We recently connected with Ron Kao and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Ron, thanks for joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

Growing up in New York, I always had the violin in my life. I was classically trained and fortunate enough to perform at Carnegie Hall on multiple occasions, a dream for any young musician. I even played for special high school moments like prom proposals and Valentine’s Day carnations, though I never imagined it would lead to anything beyond these casual performances. At that time, I was on a different path altogether—I entered college as a Premed Neuroscience student, aiming for a career in medicine, a path I thought would make my family proud. Deep down, though, I knew it wasn’t what I wanted, but admitting that—especially to my parents—seemed impossible.

After completing my Master’s in global medicine from the University of Southern California, I found myself at a crossroads. Moving from New York to Los Angeles was a leap into the unknown. I didn’t know exactly what my future would hold, but I knew one thing: I didn’t want to follow a path that might leave me feeling resentful or unfulfilled. I took a job as a coordinator at a health startup, determined to carve out my own path.

The turning point came during the COVID lockdowns. My father-in-law urged me to play at our neighborhood’s July 4th block party—a “serenade” to lift spirits. I hadn’t touched my violin in years, but the response was incredible. Encouraged by the joy it brought, my family and I decided to take this further, performing at places like Newport and Huntington Beach piers on quiet weekends. People were thrilled to hear live music, and gradually, the requests started pouring in. Soon, I was performing at proposals, backyard parties, weddings, corporate events, and even big events like the ESPYs.

Moving out to Los Angeles with no clear plan was the risk that changed everything. I didn’t have a roadmap, but I knew the one thing I couldn’t do was take a path that wasn’t mine. Now, I’m not only a healthcare tech manager but also a luxury event violinist, bringing beautiful music to people across Southern California, the nation, and internationally. That initial leap was more than a move; it was the start of finding my true passion.

Ron, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Ron, a classically trained violinist with roots in New York, where my love for music began. Growing up, I had the privilege of performing at Carnegie Hall multiple times and sharing moments with my classmates by playing at high school events, like prom proposals and Valentine’s Day carnations. Music was always part of my life, but I never imagined it as a career; I originally pursued a path in medicine, graduating with a Master’s in Global Medicine from USC. After moving to Los Angeles and joining the healthcare tech industry, I climbed the ranks, and today, I’m a manager at a healthcare tech company. But it was during the COVID lockdowns, with my violin in hand, that I felt a calling back to music.

It started with a neighborhood block party on July 4th, encouraged by my father-in-law, and quickly grew. My family and I began playing at Newport and Huntington Beach piers, bringing music to a world that felt closed off during lockdowns. Soon, people started requesting performances for their own milestones, from proposals to corporate events. This led to the creation of Virtuous Violinist, my luxury entertainment business.

Virtuous Violinist specializes in creating unforgettable musical experiences for luxury weddings, corporate events, private parties, and international venues. Each performance is tailored to the event’s mood, theme, and energy, whether it’s a classic romance or a high-energy celebration. I roam the event, engaging and interacting with each guest in attendance.

I solve a unique problem: how to elevate and personalize high-end events with a touch of elegance and emotion that only live violin music can provide. My background in classical music, combined with the modern setup and high-quality sound production, creates a luxurious feel that resonates deeply with audiences. Additionally, I bring a sense of artistry and dedication that reflects years of training and a passion that only grew through my journey from medicine to music.

What sets Virtuous Violinist apart is the genuine connection I bring to each performance. From understanding the client’s vision to delivering a seamless and memorable experience, my goal is to go beyond simply playing music—I want to bring a powerful, emotional experience that guests will remember long after the event ends.

I’m incredibly proud of how far Virtuous Violinist has come, from playing neighborhood block parties to gracing international stages. I want potential clients and followers to know that my work is about more than music; it’s about creating a shared, uplifting experience that enhances every special moment. My journey here may have been unconventional, but it’s taught me the importance of following one’s passion and sharing it with others in a way that feels meaningful.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.virtuousviolinist.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/virtuousviolinist
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn85–EO-iOjsNUayQ_zlkA
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/virtuous-violinist-los-angeles

Image Credits
@laurendinhphotography @Hannah.mov @jarrodjphoto