My musical journey began at the age of 5 when I was first introduced to the violin. However, the tiny instrument didn’t captivate me, so I opted to learn the piano instead, a decision that kept me engrossed until I reached the age of 11. The guiding force in my life was my father, a Computer Scientist whose love for music served as a bridge to the captivating world of melodies and compositions.
The pivotal year of the pandemic brought about a profound change in my musical pursuits. I found solace and inspiration in the TwoSet Violin YouTube channel, where their performances and insights kindled a newfound passion for the violin. It was Clara-Jumi Kang’s rendition of “Meditation” that ignited a fiery determination within me. For months, I committed myself to the relentless practice of this piece, and my dedication culminated in my very first YouTube video recording.
This video would prove to be a life-altering moment, as it led me to Ronald Patterson, a distinguished Music Professor at the University of Washington. Through an audition video, I earned a coveted place in his private studio, where I’ve continued to nurture my violin skills under his expert guidance.
Over the past three years, my repertoire has grown to include an impressive array of standard pieces and challenging compositions. I’ve conquered classics like “Meditation,” Bach’s “Sonata No. 1,” Beethoven’s “Romance in F,” and Mozart’s “Concerto No. 3.” My musical journey has also encompassed the enchanting works of Kreisler, including “La Gitana,” “Sicilian and Rigaudon,” as well as Paganini’s virtuosic “No. 13 and 5,” and the electrifying “Zigeuneurweisen.” I’ve delved into the world of chamber music, mastering pieces like Bella Bartok’s “Romanian Folk Dances” and Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Scheherazade.” The challenge of concerto performances has been a highlight, with Bruch’s “Concerto No. 1” and Wieniawski’s “Concerto No. 2 in D-minor” pushing the boundaries of my skills.
My passion for music extends beyond solo performances; I’ve actively contributed to local orchestras, both at school and as a member of the Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra (junior), where I’ve had the honor of serving as concertmaster. My dedication and talent have not gone unnoticed, as I received a Gold Medalist nomination at the Seattle International Piano Festival in 2022, emerged as the winner in the violin category at the SYSO Concerto competition in 2023, and earned a place among the 28 most talented musicians in the Seattle area to participate in the SCMS pre-conservatory academy program. This unique opportunity has allowed me to collaborate with and learn from world-class violinists, cellists, and pianists, including luminaries such as James Ehnes, Simon James, Kevin Krentz, Rachell Lee Priday, Noah Geller, Efe Baltacigil, Elisa Barston, and Sasha Starcevich.
My journey is a testament to the transformative power of passion, perseverance, and the profound influence of exceptional mentors and opportunities in the world of music. I remain committed to pushing the boundaries of my musical abilities and seeking new horizons in my artistic pursuit.
You can find Eidee’s 2023 Romantic Music Competition violin performance here.