I believe that my musical journey started in second grade, when my crush invited me to join the school band with him. Alternatively, it could be when I was still in my mother’s belly, and she planted my musical gene by constantly playing Mozart’s Symphony No.41 Jupiter. 

I was born in Taipei and brought up in a family that enjoyed cultural activities. Despite my dad serving in the military, he had a passion for singing and would often show us the random dance movements he created. My mom, an art director in graphic design, was the first person who introduced me to the art world. During childhood, my younger sister and I shared an interest in dancing and ballet, but it turned out she could do it better, so I switched my focus on playing instruments. 

Studying with a group of like-minded students was an extraordinary experience. Friends trained, practiced, and even lived together. Each term, there were student concerts, which helped us build up stage experiences and confidence. By performing again and again, I became even more confident about being a musician in the future. However, while I was indulging in this sweet dream, my confidence shattered completely after one competition. I didn’t achieve the second or third, but the last! The last!!! I felt so ashamed and incapable, and this result significantly impacted not only my passion but also my belief in my instrument. I couldn’t picture myself playing clarinet as a professional anymore and I made a very unexpected choice to study the Russian language and literature in the university, instead of music.

It’s interesting to reflect on the reason I started learning Russian now. I think at that time I gave up on my instrument but not my love for music. I chose Russian because of my admiration for Rachmaninov’s music, and he was Russian! This connection somehow alleviated my depression following the previous failure and motivated me to begin a new chapter. I didn’t expect I would pick up the language well and even earned an opportunity to study abroad in St. Petersburg. My time in St. Peterburg was truly delightful. Whether it was strolling along the Neva River under a gorgeous sunset or visiting concert venues and theatres, these experiences became integral to my life. Throughout that year, as I attended numerous concerts, the dream of music rose again. I clearly knew my heart still belonged to music and I aspired to work in this industry after graduation.

Sometimes reality takes unexpected turns compared to previous expectations. When I returned to Taiwan and encountered difficulties finding a music-related job, I decided to follow a friend’s advice and ventured into one of the most promising fields of this century: renewable energy development. I know it sounds unbelievable, considering I have no engineering background for this role. But as the saying goes, ​“practice makes perfect”. I guess my extra note and readings helped me catch up and eventually led me to a more advanced position within the company. I do appreciate that this company was willing to give a shot on a piece of white paper like me. But one day I just had a totally different thought about management when I walked in the concert hall after work. ​“If there is management for general projects, then there must be management for music.”

From that moment, I couldn’t shake off the idea. The more concerts I attended, the stronger my desire grew to explore this possibility. I began researching related degrees abroad, diligently preparing the application and just patiently awaiting the outcome. I kept this whole postgraduate degree thing as a secret until I received the official confirmation letter. I remembered my parents’ jaw-dropped expression; my mom even said ​“I can’t digest my food now” when I announced this huge decision over lunch. I understood their dramatic reaction, especially considering that incident where I permanently stepped aside from the clarinet. But my revolution proved to be worth it. In 2022, I arrived in the UK and successfully completed a postgraduate degree in Classical Music Business. During my study I didn’t disregard my previous experiences in renewable energy. Instead, I found it interesting to explore the topic of sustainable touring, which I discussed in my final essay. 

My relationship with music is on and off, bringing both tears and happiness. I would say there were moments when my passion for music seemed to wane, but it never disappeared. I feel grateful for all the opportunities to learn, understand, and explore music. Music has guided me from Taipei to St. Petersburg and now to London. As Rachmaninov once said, ​“Music is enough for a lifetime, but a lifetime is not enough for music.” I agree with him. Music has brought me so many invaluable life experiences and I look forward to seeing how my adventure will continue.