“I enjoy my time learning and playing the bassoon, exploring its repertoire, and playing in all kinds of ensembles, which made me decide to continue with bassoon playing and pursue it as a career.”
“I feel like my study of shakuhachi has deepened my listening ability at the piano, for there is so much nuance of pitch and color in the shakuhachi tradition! It has heightened my sensitivity to tone and color at the piano.”
“Setting and completing a goal or expectation for the day, whether small or large, always leaves the student with a positive sense of accomplishment and encourages them to keep the momentum going.”
“What I have learned by traveling is to be patient and kind. I would wish the world will make this a habit so that we will have peace, and happiness throughout our beautiful planet.”
“Giving a genuine compliment or expressing gratitude takes just seconds but can make a difference in someone's day. A few sweet word of kindness to a friend, coworker, child, stranger on the street can bring joy and make a person feel appreciated, respected, motivated or recognized.”
“Every day is different! Part of the journey of discovery is finding out that what worked yesterday may not work today. Sometimes the best thing to do is the exact opposite.”
“Classical music is often seen as a permission-based field, but there is actually quite a lot of room for your individual voice and interpretation to shine through—the world needs it!”
“Donʻt forget to enjoy your musical journey. Be in awe of your progress and you will find a fascination with the unfolding of your artistic abilities.”
“Your most important assets are your perseverance and dedication. Sometimes just sticking out the hard times is a greater challenge than any piece of music that may come your way.”
“I’m all in for calling pianists “collaborators” (not “accompanists!”) when they are performing lieder and art songs. “Collaborative pianists” do not simply exist in order to serve as live backing tracks!”
“It’s really important to me that my students know that music is for everyone. Regardless of background, learning style, or ability, people can grow and find joy with music in their lives.”
“The gift of complete musical awareness, intellectual comprehension, and emotional satisfaction is what I wish to pass on to each and every one of my students.”
“I often tell my students: “If it is too hard, simplify!” I encourage them to practice only a small section or group of notes, focus on one point, find the skeleton, and many other creative mechanisms.”
