Recent comments in /f/IAmA

Maggie_Steebich t1_j83lezc wrote

Reply to comment by raychenviolin in I’m Ray Chen, international concert violinist, performed in over 60 countries, was featured in Riot Game’s Emmy winning animated series, Arcane, and cofounder of Tonic, an app that motivates you to practice. AMA! by raychenviolin

Thank you for your honest answer. It is nice to hear there is a difference between the pieces and to read what feelings you want to transport with the melody

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HappyH147 t1_j83d5ux wrote

Reply to I’m Ray Chen, international concert violinist, performed in over 60 countries, was featured in Riot Game’s Emmy winning animated series, Arcane, and cofounder of Tonic, an app that motivates you to practice. AMA! by raychenviolin

Hi Ray, what is your approach when learning a totally new piece with harder skill level than the current you have? I'm trying to learn new pieces but sometimes it gets discouraging with a new one when the first page is so hard.

Additionally, what is your thoughts about classical music potential in modern age? Would love to hear your perspective on it, if you are ok with sharing it.

Thank you for open this AMA!

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jmax565 t1_j82wq1f wrote

Reply to comment by raychenviolin in I’m Ray Chen, international concert violinist, performed in over 60 countries, was featured in Riot Game’s Emmy winning animated series, Arcane, and cofounder of Tonic, an app that motivates you to practice. AMA! by raychenviolin

I saw you at that very concert! Fantastic job! The Mendelssohn sounded really great (despite the minor technical difficulties at the end, which were handled very well!). Your passion and joy while performing are clear to see. And a very nice gesture giving that girl the flowers.

(endearing to know that big orchestral celebs hop on Reddit after their concerts - very relatable, lol)

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raychenviolin OP t1_j82k4fc wrote

Reply to comment by Kalepsis in I’m Ray Chen, international concert violinist, performed in over 60 countries, was featured in Riot Game’s Emmy winning animated series, Arcane, and cofounder of Tonic, an app that motivates you to practice. AMA! by raychenviolin

Just finished a concert now so this is fresh on my mind. I recall at one point as a student, I went through a lengthy process where I examined as many human emotions I could think of (eg. delightful, exuberant, nonchalance, outside-sorrow, inner-sorrow, the list goes on forever) and tried to figure out what it would sound like coming from an instrument.

Having these different emotions are like colors on a palette. You can paint the most vivid and intense visuals through music that impact directly to the listener’s heart.

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Arudj t1_j82eh94 wrote

Reply to I’m Ray Chen, international concert violinist, performed in over 60 countries, was featured in Riot Game’s Emmy winning animated series, Arcane, and cofounder of Tonic, an app that motivates you to practice. AMA! by raychenviolin

Hey Ray!

What other genra of music do you like to play on your violin, even if its not fit to your instrument? (like blues, metal, jazz, irish, etc.)

I also wonder if you ever try oriental music like arab, turkish, greek, etc? (quarter tone, makam mode, oriental tuning, etc).

Really appreciate that you, Hilary and twoset share classical music knowledge to the comon folks. I start learning music theory because of you all!

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darthfoofie t1_j826092 wrote

Reply to comment by bunny0117 in I’m Ray Chen, international concert violinist, performed in over 60 countries, was featured in Riot Game’s Emmy winning animated series, Arcane, and cofounder of Tonic, an app that motivates you to practice. AMA! by raychenviolin

I played piano in grade school to high school. I seldom played much after that, just once in a great while when I came across a piano. I am 51 now and just started violin this week. After four days, I can play Mary Had a Little Lamb, Jingle Bells, and a little of Ode to Joy. I don't think you would find it difficult to pick up the violin. No, I don't have the coordination to play it perfectly because this is the first time I've picked up a violin. But all things worth doing in life require practice and patience. The challenge is part of the fun.

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flyingducks27 t1_j81qwcu wrote

Reply to comment by raychenviolin in I’m Ray Chen, international concert violinist, performed in over 60 countries, was featured in Riot Game’s Emmy winning animated series, Arcane, and cofounder of Tonic, an app that motivates you to practice. AMA! by raychenviolin

Thanks for the detailed response Ray - didn’t expect it! This was a great surprise to my not-so-good school day.

On the side note, Your performance at LA Phil last week was inspiring and will definitely practice more on Tonic now :) hope to see u in tonic studio!!

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bunny0117 t1_j81o3k2 wrote

Reply to I’m Ray Chen, international concert violinist, performed in over 60 countries, was featured in Riot Game’s Emmy winning animated series, Arcane, and cofounder of Tonic, an app that motivates you to practice. AMA! by raychenviolin

Hi Ray! Any advice for learning instruments as an adult? I played the piano for several years as a kid, and used to compete, but haven’t played in 20 years or so. I recently tried to pick it back up but felt frustrated as I’m nowhere near the level that I used to be at. I’d really like to try learning the violin at some point as well, but I’m worried that it would be too difficult if I can’t even properly play an instrument that I used to be skilled at🥲

Thank you!

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