Awards/Competitions
3rd Prize, Shaanxi Province Second Violin Performance Ensemble; 3rd Prize First International Youth Competition; 3rd Prize, Silk Road Music Competition; \3rd Prize, Asian Music Competition
Appearances
Napa Music Festival, 2023, 2025–26; The Venice Symphony
What is your earliest memory of classical music?
I remember hearing classical music as a child and being drawn to its elegance and beauty. It felt very special and expressive to me.
Was there a teacher who was particularly impactful/helpful? What made this instructor stand out?
My master teacher, Professor Joseph Maile, was incredibly impactful in my musical journey. He supported me throughout my DMA application process and guided me through every step, including helping me choose the right teachers and program. During my DMA, Professor Charles Castleman and Professor Bettina Mussumeli were also incredibly supportive, helping me grow as both a violinist and musician.
What made you decide to become a musician? Was there a particular performance or person that influenced your decision?
My mom encouraged me to learn an instrument from a young age, which is very common in many Asian families. At first, becoming a musician was more of a “have to” than a choice—I was even asked to choose between becoming a nurse or a musician, and I chose music. Over time, however, music became something I genuinely loved and wanted to pursue as my own path.
How did you hear about TŌN? What inspired you to apply?
I first heard about TŌN through my friend Mingyue Xia, who is currently a second-year violinist here. Hearing about her experience and seeing how much she has grown through the program inspired me to learn more about TŌN and eventually apply. I was especially drawn to the opportunity to develop as an orchestral musician while learning and performing at a high level.
How would you like to see orchestra concerts evolve in the future?
I would love to see orchestra concerts become more engaging and accessible to a wider audience, especially younger generations. I hope concerts can continue to preserve the beauty and tradition of classical music while exploring more creative programming, new repertoire, and ways to connect with audiences beyond the traditional concert experience.
What is the most memorable performance you ever had?
One of my most memorable performances was playing Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture during my DMA. When we reached the famous climactic moment, I was almost in tears because the music was so beautiful and overwhelming. In that moment, I realized how deeply music could move me, and I knew I had made the right choice in choosing music as my career.
What is your proudest achievement as a musician?
My proudest achievement as a musician is learning how to turn something abstract—an emotion, an idea, or a story—into something that an audience can actually hear and feel. Being able to communicate something meaningful without words is what makes me most proud to be a musician.
Is there a person or people you most respect in your field and why?
One person I deeply respect in my field is my friend, who is now a violinist with the Houston Symphony. She may not have come from the most privileged background, but she has always been incredibly hardworking and determined. She even reached the final round of an audition with the New York Philharmonic. Watching her build her career through persistence and dedication has been incredibly inspiring to me. She reminds me that hard work and resilience can take you very far.
Tell us about a time you almost gave up but didn’t.
I have often thought about giving up on pursuing an orchestra career. Practicing, especially working on the smallest details, can be physically and mentally exhausting and sometimes very lonely. But after coming this far and investing so much into this dream, I felt that giving up would be a waste. So I kept going, even when it was difficult.
Can you share any memorable onstage mishaps?
In high school, I once completely forgot my music on stage during a performance. It was terrifying at the time, and I still joke that the experience left me with a slight “trauma” when it comes to memorizing music. It definitely taught me to always be prepared and to stay calm when things go wrong.
Do you have a favorite non-classical musician or band?
RINI
If you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing?
I would probably work in administration or management. I enjoy organizing things, coordinating people, and making sure everything runs smoothly. I’ve always liked taking responsibility and bringing structure to a team.
What is a surprising part of playing your instrument that you think most people don’t know?
I think people are often surprised by how physically demanding playing the violin can be. It may look effortless on stage, but it requires constant coordination, balance, and extremely small muscle movements. Even the smallest changes in pressure or angle can completely change the sound.
What is the biggest challenge and/or surprise about playing in an orchestra?
The biggest challenge is learning how to balance your own playing with the sound of the entire orchestra. You have to be confident in your own part while constantly listening and adjusting to everyone around you. I think the biggest surprise is how much communication happens without words, through listening, breathing, eye contact, and simply reacting to each other.
What advice would you give your younger self or anyone starting out?
I probably wouldn’t give my younger self too much advice. There are no do-overs, and I believe the things that are meant to happen will happen. But if I had to give one piece of advice, it would simply be: practice harder, and listen carefully to your intonation!
What do you wish you knew starting out that you know now?
I wish I had learned earlier that working harder isn’t always enough, you also have to work smarter. I would also tell myself to stretch more and take better care of my body. With the violin, many injuries come from inefficient or incorrect gestures, so learning to move efficiently is just as important as practicing more.