The very first instrument that I had learned was piano from my own mother at the age of four. Soon after, at the age of six, I had dropped piano completely and began taking private lessons for violin. I’ve had an amazing journey with violin, playing with SYSO for many years, and steadily improving my skills over time, learning many different sonatas and concertos. However, there was a change coming that I would’ve never expected. It was around 7th to 8th grade when I first discovered the wonderful sound of the viola when my teacher introduced me to it on a whim. It was then I realized how amazing of a sound the viola could make, and not only that, my teacher saw much potential in my success on the viola. The first piece I was introduced to was Romanze by Bruch, which then led to the Glinka Viola Sonata, then to Rebecca Clarke’s Viola Sonata, Vieuxtemps Viola Sonata, and today with the Elgar Cello Concerto on Viola. I’ve only been playing the viola for about three and a half years, yet through this instrument I’ve been able to accomplish so much, and was able to meet so many different people. I still continue to play both violin and viola, but the fact that I am able to play both is a blessing, and a stepping stone for me to reach even greater heights than now. The viola will always be very precious to me, and my journey has only just begun.
Watch David Jung perform Elgar Cello Concerto in E Minor, Opus 85 by Edward Elgar on the viola for the 2026 Winter Music Competition as part of the Charleston International Music Competition.