Argerich Foundation (an independent worldwide Information and service centre for musicians and competitions).
I was awarded the third prize in the 2018 ‘ClaMo Región de Murcia’ in Spain. The artistic director, Chema Casanova, made it a unique experience. He brought all the pianists together and created a strong sense of connection. I made lifelong friends there, and we still come across each other at other competitions and festivals. More recently, I won the first prize in the 2025 Medici International Music Competition, Piano, Professional division.
“Appearing on The Piano on the ABC in 2023 was another highlight. I came across the show’s ad asking, ‘Do you love the piano? Do you have a passion for making music on the piano?’ and I thought, ‘Yes, this is literally me!’ After my episode aired, so many patients told me they had seen it, more than I expected to be honest. The show had really good reach and reception.
“Balancing dentistry and piano isn’t always easy. How much I practise depends on whether I’m preparing for a concert or recording, and how much else I have on. Sometimes after a busy day in the clinic I try to practise, but it just doesn’t happen—although I’ll still play for enjoyment.”
“My passion for piano is as strong, or maybe even stronger, today than before. Music is one art form that speaks to all people in one way or another. It gives me something that nothing else can. It opens a completely different world—a way to feel and express some of the most intimate and deep insights and reflections.
“Looking ahead, my dream is to balance a performing career alongside my work in dentistry. Both are important to me.”
