I give beginner and intermediate VIOLA lessons to kids and teens. I, myself, am a teenager and have been playing viola for the past 10 years, I can teach them contemporary (pop music) and also classic

Learn more about Leo

• When did you first develop a passion for music and your favorite instrument?

  When I was in elementary school, I was interested in the music program that was being hosted. I started off playing the violin, then I switched to the viola after a few weeks because it felt more natural to me and I love the deep, rich tone that the instrument has.

• Is there a particular type of music or artist that you listen to on a loop without it driving you crazy?

  Well I listen to a lot of trap/hip hop, with a hint of some R&B. I also listen to some classic pieces that contain full orchestras because it soothes me and makes me feel relaxed.

• Explain to us the most difficult or riveting course you could personally give to a student of music.

  I would say that the most difficult course that I would personally give to a student of music would be the type of course that would allow me to teach them concertos that go on for 10+ minutes. The reason they are so difficult is because they require numerous hours of practice and, on top of that, they have relatively hard parts like cadenzas and require you to shift to at least fifth position.

• What do you think is the most complicated instrument to master and why?

  The viola is definitely one of the most complicated instrument's to play. It requires a lot of time and focus. You need to be avidly "into" the instrument (have a passion for it) in order to succeed. Different fingering positions and techniques that you use make this instrument challenging. If you play the instrument slightly wrong, it can have a big effect on your "career" because you can develop strains to your tendons and muscles when not playing correctly.

• What are your keys to success?

  My keys to success would be to practice smartly, having a good teacher, and opportunities to perform to enrich my skills. These keys helped me get to where I am now. For practicing, I have a motto: Practice makes better, not perfect. I believe that there is always room for improvement, even if you feel like you are at the top, just remember to constantly practice to make sure that you do well.

• Name three musicians you dream of meeting in your favourite bar in the early hours of the morning. Explain why.

  If I were to meet three musicians in a bar in the early hours of the morning, I would meet: Beethoven, Yo-Yo Ma, and Mozart. I would like to meet with Beethoven because of the fact that he was able to overcome his trials, such as him being deaf. Even though he was deaf, he composed numerous pieces that are classics to this day. I would like to meet Mozart because of his ability and talents. He was highly gifted and I've always loved to play his songs. For Yo-Yo Ma, I feel connected to him in the way that we both started off playing the violin. Just like Yo- Yo Ma, we both played the viola, though I kept playing it and he switched to cello. But I have always admired his hard work and practice.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to music or your days at music school.

  When I was at the SCSBOA festival for high school, I learned a pretty valuable lesson that day. At the time, I was the viola section leader and the other two players (there were three violas including me) were beginners who almost didn't play, they just "pretended" to play. After we performed, we had a little workshop with the head director of the festival who critiqued us. That day, I learned to help out my section after we were nailed. I also learned that in order to play well, the whole team has to play better (meaning that we all help each other out and have each other's backs) or else the whole team fails.

• What are the little touches that make you a Superprof in music?

  The little touches that make me a Superprof in music would be the amount of practice and experience that I have put into playing the viola. These touches have allowed me to becoming better and better each time that I try to improve. With this, I want to let others know of the power of practice and effort.