In our final issue of Charting Pathways, we hear from some String students as they reflect on their time at YST – working closely with teachers, exploring music across different styles and contexts, going across countries, and ultimately moving towards bright futures of their own.
Catch up on our past issues of Charting Pathways as well:
“Being in the music industry takes courage and determination. It is not an easy route, but always remember your love and passion for music! And remember to always take breaks – you need to get out there to have more inspiration and colours for your music.”
Being able to study under both Mr Igor Yuzefovich (until he moved to the UK at the end of my second year) and subsequently Prof Qian Zhou would definitely be one of the best experiences I have ever had. I was able to develop a warm sound and liveliness with Igor, and open up my sound with character and greater technical stability under Prof Qian. I’m especially grateful for Prof Qian’s care during my last two years, and for how she would spend extra time just to push us to our best.
I’ve also enjoyed the many global experiences at YST – playing at the Singapore Embassy in Myanmar to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Myanmar-Singapore diplomatic relations in Year 1; attending the YMCG Festival where I got to lead the orchestra under the baton of Michael Stern and learn from Yo-Yo Ma and Brooklyn Rider; as well as working with Maestro Gábor Takács-Nagy in Year 2 and 4.
“Learn to enjoy life through the challenges you will face, the music you will play, and the people you will meet.”
Firstly, I want to thank my major teacher, Assoc Prof Zuo Jun. He really helped me improve my violin skills a lot and pushed me to challenge myself by giving my pieces above my skill level.
Secondly, of course my friends. It was hard for me in the beginning of school, being away from home where the main language is not my native language. They supported me through these four years and helped me feel at home in Singapore.
“Be brave enough to accept challenges. Though they may seem uncomfortable, they can help you go further in your journey!”
Many images spring to mind, but there are two performances which had a particularly great impact on my musical journey. One helped me understand the past while the other took me to explore my future.
In the concert Masaaki Suzuki Conducts Pulcinella, I performed Pegolesi’s cello sonata, using gut strings and the Baroque cello bow under Maestro’s instruction. This performance introduced me to the real beauty of Baroque music for the first time, from the unique sound of gut strings to the fascinating stylistic aspects of historical performance. I studied and prepared hard for the performance, to help the audience experience and enjoy this musical beauty that I love.
In the 2018 YST Concerto Competition. I performed Shostakovich’s cello concerto as soloist with the Conservatory Orchestra. It was my first experience playing a concerto with the orchestra and that feeling was unforgettable. Having the orchestra’s support behind me and the connection from Principal Conductor Assoc Prof Jason Lai was like fighting with a whole army. I felt brave and free to express my story through my music, and fully enjoyed the stage. I feel grateful to have had that experience in my life.
The one that I want to thank the most is my major teacher Assoc Prof Qin Li-Wei, who has illuminated my music world and brought me to a new stage in my playing with his inspiration and encouragement. During our first lesson, he described me as a blank canvas, to which he hoped we could add beautiful colours to create a marvelous painting. I think we have accomplished this over the four years, and that the ‘painting’ will continue to flourish.
“I will always remember the entirety of my college life in YST because it has nourished and nurtured much of my youth.”
To continue crafting my professional pathway, self-cultivation and better artistic attainment are essential. I will continue to tirelessly pursue better performance skills and cognition to further understand and convey the essence of Classical music, for as a musician, inheriting and carrying on culture is part of our duty.
I have received a precious opportunity to be teaching assistant to Prof Qian Zhou, which is a great stage for me to continue my musical pathway.
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