1. When did you start playing piano?
I started playing piano when I was 3 or 4. My mom was my first teacher. I remembered I could read the notes before I could read anything else.
2. Did you have the goal of becoming a piano doctor when you were young?
I have always wanted to be a teacher. Many members of my family were or have been teachers. I admire how teachers share their knowledge with their students. And I love seeing my students grow and succeed because of my instructions. Getting a doctoral degree facilitated my goal of being a teacher, a more well-rounded teacher that is. I want my students to be the same way.
3. Why did you choose to major in piano?
Piano was my first instrument. It is very versatile and the repertoire for Piano so vast that I don’t think I will even get tired of it. And some of the most beautiful music was written for piano.
4. What is your greatest accomplishment in your life (related to piano)?
Well, being who I am today is the greatest accomplishment in my life, as a pianist, a teacher, and a human being.
5. Why did you decide to teach piano?
Every pianist/musician is an educator. Performing is only a part of being a pianist/musician. Sharing my knowledge and experience with my students and inspire them so that they enjoy and appreciate music as much as I do is very important to me.
6. Who influenced you the most on your piano study?
Can I have two? My mom and my piano professor in Oberlin. My mom was my first teacher. She is a pianist and conductor. She used to be a professor in the Shanghai Conservatory. When I was little, music was played around the house all the time—piano, choral, and orchestral.
She was very strict but I thank her for everything she did for me. She also took me traveling to many place. Traveling develops ones imagination and curiosity, which helps when one plays music.
Sedmara Rutstein was my piano professor at Oberlin Conservatory. She was a child prodigy in Russia when she was young. I was very very lucky to have her as my teacher.
She changed my perspective for music, she helped me with my technique so that I can play anything I want. She taught me how to be a better musician, a better person, and a selfless teacher.
Everyday when I teach, I think of her. Basically she changed my life. I can’t thank her enough.
7. Please talk about one of your most unforgettable competition/ performance experience.
This is very difficult for me to answer. Every performance was very exciting for me. Maybe I will just talk about two of the most memorable ones.
One was when i performed the Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsodie on a Theme by Paganini with the Chihuahua Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra in Mexico. The entire music auditorium was packed with audience in all ages.
The performance was very successful and exciting! Afterwards people were lined up outside of the door to wait for my autograph.
The other unforgettable performance took place only about a year ago. I was invited to perform at the Fundraising concert for the Chinese Music Teacher’s Association of Northern California.
Since I came to the US, my parents never had a chance to come to see any of my performances live because I was always in a different city. That evening was the first time in more than 23 years since they saw my performance last.
My mom was very proud.
8. What advice would you give to the young pianists who want to accomplish in their music future?
I would like them to understand music in a much deeper level than just what is written on the page. Studying music theory and history helps you understand music in a different level. Being a well-rounded musician also means being selfless person who strives for the best he/she can ever be. There are a lot of failures and obstacles along the way. Never give up!
9. What advice would you give to the pianists who study in the music universities?
It is not easy. There are a lot of classes besides piano lessons—theory, history, chamber music, collaborate class, choir, and other liberal arts classes. These classes are very important as a rounded musician and help you to be a better person. Always be curious and keep an open mind to learn as much as you can. In this world everything is connected—from music to nature, to mathematics, to physics, and poetry. Always keep in mind that whatever you do in life eventually, whatever you learn in these four years will shape who you are as an adult.
10. What are your thoughts about the piano?
I love piano. I love music. Music invigorates me and gives me peace at the same time. It is very difficult to be good at it. I spent a lot of time (I mean a LOT of time) practicing and improving. Sometimes it takes a long time to see any result. But the journey itself to reach to the goal is the most precious.