Every month, we like to spotlight one of our incredible Elemental Music teachers. Some of them have been teaching with us for close to a decade while others might be in their first year of working for our organization, but there is one thing that all of our teachers have in common: their dedication to the young musicians in our programs.
This month, we are featuring Linda Szeto, an accomplished clarinetist and dedicated music educator at Elemental Music. Linda joined our teaching team in 2018 and has been a valued part of the community ever since. With a rich background in both performance and education, Linda has performed as a soloist with the Hong Kong Festival Youth Wind Orchestra and the UCSD Wind Ensemble, among others. We are proud to have Linda as part of the Elemental Music team and are excited to see the continued impact she has on our students' musical journeys!
Elemental Music: How long have you been teaching for Elemental Music? Can you tell us a little bit about your history with the organization?
Linda Szeto: I started teaching at Elemental Music in 2018. Lessons used to take place at SMC practice rooms but now we have our own building! I am thankful to be able to witness the growth of Elemental Music!
EM: How did you get started in music?
LS: My grandfather was an instrument collector and played the clarinet during his free time. He had a few clarinets lying around in the instrument room in his home, which I had always called the “treasure room.” When I was in 3rd grade, he suggested that I take clarinet lessons at school and gave me a plastic clarinet of his to start lessons with.
EM: What is one of your favorite musical memories?
LS: I can’t really narrow it down to just one favorite memory. But If I have to be specific, I would say it’s the goosebumps I feel when the music gets really intense during a performance, and a smile on my student’s face when they realize they achieve something technical and/or musical on the clarinet.
EM: Can you tell us about your experience performing as a soloist with the Hong Kong Festival Youth Wind Orchestra and what that opportunity meant to you?
LS: At the time of the performance, I remembered being happy and pleased because the performance went well. Now, when I come to think about it, I am thankful and grateful because the opportunity gave me a purpose and also reaffirmed my idea of becoming a musician.
EM: What inspired you to teach in addition to performing?
LS: When I was a student, I always came out of my lessons feeling inspired because of my teachers. They are the reason why I want to share the same experience with my students.
EM: If you could give our students one piece of advice, musical or otherwise, what would it be?
LS: My musical advice to students would be: be honest with yourself, practice with a metronome. Non-musical advice: Dream big! If you don’t have one yet, start dreaming today!