★Over 12 years experience in Violin and Viola teaching ★Flexible time and location for lessons ★ Personalised the best practice plan for your exam, audition and competition

Find out more about Jacky

• 1) When did you first develop a passion for music and your favourite instrument?

  My first passion for music developed during an orchestra trip to Russia years ago. It was my first time playing in an orchestra in another country, and we performed a Tchaikovsky symphony alongside a local Russian orchestra. We were all very excited, as it was our first time visiting Russia and performing abroad. We gave our best during rehearsals and the concert.
  
  After the concert, I realized that playing the violin can truly connect people, regardless of age, region, or language. Once the music starts, I can touch their souls through my playing. That ability to connect through music is something I find incredibly fascinating.

• 2) Is there a particular type of music or artist that you listen to on a loop without it driving you crazy?

  Personally I really like minimalism and theme and variations music. They are usually built on a short and simple motive and develop by repetition or development in various possibilities. While listening to these type of music, it can always please and enlighten me how the wonderful composers could write the masterpieces from a small and pure idea and later on turn to very meditative or impressive passages.

• 3) Explain to us the most difficult or riveting course you could personally give to a student of music.

  For me, the most difficult and also riveting course I could personally give to a student of music is how to motivate them to become an artist instead of a music student. By doing this, I have to guide them according to their unique personality to explore the possibility of music step by step at the beginning. After absorbing a certain amount of musical nutrition, they would develop a specific personal taste of music to look for and actively search for another higher standard of music by themself. And then they will become more free to play music artistically. This is certainly not easy to do, but the result is such a pleasure to enjoy with.

• 4) What do you think is the most complicated instrument to master and why?

  String instruments, especially the violin, are among the most complicated instruments to master. It might seem easy to play by simply moving a bow across the strings, but there are countless tiny details to consider to produce a good sound. Both the bow hair and the strings are extremely sensitive, making it easy to produce sound, but equally easy to produce a bad one. Mastery requires precise control of your body to make the string vibrate properly, adhering to the laws of physics.
  
  Beyond playing technique, the violin is constructed from many wooden components that are highly sensitive to temperature and humidity. Proper care is essential to keep your violin in good condition and ensure it produces the right sound. Despite the numerous potential pitfalls, once you learn to manage them, you will find endless joy in playing.

• 5) What are your keys to success?

  Find something you have passion to do. Keep doing it and do it even better day by day. If you don't give it up, you are very close to success.

• 6) Name three musicians you dream of meeting in your favourite bar in the early hours of the morning. Explain why.

  J. S. Bach, Shostakovich, and John Cage form my dream combo group to meet simultaneously. They are the best composers in their respective fields: baroque counterpoint, military-style symphony, and experimental music. Coming from different countries and eras, they would be amazed at how differently they each approach music. Especially with a piano in my favorite bar, these three genius keyboard players would surely improvise for fun. I have a feeling they wouldn't stop until the bar had to close.

• 7) Provide a valuable anecdote related to music or your days at music school.

  When I was young, I had the chance to listen to a violin recital by Ning Feng, who had just won first prize at the Paganini Violin Competition. During the recital, I was extremely impressed by the perfection of his playing in terms of musicality, intonation, and stability. He became my idol and inspired me to want to play like him. Fueled by my love for making music, a decade later, when I was pursuing my Master's degree at the Royal Northern College of Music, I met him again. This time, I was not an audience member listening to him play but a student performing my music for him in his masterclass, using the violin and bow that I made myself! It felt like a dream to be able to play for him and receive his direct feedback years later.

• 8) What are the little touches that make you a Superprof in music?

  Being a Superprof in music involves a combination of technical skill, teaching ability, and personal qualities. It is important to tailor lessons to each student's individual needs, goals, and learning style. Additionally, being able to clearly explain complex ideas in a way that is easy to understand is crucial. Providing positive reinforcement and motivating students to push their boundaries helps them grow. Building confidence in students' abilities through supportive and constructive feedback is also essential. Most importantly, demonstrating enthusiasm and passion for music can inspire students to develop a love for the subject. These touches not only enhance the learning experience but also help students achieve their full potential in music.