We recently connected with Peiwen Su and have shared our conversation below.

Peiwen, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

I believe that life is full of beautiful moments, and meaningful things are always happening around us. If I had to pick just one, I’d choose a recent experience that truly touched my heart.

In January 2025, wildfires swept through the Los Angeles area, forcing thousands of people to evacuate. In just one night, their homes and everything they had worked for were gone. Many were left with nothing, seeking shelter and waiting for help.

On the fifth day of the wildfire, I performed in a long-planned Candlelight String Quartet Concert at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library. That night, my fellow musicians and I decided to make the concert more than just a performance—we wanted to make a difference. We agreed to donate every dollar of the tips we received from the audience to help those affected by the fires, hoping to offer even a little bit of relief.

Before we played, we took a moment to share our mission with the audience. Then, we performed over twenty beloved songs by Queen and Adele, pouring our hearts into every note. By the end of the night, we had raised $3,300 in tips, which we donated in full to two incredible relief organizations—World Central Kitchen and MusiCares.

That evening was truly special. Through my violin, I was able to do more than just share music—I was able to help, to bring warmth, and to connect with people in a meaningful way. It was a reminder that music isn’t just about sound; it’s about bringing people together, spreading kindness, and making the world a little brighter.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am a violin educator, performer, and music competition organizer, dedicated to inspiring the next generation of musicians, guiding their artistic growth, and shaping their paths in orchestral auditions and music examinations. My work extends beyond education into the dynamic world of performance, from film scoring and classical concerts to live wedding music. I also manage and oversee a music competition team, ensuring professional execution and seamless collaboration.

My musical journey has been deeply rooted in classical training. Born and raised in Taiwan, I moved to the U.S. at 19 to study violin at Oberlin Conservatory . Four years later, I went to USC for my Master’s drgree for violin performing. Throughout my career, I have been surrounded by outstanding classical musicians, competition winners, and esteemed professors who have shaped my artistic perspective.

Los Angeles opened new doors for me, allowing me to expand my collaborations beyond the classical world. Here, I’ve worked with film producers, composers, wedding music companies, major music industry agencies, and commercial partners, enriching my artistic experience with a diverse range of creative voices.

Beyond teaching and performing, I am the artist director and organizer of the California Youth Music Competition, an annual event in Los Angeles that brings together over 200 young musicians from across Southern California. Creating this platform has been a year-round commitment, requiring meticulous planning, judge selection, and close teamwork to ensure a professional and inspiring competition experience. My mission is to provide young musicians with not only a stage but also the confidence and resilience to thrive in their musical journeys.

Every aspect of my work is driven by passion—the joy of nurturing talent, the exhilaration of performance, and the fulfillment of creating opportunities for the next generation. Music is more than just my profession; it is my way of shaping the world, one note at a time.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I believe art goes beyond words. More than anything, I believe in its power to bring warmth to the world. Life is short, but within it are moments worth remembering.

Last month, during a charity performance at a nursing home in Torrance, I played Somewhere Over the Rainbow, a song from the 1940s. After the last note faded, a 94-year-old woman, eyes filled with tears, took my hand and said, “Thank you. Your music brought me back to the happiest year of my life—the year I got married.”

Another moment stays with me. Two years ago, a woman reached out with a request for her mother, who had only two days left to live. Once a pianist, she was now bedridden, unable to play. Her daughter wanted her to experience music one last time. As I played, they held hands and cried together. That was their final shared moment—a memory beyond words, but one filled with love.

These experiences have only strengthened my belief in music’s power. It stays with us through every stage of life, carrying our memories and emotions. As a musician, my role is to bring those moments to people—to help them remember, to move them, to connect them to something deeper. If my music can touch even one person’s heart, then every note is worth playing.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I have a passion for photography, capturing meaningful moments of people, places, and events. This love for visual storytelling naturally extends to my social media, where I enjoy sharing valuable insights and details.

I see social media as a powerful first impression—much like a business card. It allows others to understand you at a glance. That’s why I create dedicated accounts for different projects, whether it’s a music competition, an educational initiative, or a personal endeavor. This approach highlights each project’s unique appeal and attracts the right audience.

A compelling social media presence requires keen observation and adaptability. When managing a competition’s account, I focus on capturing the grandeur of the event—spatial design, the elegance of a Steinway, and the intensity of a performer’s expression. For children’s music education, I shift my lens toward their learning reactions and moments of joy. On my personal account, I document life’s beauty, from concert hall triumphs to a single flower on a quiet street, the vast desert sky, or a fleeting moment of family warmth.

Ultimately, social media is about authenticity. The ability to observe, adapt, and stay attuned to the world keeps an account engaging and persuasive. More than just a platform, it becomes a reflection of one’s artistry and vision.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.cymcmusiccomp.com/
• Instagram: peiwensu_
• Youtube: Pei-Wen Su