Violin

Lessons available in English or Mandarin Chinese

Clair Tang began studying violin at the age of 6. By high school, she would go on to study under the tutelage of Professor Zhang Chengye of Nanjing’s University of the Arts. Later, she received her Bachelors of Arts in violin from Xiamen University’s Music department. During her second year of university, she interned at Xiamen musical theatre orchestra’s (Xiamen symphony) first violin section and retained employment in the second violin section with the orchestra after graduation. Since 2006, she has taught violin, composition and music theory to countless students aged 3–65 years.

By 2010, Clair became one of Xiamen’s premier contemporary violinists performing both as a soloist and on stage in conjunction with some of the East Asia’s most prestigious performers such as jazz pianist Miao Zi, Taiwanese jazz saxophonist Cheng-Yu Lee, and Rock Record’s group Yu Hou Nan Li. Over the years she has also engaged in studio work for most notably MojoStone recording studio, Fang Yu Cheng music studio and Shi Yin Guang Nian recording studio.

Clair has spent years teaching England’s standard ABRSM with distinction and now applies the same fervor to teaching RCM where students ranging from beginner to advanced levels can learn violin techniques, performance skills, music theory, sight reading, ear training and improvisation in both classical and contemporary music fields in either English or Mandarin Chinese.

What is your education and experience?

2006- 2010 Bachelor of Arts in Violin Performance, Xiamen University Music Department 2006 – Pres Private Tutoring
2007 – 2014 Xiamen Symphony
2007 – 2021 Star River/Kingbon Music Training Schools

Tell us about one of your fondest musical memories.

It happened recently. I hadn’t met many people since coming to Winnipeg. I enjoyed going to jam sessions when I was in China, so I posted a video of me fiddling on a facebook musician group trying to know some local musicians to jam with. Luckily, some people liked my playing and invited me to perform with them. I’m now playing with a band and perform occasionally, doing what I like.

What made you decide to study music?

When I was 6, I was walking with my mom to a school playground to play. The school’s music programme was accepting new students. My mom asked me if I wanted to try an instrument. Violin was the only instrument that I heard of at that time, so I picked it. It was a random choice of mine at the beginning, but I grew to love it, and dedicate my whole life to it.

How are your lessons unique?

Besides violin techniques and music theory, I also teach sight-reading, composition and improvisation. Knowing how to improvise is not only fun, it also helps a lot with stage fright.

What is your favourite part about teaching?

Seeing my students improve and most importantly, enjoy playing music.

What would you say to someone who is interested in studying music?

Give it a try! No matter what your goal is, music can definitely help with many aspects of your life.