Tina Wang
Why did you choose your program at UBC and what did you enjoy most about it?
I had a passion for music and wanted to explore and learn more about it. The Bachelor of Music program at UBC set me up with lots of diverse opportunities from amazing faculty and peers. They gave me a lot of insight and growth as a musician.
What were some of your most meaningful experiences at UBC?
My private lessons, ensemble opportunities, and woodwind / brass classes made a huge impact. These experiences played a key role in my personal growth and made me the musician that I am today. My education provided a lot of insights towards developing my skills.
What choices did you make at UBC that contributed to your career success / journey?
Learning and engaging myself in the diverse opportunities UBC provided really helped me gain a lot of experience. Learning instruments I had never played taught me the similarities and differences between them. Learning about music education and conducting taught me more about organization and how to better run chamber saxophone workshops and camps.
What was your first job after graduation and what other jobs did you have before your current position?
I started as a private music instructor at Mastery School of Music and at Long & McQuade while I was still studying at UBC and continued after I graduated. This led me to establishing and running my own private studio full time. Now I am honoured to have joined the faculty at Vancouver Academy of Music.
Is your current career path as you originally intended? What challenges did you face in launching your career?
I went into the music program at UBC not knowing what I wanted to do in the future, be it a band director or private music teacher. Currently, I really enjoy being able to inspire young budding musicians and share my passion for music with them.
Being a private music instructor is a challenge in itself. Having to understand and learn the business aspects of it on my own and learn about management, marketing, branding, and the pedagogy of teaching while being on top of learning about my teaching style and maintaining integrity makes it a full time job!
What do you like about your current job and what do you find challenging? How does it relate to your degree?
Being able to make a positive impact on students and the community is the most important thing. Being able to inspire students and see them achieve their milestones and goals is irreplaceable.
It is a huge challenge being a private instructor since there is a lot that goes into it. At university, I was taught how to play my instrument along with some pedagogy, but no one taught me the amount of business management that’s behind the scenes!
Finding a balance between teaching students while working on my own personal growth and professional development to be a successful teacher is a good challenge that life taught me.
What I learned at university provided me with a lot of craft which I can offer my students. It sets them up with skills and experience they can use as musicians whether they see music as a lifelong passion for fun or something they want to pursue in the future.
From your experience, what has been the value of having an Arts degree?
I have found value in having an in-depth background in the art of music history, theory, the concepts of how music melds together, and the impact it can create in life (both musically and non-musically). This has provided me with a lot of insight and knowledge that I can share with others.
What advice would you give to students and alumni interested in breaking into your industry?
Get involved in as much as you can as early as possible! While learning and growing your musical skills, also do some jamming, performing, and teaching. It is also super helpful if you get involved in local music organizations and communities. This will help provide lots of real life experience of what the industry is like and what it can offer.
What advice would you give your graduating self?
Be confident and keep on working on your skills—personally and professionally— and don’t ever give up your grit! Continue to respect your friends and peers and maintain good relationships with them.
Tina Wang
Why did you choose your program at UBC and what did you enjoy most about it?
I had a passion for music and wanted to explore and learn more about it. The Bachelor of Music program at UBC set me up with lots of diverse opportunities from amazing faculty and peers. They gave me a lot of insight and growth as a musician.
What were some of your most meaningful experiences at UBC?
My private lessons, ensemble opportunities, and woodwind / brass classes made a huge impact. These experiences played a key role in my personal growth and made me the musician that I am today. My education provided a lot of insights towards developing my skills.
What choices did you make at UBC that contributed to your career success / journey?
Learning and engaging myself in the diverse opportunities UBC provided really helped me gain a lot of experience. Learning instruments I had never played taught me the similarities and differences between them. Learning about music education and conducting taught me more about organization and how to better run chamber saxophone workshops and camps.
What was your first job after graduation and what other jobs did you have before your current position?
I started as a private music instructor at Mastery School of Music and at Long & McQuade while I was still studying at UBC and continued after I graduated. This led me to establishing and running my own private studio full time. Now I am honoured to have joined the faculty at Vancouver Academy of Music.
Is your current career path as you originally intended? What challenges did you face in launching your career?
I went into the music program at UBC not knowing what I wanted to do in the future, be it a band director or private music teacher. Currently, I really enjoy being able to inspire young budding musicians and share my passion for music with them.
Being a private music instructor is a challenge in itself. Having to understand and learn the business aspects of it on my own and learn about management, marketing, branding, and the pedagogy of teaching while being on top of learning about my teaching style and maintaining integrity makes it a full time job!
What do you like about your current job and what do you find challenging? How does it relate to your degree?
Being able to make a positive impact on students and the community is the most important thing. Being able to inspire students and see them achieve their milestones and goals is irreplaceable.
It is a huge challenge being a private instructor since there is a lot that goes into it. At university, I was taught how to play my instrument along with some pedagogy, but no one taught me the amount of business management that’s behind the scenes!
Finding a balance between teaching students while working on my own personal growth and professional development to be a successful teacher is a good challenge that life taught me.
What I learned at university provided me with a lot of craft which I can offer my students. It sets them up with skills and experience they can use as musicians whether they see music as a lifelong passion for fun or something they want to pursue in the future.
From your experience, what has been the value of having an Arts degree?
I have found value in having an in-depth background in the art of music history, theory, the concepts of how music melds together, and the impact it can create in life (both musically and non-musically). This has provided me with a lot of insight and knowledge that I can share with others.
What advice would you give to students and alumni interested in breaking into your industry?
Get involved in as much as you can as early as possible! While learning and growing your musical skills, also do some jamming, performing, and teaching. It is also super helpful if you get involved in local music organizations and communities. This will help provide lots of real life experience of what the industry is like and what it can offer.
What advice would you give your graduating self?
Be confident and keep on working on your skills—personally and professionally— and don’t ever give up your grit! Continue to respect your friends and peers and maintain good relationships with them.
