While in school you accomplished both degrees in music (piano performance) as well as international studies in business. Can you share what inspired you to explore two distinct areas?
I have played piano since I was 5, and I never thought about being a music major when I was young. My father works in the business field, so I saw myself working in business like him. When I was in college, I had a chance to work in a wind ensemble festival during summers. There, I worked as an administrator and concert planner to organize the concert, and worked with musicians at the same time. I then realized this was something that I wanted to do as my career, to work in the business side of the music field. Having two majors, I learned about business principles, such as marketing, management, finance, and at the same time learned about music and had opportunities to perform.
Our teachers were once the same age as our young students. Can you think back to studying piano when you were a child and describe what motivated you to practice and what habits helped you become a professional musician?
I admired my teacher's playing, as well as other musicians’ performances when I saw them at concerts, which made me want to become one of them. In regards to technique, I focused on scales because they improve speed and dexterity. When learning a new piece, I played it slowly at first, was aware of my hand positions and fingerings, and counted out loud. This helped me to have good fundamentals.
Can you share your most memorable performance experience and why that time stands out for you?
My most memorable performance was during the last quarter of my senior year at UC San Diego (UCSD). My composition friends and I composed a piece using notes from our initials ABDE, with our instruments double bass, clarinet, piano, soprano saxophone, and cello. We each wrote a section and combined it together. Our junior year, we formed the Intermission Orchestra at UCSD together and performed as an orchestra frequently, but this was our first time as a quintet.This was a fitting way to celebrate my musical journey at UCSD, with great music and wonderful musicians who were also my friends and support system.
You’ve recently joined us at Opus 1 as both a piano teacher and our newest contribution to the administration. What are you most looking forward to as you continue to be a contributing part of our Opus 1 community?
I am looking forward to meeting everyone and contributing as much as I can. I understand that everyone has busy schedules and unforeseen events happen, so I hope that I can help with scheduling. I am also excited to participate in preparing recitals and events to celebrate all the students’ hard work. It is motivating to see students working hard and becoming better musicians, and I am glad to be part of their journeys.