REFLECTIONS OF ONE OF THE GOOD OLD DAYS! 

(Interview Lee Shin Rong)

After I let-go Siwen Piano Studio on Sept 2009, then left once small town Miri for good, and only recently I begin to wonder how my ex-piano students thought of me these days after they were/are being "exposed and cultivated" in bigger cities or better piano teachers. These students meant a lot to me, I developed and accumulated my teaching skills (especially handling immature kids) and experience together with them, so I decided to interview them one after another, most of them are really very busy either in their higher studies or works, but I really appreciate their efforts to reply me and some of them may even record their recent playing in YouTube:

Something About Shin Rong:

First time when I met little young Shin Rong, I wondered if he was related to the world renowned cellist Yeo Yeo Ma, as I saw their same kind of extreme-intelligent sparkling sparks from his eyes.

   Lee Shin Rong is a kind of piano student that would make every piano teacher feels proud of him; because he would never make you feel disappointed of any expectation you extended to him!

   I taught him approximately for 6 years, since ( 1994 to 2001 ) although I was not yet satisfied with his techniques (Malaysian public school educational system and activities are always very hectic and overwhelming, also most boys matured later than girls, often boys only begin to mature, become self-motivated and work harder when they reach 17-18 years old) but his extremely high IQ, fast speed of learning new repertoires (I remember he learned Chopin’s Winter Winds within very short amazing time when he was 14), very humble and pleasant characters would override any dissatisfaction I felt towards his techniques and performances. I always described his hands like a Garfield cat’s playful paws stroking over the keyboard, (I often would give secret throaty chuckles after his playing!) however I gave him some freedom to develop and explore his own characteristic playing, my reason was I shouldn’t control all students to play the same style.

   I recall Shin Rong’s mother cooks so well, an excellent (artistic) homemaker and his smart parents were one of the most highly understanding, loving and cooperative parents, often I encountered his mom was “speeding” on road, I used to conclude in my deep mind that her dexterities and reflex must be very different from regular women, she had to fetch Shin Rong and his elder brother moving from one activity to another, I think if she learns piano, she will be as good as her two sons! I always admire Mr. and Mrs. Lee could foster such two outstanding sons.

Profile:

Academy Experience: Yale university; Bachelor of Science; Current University: Johns Hopkins, pursuing joint MD/PhD degrees.

First piano lesson: Age 7 in Miri's Yamaha Music School

Year 1992 to 1994: In China

Year 1994 to 2001: Learned with Siwen Wong, Siwen Piano Studio (should be around 11), passed ABRSM Grade 8, ATCL (Recital) at age 14 (sat for two exams only) and a public recital.

Question: After staying 7 years in Malaysia, you left Malaysia with your parents to USA.  Can you share with us your experience when you first studied piano with the new Russian teacher in New Orleans?
Answer: Like many good piano teachers, she was strict but compassionate in her style of instruction. Although technique was important to her, I believe she was more focused on helping me develop a deeper and more mature understanding and appreciation of music. To that end, she was the first to open my eyes and ears to the incredibly rich music scene that existed in New Orleans. I watched great orchestras performances, saw pianists from around the world compete for prestigious medals, attended master classes with concert pianists, and went to music camps. I think it was seeing music performed at such high levels in a live setting (totally different from listening to a recording) that made something click in my head, and made me want to be a life-long musician.

Question: May I know what is her name?
Answer: Alexandra Shikhris (Shin Rong learned two years with her);
              http://ewillia.blogspot.com/2006/11/la-biografia-de-alexandra-shikhris_13.html

Question: How about other musical activities in New Orleans?
Answer: In New Orleans, after attending my regular high school, I also went to an arts school, called NOCCA, during some afternoons/evenings where I was lucky to have 2 or 3 additional piano teachers instruct me in various areas of music. One of those teachers was a Japanese pianist (name or link?) who graduated from Julliard School of Music, and was particularly helpful in helping me advance technically.

Question: How about the time when you were studying at Yale?
Answer: At Yale, I studied for a year with a pianist who just got his degree in music performance and was about to head off into the world of performing in concert halls. He is a brilliant Australian pianist (name or link?), and the combination of his masterful technique and my increasing maturity helped me gain technically and musically faster than I've ever had before. Unfortunately, after he left and my academic burden increased, the time I devoted to piano playing dropped.

Question: What were some extra performance tips you learned during the time?
Answer: It is a cliché, but it's true--after all those years of playing and learning, I finally learned to listen to my playing. And I mean really listen--every note, and even the space between the notes. That made all the difference in the world, both in terms of appreciating the music I hear, as well as the music I play.

Question: Did ever your Russian teacher mention that you have acquired wrong techniques from me or did she ever make any negative remarks when she first heard your playing? I am very really curious!
Answer: No, she had no real complaints. You taught me well, and of course, I owe you a deep debt of gratitude for setting me off on my musical journey so well. If it had not been for your influence and your teachings, I doubt I'd be playing any piano today.


Question: Do you mind “reflecting” your past piano learning experience from me?
Answer: I think of that time fondly. It was the first time that I took piano playing seriously and you pushed me further along than I would have on my own volition because you believed in me. I wasn't able to appreciate it at the time but I'm sure it must have taken enormous courage and dedication to set up and run your own piano studio by yourself, and yet invest so much time and energy in your students, even out of our regular lesson times. I remember your setting up recitals for me, my brother and other students at all sort of different venues in Miri, often at your own expense, so that we would have the experience of performing in public. And even though I (and many other students I'm sure) disliked public performances then, I realize it was an important part of my musical education. I also remember the times when you spent nights and nights with us, helping us practice in your piano studio before major exams. You became so much more than just a piano teacher to us, and for that we are eternally grateful.

Question: Do you still playing piano frequently these days?
Answer: Not as frequently as I would like, but I still play every now and then. As a result, I don't have any pieces that are 'performance-ready' at this time. But when I have time to work something up, I'll try to record something for you!

I am anticipating Shin Rong’s recording, I have not heard of his piano playing since he left Malaysia on 2001!