What advice do you have for the young aspiring musicians of the next generation? To me, the most important thing is to ‘stay curious’. It’s definitely possible to be dedicated to honing your craft, and at the same time take time to ‘explore’. The music world is so diverse and full of beauty and inspiration that we haven’t experienced. Allowing ourselves to experience them is essential. How else will we stay connected to each other as human beings, or draw inspirations for the music we make to share with others?

As a former President and Board member of HMTA, how has that experience shaped you or influenced your career? Being on the board of HMTA was one of the most challenging professional experiences I’ve had. I learned that building a healthy and thriving community can be incredibly difficult and complicated if you TRULY want to serve everyone, and serve authentically. I learned that you need to be courageous, and stand up for what is right, even when it can make someone mad. I learned a lot about myself -- my strengths and my weaknesses. I learned the importance of moral support, and how much the board members need each other when things get tough. Overall the experience has taught me how much more I don’t know and has inspired me to want to learn more and develop more effective skills not only in leadership but in collaborating with others.

What achievement in your life are you most proud of? I really love the life I have created for myself. That is my greatest achievement.

You’re awarded an unlimited amount of dollars to plan your dream vacation. Where would you go and why? There are so many things I can imagine myself doing, but to name one -- I would go back to Bali and the surrounding islands. I would stay for at least 3 months, and spend some time on a live-aboard boat to snorkel full-time, and some other times learning to play more gamelan or other instruments I’ve never played before. The lush environment of Bali brings me peace, and the music of Bali never fails to transport me to a state of wonder and bliss.

What is your teaching philosophy? My teaching philosophy is always evolving. These days -- I’m very interested in listening and asking questions when I’m with my students.

How do you motivate your students to practice and excel at their craft? I don’t usually take on students who don't at least show a tiny spark of willingness to practice and excel. I find that when that spark isn’t there, the student is meant to be engaging in something else at that moment, and not music. However when I do see the desire to excel-- I nurture it by giving the student plenty of opportunities to do the activities the student is most motivated to do. And once in a while, when the student is feeling secure and confident, I assign the activity the student might not enjoy, but is fundamental to the student’s growth. The thing I try to remember-- is to make sure the student always feel empowered and trust in their own abilities to accomplish whatever they wish.

What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know? Piano is not my favorite instrument. I wish I were a percussion player.

What's your favorite place to eat in Oahu? This is hard because there are so many good places to eat. I’ll name two. #1 is Lam’s Kitchen in Chinatown, they have great wantons. #2 is Coffee or Tea? for their Taiwanese shaved ice.

If you weren’t a musician, what would you be? I would probably be involved with wolf conservation, or help indigenous communities fight for their rights and their land.

If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you meet? Two people quickly come to mind-- Béla Bartók and Stevie Wonder! Don’t make me choose ;)