[Main visual] Ho, Yun-Yen
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Ho, Yun-Yen

Yamaha Electone Instructor. Music department of Tunghai University, Master's Degree in Electone and Music Composition. Third place winner in the 2002 International Electone Concours (IEC). Currently teaching at Tunghai University, in the College of Fine Arts and Creative Design, Department of Music, as well as at Tainan University of Technology, in the College of Arts, Department of Music and Department of Popular Music. Recent collaborations include the role of Synthesizer with the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO), the Evergreen Symphony Orchestra (ESO), and the Taipei Philharmonic Orchestra (TPO).

We sat down with Ho, Yun-Yen to discuss her career so far and thoughts around music and education.

How did you start learning music?

I practically grew up in Yamaha, one can say I am a true "Yamaha Kid." I enrolled in the Yamaha group music courses when I was just three and a half years old and received the entire curriculum at Yamaha. I was introduced to the Electone in fourth grade, thereby forging my indissoluble bond with the Electone.

How did you start your music education career?

I started off tutoring students in college, and I also taught classes in our (Yamaha) Music Education Program. My full-time teaching career really began after I completed my post-graduate degree. However, I see myself as more than an educator, because I want to pursue a parallel career as a music performer and an educator, to inspire students to have a broader vision for their own future. I want my students to see multi-faceted possibilities in terms of career paths with this musical instrument, be it on stage or off stage. Therefore, no matter how busy I am, I will always continue to pursue this dual-role career goal.

[Photo] Ho, Yun-Yen

How would you describe your relationship with music?

I think music is very important, much like the three critical elements for sustaining life: Sunlight, Air, and Water. Sunlight: Music always warms our hearts and strengthens us. Air: Cannot be seen or felt physically (just like music), but we really can't live without it. As for water, our human bodies are composed of 70% water, so it is essential to our bodily functions and well-being. To me, music is equally important to our existence.

Do you think you have certain advantages when it comes to performing music?

When performing and interpreting music, I always contemplate what the music composers want to express; And when it comes to conveying emotions through music, I am meticulous on the expression of each note. Furthermore, while performing, I will try to detach myself from the performer, and listen to the performance from the standpoint of an independent audience. This is my methodology when I am performing, perhaps this cannot be considered an advantage, but it is something I feel is important during performances. When it comes to music creation and composition, I often share with my students that each and every musical note composed must be considered irreplaceable, only then will you find true meaning in your musical piece. Our attitude toward music must be conscientious and rigorous, but at the same time we must embrace music with warmth and passion.

Have you ever encountered any gender equality issues in music performance events? If so, how did you overcome these issues?

I am fortunate that I have not encountered any gender inequality issues. The people I come across at work are mutually respectful. I have worked with numerous musicians, both male and female, and we all get along very well. We may have different ideas about music, and our line of thought may differ, but these can always be discussed and worked out.

[Photo] Ho, Yun-Yen

How would you describe your relationship with (music) education?

Education requires deep passion, so I consider it a serious matter. Having said that, when teaching, I always promote that we must "Enjoy Learning Music," which is in line with the educational philosophy at Yamaha. When students are inspired to learn and really love music from the heart, to find the joy and a sense of accomplishment in learning music, that is educational success in my book. Therefore, education is not forcing students to achieve specific goals, but to lead and guide them to find their interest and passion in music.

How would you describe your teaching style? When it comes to your music class, is there anything that is particularly important to you?

I think my teaching style is quite flexible, I have no Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for teaching. Each age group has different needs. For example, I have older students who come to learn the (Electone) keyboard as a hobby, or as a conduit for emotional expression. When they have performance opportunities, I would help them arrange music that is not too difficult to play but will maximize their stage charisma for their performance. In this way, the students will find greater enjoyment from music. For young children, I strive to inspire their creativity and make them feel the fun in music, to enlighten and maximize their passion for music. As for students already majoring in music, other than stressing the importance of their passion for music, I will also ask them to be relentless and responsible whenever it comes to music, because one day they will also become virtuosos or educators, and it is my hope that they will also be humble and passionate towards music.

[Photo] Ho, Yun-Yen

Do you have any advice for future generations?

Nowadays, children are generally not as enthusiastic and patient as we were when it comes to practicing musical instruments, perhaps because they are used to the fast pace of electronic (3C) products. However, I believe learning music and learning to play an entire song on a musical instrument is an inspirational accomplishment that is difficult to express with words. I strongly encourage children to learn and practice musical instruments, because not only will this help enhance brain development, but also relieve emotional tensions. It is truly good for the body, mind and soul altogether. Of course, this must be a progressive and persistent effort on our part, so more and more children will fall in love with music, and make the world a better place because of music. So, let us all put down our electronic (3C) gadgets, and enjoy creating and playing music!!

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