Expert Guidance for Beginners and Intermediate to Advanced Learners – Prepare for Recitals, Auditions, Competitions, College Portfolios, and More

Find out more about Lily

• 1) When did you first develop a passion for music and your favorite instrument?

  I first developed a passion for music when I was around 4 or 5 years old. At that age, I loved singing and dancing, and whenever I listened to music, I would become completely absorbed in it. That was also when I first started learning the violin. One of the things that kept me engaged was having lessons with many friends. It created a fun and motivating environment that made learning enjoyable. Looking back, I believe that sense of community played a big role in helping me stay dedicated to the violin and develop a deep love for music.

• 2) Is there a particular type of music or artist that you listen to on a loop without it driving you crazy?

  Yes! I've always loved Romantic-period music. It moves me so deeply that it sometimes brings me to tears. In the past, I didn't fully connect with Baroque or modern music, but over time, I've grown to appreciate and love them as well.
  
  Outside of classical music, I'm also drawn to minimalism. The way it loops with subtle, gradual changes makes me reflect on time, bringing a sense of calm while also deepening my appreciation for the present moment. On the other end of the spectrum, I also love heavy metal, especially artists who have mastered the art of powerful, expressive screaming. The raw intensity and energy in their music are exhilarating!

• 3) Explain to us the most difficult or riveting course you could personally give to a student of music.

  Actually, while it may sound like two different courses, both aspects have been part of my teaching experience. Some of the most difficult lessons I've given were also the ones where my students learned the most.
  
  For beginners, the most challenging lessons are often the ones where we introduce fundamental music theory concepts, such as rhythms or key signatures. In the beginning, I also found these lessons difficult to teach, and it would take me a long time to explain, and I could see that students struggled to grasp the ideas. However, over time, I developed my own teaching tools, like visual aids and interactive materials, which made learning much more engaging. Once I started using these tools, not only did the explanations become clearer, but the students also became much more interested in exploring new musical ideas.
  
  Seeing that transformation, where something that was once difficult becomes exciting and accessible, is what makes teaching so rewarding for me.

• 4) What do you think is the most complicated instrument to master and why?

  I believe the violin and piano are two of the most difficult instruments to master, each with its own unique challenges.
  
  The violin is incredibly demanding because of its tricky intonation, there are no frets or keys to guide finger placement, so even the slightest variation can make a note sound out of tune. On top of that, mastering tone production requires a deep understanding of bow control, vibrato, and articulation, all of which significantly shape the sound. Every small movement matters, making precision a lifelong pursuit.
  
  The piano, on the other hand, doesn't have intonation issues, but it presents a different set of challenges. Pianists must navigate a much larger number of notes and coordinate both hands independently, often playing completely different rhythms, articulations, and dynamics at the same time. One of the biggest difficulties is achieving tonal contrast-making melodies sing while keeping accompaniments balanced, expressive, and nuanced.
  
  Both instruments demand not only technical mastery but also an incredible level of musical sensitivity, making them among the most complex to truly excel at.

• 5) What are your keys to success?

  When I was young and first learning the violin, my keys to success were a combination of passion, perseverance, and support.
  
  First, my natural interest in music kept me engaged and motivated. Second, my parents played a crucial role, not only by providing financial stability but also by maintaining a persistent, unwavering attitude toward my musical journey. If they had given up, I wouldn't have made it this far.
  
  As I grew older, I'm grateful that I chose to pursue music as my major, despite knowing it would be a challenging path. In many ways, I see myself as similar to my parents-we are all stubborn when it comes to chasing our dreams. That determination, along with my love for music, continues to drive me forward, no matter how difficult the journey may be.

• 6) Name three musicians you dream of meeting in your favorite bar in the early hours of the morning. Explain why.

  Mmmm, interesting question! The first musician I'd choose would be my college teacher. He truly changed my life, not just as a performer but even more as an educator. He had an incredible ability to break down complex musical concepts into simple, digestible explanations that made me think, "Oh, I see!" His teaching deeply influenced my own approach, and I'd love to meet him again to thank him and share how his lessons continue to shape my journey.
  
  My second choice would be Shlomo Mintz, who was my idol during college. He was such a big inspiration to me that I even had him as my phone wallpaper! I remember the first time I heard him perform one of Bach's Solo Sonatas and Partitas in concert, and I was completely drawn in, overwhelmed with emotion, and even brought to tears. His playing had such depth, control, and expressiveness that it left a lasting impact on me. Sitting down with him, hearing his thoughts on Bach and violin playing, would be an absolute dream.
  
  For my third choice, I'd have to pick Jascha Heifetz. He was known for his incredible precision and demanding standards, and I've always admired his legendary sound. I also know that he liked to have his students play scales first in lessons, so if I ever had the chance to meet him in the early morning, I'd love to show him my hard-earned four-octave scales-hopefully, he'd be in a good mood and not too critical, haha! But in all seriousness, getting to hear his thoughts firsthand on technique, interpretation, and discipline would be an incredible experience.

• 7) Provide a valuable anecdote related to music or your days at music school.

  One of the most valuable lessons I've learned in my music journey is how powerful encouragement can be. I'll never forget the time I won a string competition during my Master degree. As I walked into the lobby afterward, a saxophone teacher whom I'd never spoken to before looked at me and said, "You're a star!" Those words stuck with me deeply. In moments when I've felt down or uncertain about my abilities, I can still hear his voice in my head, reminding me of that moment. It's been a source of motivation and strength that I draw from whenever I need a boost, and it shows me just how much a few words of encouragement can impact someone's life.

• 8) What are the little touches that make you a Superprof in music?

  What makes me a "Superprof" in music is a combination of my experiences and continuous growth. My education, the support of my parents, and the great teachers I've encountered have all shaped me. Through concerts, masterclasses, competitions, and countless hours of practice and teaching, I've developed a unique approach to teaching.
  
  Having seen both good and bad educators, I know what kind of teacher I want to be. I'm always learning, adapting, and striving to improve my teaching to inspire my students.