Sharing Work Beyond the Studio
Creative work becomes more meaningful when it reaches beyond private practice. Through community performances, cultural events, and volunteer opportunities, I have learned that music and art can serve people — not just express the person making it.
Community Activities
Lunar New Year Cultural Celebration
Surrey Chinese Cultural Association · Solo Guzheng PerformerPerformed a traditional Guzheng piece for an audience of over 200 community members. The event celebrated cultural heritage across generations and included traditional performances, food, and art.
Senior Centre Music Visit
Crescent Gardens Senior Living · Volunteer PerformerOrganised and performed a short recital of classical Chinese pieces for elderly residents. Several audience members told me the music reminded them of home, which changed how I think about performing.
Semiahmoo Arts Night
Semiahmoo Secondary School · Solo Guzheng PerformerPerformed at the annual school arts showcase alongside visual art displays, dance performances, and theatre. This was the first time many classmates heard Guzheng performed live.
Art Mentorship Program
Semiahmoo Secondary School · Peer MentorVolunteered as a peer mentor in the Grade 8–9 art class, helping younger students develop foundational drawing and painting skills. This experience deepened my own understanding of art fundamentals.
Multicultural Heritage Festival
City of Surrey · Youth PerformerSelected to represent Chinese musical traditions at the annual heritage festival. Performed two contrasting pieces — one traditional, one contemporary — for a diverse outdoor audience.
Community Art Exhibition
Surrey Arts Centre · Student ExhibitorExhibited two paintings in a student group show. Seeing my work displayed publicly for the first time made me more conscious of how art communicates without the artist present.
Performing for different audiences has taught me that music is a form of service. When I play for elderly community members, the purpose is different from performing at a school showcase or a cultural festival. Each setting asks something specific of me, and learning to adapt has made me a better musician and a more thoughtful person.
— What I learned from community work