Home: Miami, FL. Birthplace: Xining, Qinghai Province, China. Profession: Conductor, musician and arts administrator. Organization: JSGS Publishing. Title: Managing director. Alma mater: University of Miami Frost School of Music. Languages spoken: English, Chinese and German.
Current project: Editing an orchestration of Franz Liszt’s Funérailles completed for my doctoral project. Latest accomplishment: Graduating from the University of Miami with a doctorate of musical arts. Hobbies: Hiking and traveling. Recent travel or adventure: Tokyo, Japan. Last book read: This Was Toscanini, by Samuel Antek. Recent unique acquisition: A facsimile of Mozart’s opera The Marriage of Figaro. Why did you choose your area of study? It brings together music, collaboration, leadership and the process of discovering and communicating a composer’s vision.
Personality profile: Curious, witty, thoughtful, disciplined, open-minded, approachable and detail-oriented. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Dependable. Moral compass: The Golden Rule. What is your greatest joy? Playing music with others. What is your greatest fear? Not being able to contribute to a better cause. What word or phrase do you use far too often? Do you know what I mean? What is at the top of your bucket list? To visit all the national parks.
What was your first paying job? Front desk clerk and music teacher at a local music store. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? Pictures of my family, concert posters and memorabilia from major projects and performances I’ve conducted. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? Gerard Schwarz, my greatest mentor. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Think critically and do not act impulsively. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Every decision you make should put the music first. What is your go-to source of creative inspiration? Listening to new recordings. What philosophy or mindset guides your life and your career? We cannot always control circumstances, challenges or the actions of others, but we can control our response.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field?
Creating an environment where musicians feel valued, inspired and united by a shared commitment to music.
What change would you like to see in the world? A world that is more respectful, kinder and more compassionate. What message do you want to send out into the world? Approach life with integrity, humility and compassion; work hard; stay curious; and never stop learning from the people around you.
What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Jackie Chan. Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? Gustav Mahler. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A lawyer, judge or senator. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? With my mom, simply enjoying the things we love doing together.
Personal mission: Bringing people together through meaningful and inspiring artistic experiences. Personal motto: Put the music first and treat people with kindness and respect. Favorite quote: "One of the greatest freedoms we have is how we react to things" (Charlie Mackesy).
