Which instruments do you teach? For how long have you been teaching?
I have been teaching violin and viola for over 25 years.
What made you want to become a musician and instructor? Is your family musical?
As a musician and teacher growing up I was fortunate with unique resources. My parents were middle school teachers. as the amateur they both went to Shanghai Conservatory of music for vocal studies. Also, many members of my aunt's family were piano and composition professors. Since I was very young, I was able to see their teaching style and listen to their music often.
You’re a frequent performer and played with Opera San Jose, Monterey Symphony, Santa Cruz Symphony, Sacramento Philharmonic Orchestra. What advice would you give to beginners who are nervous to perform?
Be prepared, Practice and rehearse as much as you can, play in front of family members or friends at every opportunity until you feel relax and ready.
You’ve been appointed the Assistant Principal of Viola by Kent Nagano at Berkeley Symphony. How did you earn that prestigious position? Did you have to overcome any challenges along the way?
The path to obtaining a job in an orchestra is somewhat straightforward. After I moved to the states, I was very lucky to study viola performance and orchestra repertoire with Jay Liu. He is the professor of San Francisco Conservatory and San Francisco Symphony Assistant Principal viola. I have been invited by him to observe the rehearsals and concerts. After 2 years study with him and try a lot of auditions, I won the position with Berkeley Symphony.
How was your experience of earning your Bachelor's Degree from Wuhan Conservatory of Music? What was your primary focus of study?
I studied musical performance since middle school. In the conservatory, I learned a one-on-one lesson from professional artists in supportive mentor-apprentice relationships. I studied incredibly hard, put in extra hours of practice and orchestra rehearsal because I love music.
We've heard you've been making string instruments such as violin/viola/cello/ D. Bass, how long have you been making them? What do you like about making them?
It's an amazing experience for me to make string family instruments with some of the most well-known makers and violin shops around the Bay Area since 2011. Being a violinist/violist, I understand what the musician wants, then convert that information into sound adjustments or making.
What do you say to motivate a student who has not been practicing that week?
Students have some good times and bad times during the practice. I would change their music, give them fresh and new music to play. Also, I can remind the parents how important practice is to making progress.
Describe your favorite performance you've ever given...
My first performance (moved to states) with Berkeley Symphony under Maestro Kent Nagano.
How do you handle mistakes during a performance?
Just keep playing with the similar rhythm and notes, make them seem like the natural part of the piece.
What is a first lesson like with you? What do you cover on the first day?
During the first lesson, I would ask some questions to get to know the student’s level and experience, then I do explain the parts of the violin. One of the most important parts of the lesson would be learning how to hold the bow and violin properly.
You teach the Suzuki method and other traditional methods. What do you like about teaching this way?
In my humble opinion, Suzuki method is one of the best ways to learn violin as a beginner. To combine with the traditional methods, students will have rich resources to choose from as far as repertoire, tutorials, scales, and etudes.
What do you like to do in your free time/weekends?
I like to spend my free time and weekends enjoying outdoor activities with my family.