Hear the full "AAPI Classical Musicians of Interlochen" podcast feature by clicking or tapping "Listen" above.
This May, Classical IPR celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month on Classical IPR by featuring just some of the many AAPI artists of Interlochen who play significant roles in the classical music world.
Tina Chang Qu is an Instructor of Violin and currently the only AAPI full-time classical music faculty member at Interlochen Arts Academy. Her story is one that reflects the multicultural vibrance of classical music education in the United States.
"I did not start learning the violin until age seven, which [could be] considered a rather late start," said Qu. "However, within the first 2 years, I was lucky and won the audition and entered the top music school in China, named the Central Conservatory of Music in their pre-college division."
Later, Qu got a full scholarship at USC to study music in the United States, where she has since worked and studied with luminary violinists, such as Felix Galimir, Jaime Laredo, Ida Kavafian and Dorothy Delay. A graduate of Curtis Institute of Music and The Juilliard School, Qu credits her many instructors and educators in developing her professional career.
Now as an instructor herself, she finds teaching uniquely rewarding.
"I love to see [my students'] growth, ability and improved skills," said Qu.
Qu also attributes her musical career to the education she was able to receive by coming to the United States — where orchestras have a significant proportion of Asian musicians.
"In the 21st century, young musicians and musicians in general come from far East more so than before. In the major orchestras, now we have a large percentage of Asian musicians as well," said Qu. "Being an Asian in my own experience in this country has always been positive and wonderful. Since I came to enter college in this country and now I have long become a professional, and living here, [I've] become an American citizen. So I'm always very thankful of all these wonderful experiences that this country has given me."
From Beijing to Hong Kong, Los Angeles to Interlochen, Qu continues to make waves across orchestras and conservatories as a soloist, orchestra musician and a teacher. Outside of teaching, Qu has appeared with the LA Philharmonic, National Orchestra of China, Philadelphia Chamber Orchestra and Los Angeles Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra — and currently serves as concertmaster of the Traverse City Philharmonic.
