Chang Po Ching
School Vice Captain & Graduate, 2008
Chang graduated from Elanora High School in 2008, where he was school Vice-Captain in that same year. He was a conscientious student who was always dedicated to his schooling.
In 2009 Chang attended Gold Coast TAFE where he studied an Advanced Diploma in Music Performance and Composition learning skills such as Songwriting, Song Production, Singing, Music Education, Singer-songwriter and Studio Recording.
After finishing his TAFE Diploma Chang attended Southern Cross University from 2010 to 2013 where he completed a Bachelor's degree in Music Theory and Composition. Then in 2015 Chang enrolled at NTC Australia and in 2020 he graduated from his Master of Divinity - MDiv, Theological and Ministerial Studies.
Chang grew up singing constantly with his family and in church with his father, a local pastor, playing guitar and his mother on the piano. However, life hasn’t always been kind to Chang. After losing sight in one eye as a newborn, Chang struggled to look in the mirror and spent his whole life wishing for a glass eye so he could be “normal”.
Despite his parents working overtime trying to afford the procedure, a chance meeting gave him the chance to have it done, however, Chang who was 26 at that time suddenly turned it down.
“I told myself and grew into the thinking of I’ll never be normal. I used to hate looking in the mirror. There was a lot of self-doubt. I hated going out in public. I’d try to ignore it and then I’d look around and I’d see everyone’s got two eyes,” said Chang.
“(Surgery) was what I wanted for years because then I could be normal. My parents worked overtime. They said we’ll do whatever to make you happy.”
“I was going through high school and this missionary couple from America came over and said we want to pay for your surgery …. but when that time came, I said I don’t want it; this is who I am and I want to keep being me.”
“That was a turning point for me and obviously at a time when I was at peace with myself.”
As an unforgettable semi-finalist from Season 7 of The Voice with a 4 chair turn, he has performed for audiences of thousands with significant performances including, singing National Anthems for the Super Netball Grand final and Gold Coast Marathon.
His soulful voice often likened to singer John Legend, a touch Motown is carried through each song he sings no matter what the style. Beyond the big crowds and lights, Chang shines in the most intimate levels whether for brides walking down on their big day, birthdays with a lakeview setting, or simply on stage sharing his original music
Chang has been part of the Music Venture Program, a volunteer driven community program which started in Palm Beach in 2008 and is still running strong today. The program features free opportunities for kids to get together and be in a band working with professional musicians with an end of year showcase. This program has produced so many amazing musicians who now gig full time and have pursued further studies in the field. The Music Venture Program were part of the pre ceremony entertainment for the Commonwealth Games in 2018 and have also sent a group to a China as part of the Chegdu Festival featuring over 20 other countries.
Chang is not only a skilled musician but also an inspiring figure whose story resonates with many. From busking in Byron to singing around the globe, Chang is a singer, songwriter and guitarist, who loves to share his love of music and people!
Chang is currently employed as a Chaplain at Mabel Park State High School and is also self-employed as a musician and as a motivational speaker.