Hsu Violin Studio
About
I've taught students of all levels for over two years. My youngest students are five years old, and my oldest are adults. Each student has a special way of learning and remembering concepts, and I cater my teaching towards every students' needs.
Biography
Emily Hsu began playing the violin at age 5. She is a scholarship student at the University of Southern California's Thornton School of Music. She was a first violinist in the San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra. In 2019, she toured with the orchestra in Europe and was given the opportunity to play in the Berlin Philharmonie, Hamburg Elbphilharmonie, and Vienna Musikverein. Additionally, Emily served as the Concertmaster of the Lynbrook High School Chamber Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra as well as the 2018 touring orchestra that performed three concerts in international venues of Spain.
Since 5th grade, Emily has actively participated in violin competitions around the San Francisco Bay Area, winning numerous regional awards in the 2013/15/17/18/19 United States Open Music Competition, 2014/15 MTAC VOCE, and 2016 DVC/HNU Young Artist String Competition.
In November 2016, Emily made her violin solo debut with the award-winning Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra, where she served as the Concertmaster of the Sinfonia Orchestra and won the Concerto Competition during the 2015-16 season.
In 2017, Emily was selected to be in the first violin section of the California All-State Symphony Orchestra. She was also selected and invited to perform in the Burlingame Music Club in April 2017. Emily made her Carnegie Hall debut in June 2017 for receiving 1st place in the 2017 AFAF Golden Era of Romantic Music International Competition. She also won 3rd prize at the ENKOR Int'l Music competition in 2017. In 2018 and 2019, Emily was selected to perform in the Junior Bach Festival. In 2019, Emily received a 1st prize award at the MTAC VOCE Santa Clara Branch Competition, advancing to state finals and winning 2nd prize.
Music spreads so much joy to me and I hope it does for my audiences. I wish for all of my students to find music enjoyable and see opportunities where they can use music to change the lives of others.
Highlights
No reviews (yet)
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I talk with the student (and their parents, if the student is younger) on the phone for a few minutes a few days before the first lesson. During this call, I learn about each students' experience in playing the violin/music. I prepare material that the student can practice before the lesson based on what I learn from this phone call. During the first lesson, I observe what the students' learning style is and apply different teaching methods based on the students needs. For instance, some students love analogies. Others need my demonstration. I allow the student to ask me any questions throughout the week before the next lesson, and I always respond to them within half a day.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
1) Learning from violin teachers for 13 years
2) Taking violin masterclasses from renowned violinists whenever possible
3) Getting coachings from San Francisco Symphony musicians as a member of the San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra
4) Leading violin sectionals for my high school orchestra
How did you get started teaching?
I got started teaching violin as a volunteer for a local summer camp for elementary school kids.
What types of students have you worked with?
Preschool through adult
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Playing in the Berlin Philharmonie in Summer 2019!
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
1) What are my goals? (learning violin just for fun, learning how to play in an ensemble with a friend or other musicians, preparing for a recital, auditioning for an orchestra, earning a high ranking in an orchestra, soloing with an orchestra, majoring in music, etc.)
2) How much time am I willing to put in to practicing each day?
3) What is the best way my teacher can help me? What is my learning style?