No Goodbyes Program - Ti Wen, A virtuoso who makes the violin sing.
Let's be real. No matter what kind of music you're into, who hasn't felt a tug to one's heartstrings when you hear the haunting, soothing and melodic sound of a violin being played? It's an emotional trigger if there ever was one! And, the violin is infinitely more versatile than you might think. Yes, we commonly associate the violin with the Gods of classical music such as Beethoven, Bach and Paganini. But, did you realize that this delicate yet powerful instrument has also played a part in the music of contemporary artists like The Dave Matthews Band and Jeff Lynne's Electric Light Orchestra? If you've been thinking about learning the violin but weren't sure how to get started, the welcoming NO GOODBYES PROGRAM just might have the answers that you've been seeking. The No Goodbyes Program's team of diverse and talented instructors includes a veritable mistress of the violin, Ms. TI WEN.
Born and raised in TAIWAN and now a proud New Yorker, Ti Wen started learning the violin when she was just four years of age. Ms. Wen has over twenty-two years of experience playing, not only the violin but the viola, as well. Yes, you could certainly say that this caring teacher has QUITE a lot of experience going for her. There has never been a better time to explore seeing if learning the violin is the right move for you since the No Goodbyes Program is currently offering at selected locations only, a COMPLIMENTARY INTRO to VIOLIN COURSE. And the class is taught by none other than the aforementioned Ti Wen. Her class is limited to 3-5 persons per session and the age requirement is 5 to 18 years. If you already own a violin, that's great! However, if not, the No Goodbyes Program can provide a full-size violin for in-lesson use. How cool is that? Details are now being set, so log onto the program's website to obtain up-to-the-minute information at www.nogoodbyesprogram.com.
As we mentioned previously, our instructor in the spotlight grew up in Taiwan where there is a unique and very demanding system in place for classical music training. Going from elementary school all the way through university, there are specialized music departments and ALL students are required to learn at least two instruments. My friends, that is ONLY the beginning. In addition, students, such as Ti Wen had to take classes like ear training and music theory, even singing. This makes for one heck of a well-rounded musical education.
Aplez.com asked Ti to look back on those formative years and she had some interesting and surprising things to say. "Initially, I was not particularly interested in learning the violin. You know how kids are. I saw my cousin learning it and wanted to give it a try." A diligent student, Ti was a quick learner, however; "I began to feel a lot of pressure in junior high school, due to the rigors of the educational system and honestly, I didn't have much emotional connection to the instrument. It wasn't until a few years later, at university, when I began using the violin and viola to perform my own compositions, that I rediscovered the beauty of these instruments. I then realized that there are endless possibilities for playing string instruments. Practicing was no longer dull and tedious; instead, it became an exploration of creating unique sounds in different ways."
Once she began to settle in, it didn't take long for the newcomer to fall in love with everything that New York City has to offer, especially when it comes to the vibrant music scene. "I come from a classical music background but have expanded my horizons into other genres such as electronic music," explained Ti. " Here, in the Big Apple, there are endless possibilities in terms of musical creation and everyday living, not to mention the multi-ethnic food culture. Musicians from all over the world gather in this melting pot, making NYC a very suitable place for anyone who wants to learn or create art. "
While at university in Taiwan, Ti minored in electronic music, an interest and skill that she has carried over to her joining the team at No Goodbyes Program. Ti's professor at the University was a well-known contemporary experimental music composer in Taiwan Influenced by him, Ti began composing her own music, seeking to create an individual style. Never one to rest on her laurels, Ti is always seeking to challenge herself when it comes to the violin, the viola and electronic sounds.
One of Ti Wen's latest creative endeavors is her work DRUM CITY. We asked the musician/composer to tell us a little bit about this intriguing project. " This is a work that combines video, electronic sound and acoustic instruments. The project took our team to four different cities; Cleveland, Ohio, Warsaw, Indiana, NYC and Taipei Taiwan. The finished product combines Super8 Film, street sounds / audio recordings, and a live performance drum sound that was recorded at a studio in Brooklyn." As the video editor, Ti worked on the Super8 Film that was done in Cleveland and NYC and, of course, composed most of the sounds, both electronic and acoustic, that you hear.
Start Date: November 7th
Program Length: 1 year (DOE/NYC Parks Calendar)
Session 1: 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Session 2: 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Instructor: Ti Wen
Capacity: 9 students per group
Curriculum: Transformative Focus Chapters 2 & 3
A few weeks ago Ti collaborated with new media artist Xung (Sunghyun Jang) on a technology art show Lunar Resonance: An Interweaving of Sound, Light and Water, that was held on Governors Island. This immersive installation blended live performance, advanced sound manipulation and intricate visual elements to create a unique sensory experience that explores the interplay between natural phenomena and technological innovation. As a composer and viola player Ti made a substantial contribution to the event.
Ti started working with the No Goodbyes Program early this past Summer, organizing student recitals and, of course, teaching the violin. In terms of shared values and ideals, it really is a near-perfect pairing. " I totally appreciate the founding philosophy at the No Goodbyes Program," said Ti. " We encourage students to become their own teachers, so to speak. This is very important because, during the learning process, the direct interaction between student and teacher may be as little as one hour per week. Most of the time, students practice and achieve their goals on their own time. So, if students have a well-structured curriculum that gives them the right knowledge to self-evaluate what they were taught, it will be a much more effective way to learn and also grow as a person and become more self-reliant. "
We were curious as to what Ti liked BEST about being a teacher and what, conversely, the biggest challenges that she faces in the "classroom" are. As always, Ti's answer was thoughtful and candid. "What I enjoy the most is seeing my students make progress. Every time that a student grows, even if it is just a little bit, I feel extremely satisfied. As for the other part of your question: I would have to say that the greatest challenge for me, as a teacher, is patience. The sense of accomplishment that comes from progress actually requires endless practice and explanation. "In other words, a teacher has to, at first, work with a student at their own pace and, after a while, hopefully, the teacher will assist the student in taking things to another level. This can certainly test a teacher's patience. Some students " get" things faster than others. But each student deserves their instructor's MAXIMUM EFFORT. And at the No Goodbyes program that's exactly what you receive.
The future looks bright for both Ti Wen and the No Goodbyes Program. Ti is determined to let her voice be heard on the city's music scene and to give a voice to her students, as well. " Over the next few years, I plan to continue to create new music and participate in various multimedia projects. But, I am just as passionate about finding new ways to reach my students and help them to enhance their abilities. So, while being a performer and a creator, I will also remain committed to my role as a teacher, working with my students to help them achieve their goals. Just as my music mentors and teachers did with me."
With Ti Wen and her colleagues at the No Goodbyes Program, it's all about paying it forward. Discover the joy of being a musician and what it can make of you as a person at the No Goodbyes program.
Contact Information:
(732) 835-2385
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