A music diploma teaches violin for beginner and intermediate students. Student-centred approach.

Learn more about Elyn

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

  It was not my first instinct to learn an instrument at the age of 13, but I was being sent to a piano teacher by my mother, so that I could play her favourite songs. It was not a falling-in-love-at-the-first-sight fairy tale, yet through hours after hours of playing the piano, I was able to convey some deep emotions in me that were beyond words. That was the moment I found myself in a certain flow and engrossed in music. Started off with piano, I was able to pick up violin playing during my study at the Malaysian Institute of Art as a minor instrument, and now I absolutely love the violin.

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

  I listen to different genres, Western classical is still a big part, and I always loop the album when I like a certain musician/player. My last loops were Korean superstar IU's "Love Wins All" mini album and "Intimo" by Fung Chern Hwei & Leandro Ragusa violinist/accordion duo.

• Tell us about the most difficult or riveting course you could personally give to a student of music!

  Music playing (or maybe any form of practice) is quite a process where we have to face our challenges and weaknesses with our instruments, and I guess the most challenging part is to confront them and the joy after overcoming those personal topics (could be technical problems or a mindset) bring the wholesome experience of bittersweet. Therefore, keeping a teacher or a friend who can encourage a learner would be quite helpful during the process.

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

  Definitely the violin for me, because this is what I am striving for at the moment.

• What are your keys to success?

  Success could mean differently for everyone. My success would be able to play a certain piece, to a standard that I have never achieved, and every breakthrough after that is another success. To manage the expectation and to set an achievable goal are the keys.

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

  Hilary Hahn, because who doesn't want to meet the GODDESS of violin? Sumina Studer because of her extensive experience in the field, and Nancy Zhou because of her teaching style.

• Could you share a valuable anecdote related to music or your days at music school?

  That Nancy Zhou's violin ("Le Sphynx" by Joseph Guarneri) was assembled later on, not how it was typically made, glued together and ready to be played. I didn't think of the possibilities of doing so even though I've spent 5 years serving a violin-making workshop. That was fascinating because the wood may get out of shape after some time of leaving it aside.

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

  That I understand I am also a learner on this path, where I am learning to understand my students about their abilities, constraints, dreams and goals. What I could offer is just a tiny step for my students to get closer to what they wish to achieve.