We are thrilled to share the exciting news — our student Teyang Choi, just 17 years old, has been accepted to the prestigious Jam Music Lab University of Vienna!
His story is one of determination, passion, and the courage to chase big dreams.Teyang’s musical journey began with the guitar, which he played for four years before discovering his true calling behind the drums just a year and a half ago.
Inspired by drumming legends Lars Ulrich and Danny Carey, he dove headfirst into the instrument, eager to explore not just rock, but also jazz.
His first audition — for a jazz university — didn’t go as planned, and he wasn’t accepted. But Teyang didn’t see this as a setback. Instead, he treated it as a challenge to push himself further. For his next audition, he needed to record three songs on video. This became the center of his daily life.“I practiced rudiments on a pad with heavy sticks, listened to my chosen songs over and over, and spent one to four hours a day working on them,” Teyang recalls. In the final two weeks before the submission deadline, he moved his practice to Artist Factory to work on acoustic drums.
Twice a week, he honed his skills with his teacher, Gabor Irmalos, polishing every note and rhythm.This time, his effort paid off — and the result is a place at Jam Music Lab University of Vienna, where he will spend the next four years immersed in music.The program offers a rich blend of theory and practice. First-semester students take courses like Theory of Jazz and Popular Music and Ear Training & Solfeggio, along with practical training in Improvisation and Stage Band. Each student receives a weekly 75-minute individual lesson and participates in band coaching, song production, self-promotion, AI music production, and more.
For Teyang, one of the most exciting aspects is the variety of genres. “It’s not limited to one style. We’ll study jazz, pop, and rock,” he says — a perfect match for his wide-ranging musical interests.From his early days on the guitar to his rapid rise as a drummer, Teyang’s journey reminds us that perseverance turns obstacles into stepping stones.
We couldn’t be prouder to see him represent Kazakhstan in Vienna, and we can’t wait to hear the music he’ll create in the years ahead.His teacher, Gabor Irmalos, shared:“Teyang’s success is no accident — it’s the result of countless hours of focused work, an open mind, and a fearless attitude toward challenges. I have no doubt he will make a big mark in the music world, and I’m honored to have been part of his journey.”
Congratulations, Teyang — keep the beat alive!
