University of Music and Performing Arts, Vienna
In 1978 Chien began his master studies at the University of California, Irvine. He studied choral conducting under Joseph P. Huszti, composition under Peter S. Odegard, and vocal music under Mahlon Schanzenbach. Chien went to study at the University of Music and Performing Arts, Vienna in 1984. He studied composition under Thomas Christian David and Francis Burt. He graduated from the University of Music and Performing Arts, Vienna in 1986 with a diplom in composition.