These are the most common questions I get asked (next time I’ll do one where you get to ask the questions!)

Q:  How did you start learning the violin? 

A:  When I was around 3 years old I had a toy guitar which I loved a lot. One day I decided to put the guitar under my chin and together with a chopstick, pretended to play my new makeshift instrument – the Violin!  My parents thought it was hilarious so for my 4th birthday they gave me a violin. 

Q: Do you come from a musical family? 

A:  My parents aren’t musicians, but they do love to listen to classical music!  I have a younger sister who plays a bit of violin and flute. 

Q: Did you parents ever make you practice as a kid? 

A: No not really, but my mom did love to use the “reverse psychology” on me.  For example if I didn’t really feel like practicing she would say 
“Oh, you don’t have to play violin.. you can quit! We won’t have to pay for lessons then, AND you can get a real job!” 
My reaction would always be a terrified frenzy of practicing. 
It never really worked for my younger sister though.  When dealt in the same way she kinda just said 
“Oh really? Ok thank you!” 

Q: What is your favorite composer? 

A:  I can’t really choose just one composer, but let’s say for right now, my favorite solo piece is Bach Chaconne, my favorite sonata is Franck Sonata, and my favorite concerto is Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto!

Q:  What would be your ideal destination for a holiday?

A:  I love going on cruises (I don’t bring my violin!) with either family or just friends!  We usually go somewhere in the Caribbean which is especially around Dec/Jan because the east coast is usually freezing around that time of the year!  

Posted in: Blog

Tagged: interview, questions, Ray Chen, Violin