Awards/Competitions
2nd Place, 2015 New Tang Dynasty Music Competition; Gold Medal, 2014 New York Music Competition
Appearances
New World Symphony Orchestra, substitute, 2025–26; Civic Orchestra of Chicago, substitute, 2024–26; Northbrook Symphony Orchestra, substitute, 2024
What is your earliest memory of classical music?
Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro Overture
What made you decide to become a musician? Was there a particular performance or person that influenced your decision?
Growing up, playing music gradually shifted from a daily routine to a true passion. The real turning point came the first time I heard the Cleveland Orchestra live. Their sound completely spellbound me. It was incredibly crystal-clear, luminous, and filled with so much soul. It made me dream of becoming an orchestral violinist.
How would you like to see orchestra concerts evolve in the future?
I’d love to see concerts become more accessible, immersive, and interactive without losing the depth of traditional programming, also combining with different art forms.
What is the most memorable performance you ever had?
My first personal recital in my hometown.
What is your proudest achievement as a musician?
Performing a full solo recital. Preparing a complete program takes so much stamina and focus, but sharing that moment with the people who have supported me from the beginning made me realize how far I’ve come.
Tell us about a time you almost gave up but didn’t.
Auditioning can be emotionally and physically draining. Preparing intense excerpt lists, traveling back and forth across the country, and facing rejection after rejection definitely made me question if I was on the right path. But every time I felt like stepping away, I reminded myself why I fell in love with music in the first place. Taking a step back, refocusing on fundamental technique, and trusting the journey kept me moving forward.
Do you have a favorite non-classical musician or band?
Charlie Puth and Lady Gaga
If you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing?
Maybe something in the tech-related field? I am also really interested in technology.
What is a surprising part of playing your instrument that you think most people don’t know?
Bow weight distribution matters just as much as the instrument itself in shaping sound, resonance, and articulation.
What is the biggest challenge and/or surprise about playing in an orchestra?
The biggest challenge and most rewarding surprise is the intense level of active listening required. Playing in an orchestra is about constantly adjusting your intonation, timing, and tone to match the musicians around you in real time. We need to remain hyper-focused and deeply sensitive to every subtle sound across the stage.
What advice would you give your younger self or anyone starting out?
Don’t underestimate the power of building a solid foundation.
What do you wish you knew starting out that you know now?
I wish I knew that rejection and setbacks are just a normal part of the process, not a reflection of your worth. The journey is full of tough moments and disappointment, but if you stay brave, confident, and positive, every challenge becomes a stepping stone that builds resilience and makes you a stronger musician.