About the Episode:

Is music the right path? When students begin their musical training very early, they often face the challenge of deciding if music is a passion or an obligation. Especially with the addition of academic work and other extracurricular commitments, navigating music studies can become incredibly overwhelming.

In this episode, singer and violinist Julia Hu shares the importance of taking a step back and reassessing one's commitment to music. Listen to hear her speak about the mutual benefits of vocal and violin training, comparisons between group and solo music making, and her perspective on what it really means to love music.

About the Artist:

Julia Hu is an 11th grader at Lakeside School in Seattle. She has been playing the violin since age 5 and singing since age 11. She has been concertmaster of the Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra twice, qualified for state Solo & Ensemble in violin, and accepted to the NafME NW Regional Orchestra. Additionally, she was a finalist in Solo & Ensemble for voice and accepted to WMEA All-State Choir. Outside of music, Julia likes to draw, read, and cox on her school crew team.

About the Episode:

What does it take to pursue music long-term? As young musicians approach the college application process, many struggle to decide between pursuing music or academics. With so many external pressures and different opportunities, it can be incredibly challenging for young students to decide if and how they want to keep music in their lives.

In this episode, violist Amanda Wu shares her perspective on maintaining the joy of music in her life even after entering university. Listen to Amanda speak about her love for the viola, her experiences continuing her musical journey in her university’s symphony orchestra, strategies for avoiding burnout with her musical studies even while pursuing rigorous academics and extracurriculars, and advice for managing stress associated with recordings and performances.

About the Artist:

Amanda Wu is a sophomore at Yale University majoring in Neuroscience. She has been playing the viola for over 10 years and was a longtime member of the Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra, where she served as the principal violist. In 2024, Amanda won 2nd place in the Viola Solo category at the WA State Solo and Ensemble competition. She participated in the Seattle Chamber Music Society Academy in Spring 2024 and was featured on Classical King's Northwest Focus Live with her piano quintet. She has also attended Interlochen Arts Camp, where she served as principal violist of the World Youth Symphony Orchestra. Outside of the viola, Amanda also enjoys long-distance running, discovering new hikes, and learning languages.

Intro/outro music: Bruch Romanze, Op.85 performed by Amanda Wu

About the Episode:

One of the most important aspects of music learning is our relationships with others. The friends we make at youth orchestra, the peers we meet at summer programs, and our private teachers and chamber coaches are just a few examples of the many opportunities to connect with and learn from other musicians.

In this episode, violinist Tony Wu speaks about his origins as a violinist and pianist, the inspirations he receives from peers and professional musicians, strategies for maintaining musical passion along with academics, techniques for efficient practice, and advice for building supportive musical relationships.

About the Artist:

Tony Wu, a 14-year-old violinist and freshman at Northville High School, began studying violin at six and has since earned top honors in international competitions, including the Radda Rise, American Protégé, and Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra Young Artist Competitions. He currently studies with Mrs. Enoria Li at the University of Michigan and has trained at renowned programs such as Interlochen Arts Camp, the Jacobs School of Music String Academy, and Center Stage Strings. Beyond performing and working with youth orchestras such as the Michigan Youth Symphony Orchestra, Tony shares his music through community recitals at senior homes and enjoys video games, listening to all kinds of music, and watching movies and TV shows in his free time.