BIO
Where are you from/ located?
I’m from Seattle, WA! These days I reside in Austin, TX. I was drawn to the youthful vibe and the creative people.
How long have you been playing the violin?
I started playing and taking lessons at 4 years old. I remember I was in the family room watching PBS with my parents, when I saw Sarah Chang, 13 years old, performing a solo piece with a pianist. My mother noticed I perked up and really enjoyed the performance, so not long after I started taking lessons from a local violin teacher in the area, Wendy Lee.
How long did you continue your studies?
In reality, we never stop studying and learning. Even as professionals! However, after about 10 years of taking private lessons and playing in the Tacoma Youth Symphony Association and the Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestras I did continue to pursue music very seriously. I attended the Interlochen Arts Academy, University of Washington, and University of Oklahoma, from high school to my masters degrees, respectively.
What is your favorite song to play?
I love music that really lets me express emotions that words just can’t seem to get out. Whether it leans towards love or anguish, expressing it through music is very liberating. Some songs/pieces that I hold closest to my heart are
Do you play any other instruments?
I played a bit of piano as a child. And I can make my way around a viola, cello, bass, and guitar. But my “forte” is violin.
Have you won any awards worth mentioning?
Yes! But honestly who cares? I’ve solo’d with orchestras, I’ve won spots as a member of orchestras, and I’ve played in some great chamber ensembles over the years.
Why do you perform?
Human connection. Whether I’m performing at someone’s wedding ceremony or performing with a sea of people in a big performance hall, my goal is to have a positive effect on someone’s day. If that happens to translate into a core memory, then I’ve done my good deed for the day! Music and art is what makes a civilization worth living in. It’s special to be able to be a part of that.