What is your favorite piece of music to play? To listen to? I enjoy playing French music, such as Concertino for bassoon by Marcel Bitsch. It has a nice balance between lyrical and technical elements with beautiful harmonies. It is challenging but also satisfying to play. At the same time, I’m also a big fan of works by Mozart and music from the Baroque era. For non-classical music, I enjoy listening to Jazz, Bossa Nova, and Pop the most.
Tell us about your musical background. How were you introduced to the bassoon and what inspired you to pursue a professional career as a bassoon player? I started my musical path with piano when I was 5. None of my parents are musicians, but my father likes classical music. He probably watched more Verdi operas than I have. I was introduced to bassoon in seventh grade. The unique, tender, and warm sound of the bassoon really stood out to me. I attended the middle and high schools of the Shanghai Conservatory and began my bassoon studies under Mr. Zhaolu Liu, the former principal bassoonist of the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra. I came to the United States to study with Mr. George Sakakeeny at the Oberlin College and Conservatory after high school. During my sophomore year at Oberlin, I won second prize at the Meg Quigley Vivaldi Competition, which is for female bassoonists. After my studies at Oberlin, I completed my master’s degree at the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University under Mr. Benjamin Kamins and my Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the University of Kansas under Dr. Eric Stomberg.
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.
Who was one of your greatest musical mentors and how have they influenced you as an artist or person? I would say that all of my teachers collectively shaped me into who I am today. They met me where I was at the time, held the standard high, and guided me with encouragement and kindness. I consider myself to be very lucky to have had each of my teachers and mentors during different stages of my education and life. Even today, years after graduating, they continue to guide and support my musical and personal growth.
What is one of the most important pieces of advice that you were given as a musician or teacher? It would be: “Be nonjudgemental to yourself and to others.”
What achievement over the course of your life are you most proud of? In terms of music, the fact that I’m doing what I enjoy as a career is an achievement to me. Outside of music, it would be long-distance running. I used to dislike running very much growing up, but I enjoy it now!
What activities do you enjoy when you’re not teaching, practicing, or performing? I like catching up with friends and family, running, hiking, and capturing interesting or beautiful things with my phone camera during walks.
Please share your best advice for woodwind students who are seeking careers as classical musicians. It’s important to strive for musical excellence, but being a decent human being is essential.
