We were lucky to catch up with Connie Song recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Connie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

Growing up, soccer was my priority and music came last. I loved everything that came with playing on a competitive travel team and hated almost everything that came with playing an instrument. After starting on piano and quitting after a couple years, I had to pick another instrument, so I picked the viola in fourth grade.

For the next six years, I took lessons from a local viola teacher who became like my second mom. From the beginning, she saw my potential and when I entered high school, she encouraged me to audition for the San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra. The SFSYO was a rigorous orchestral program led by the San Francisco Symphony, highlighted by the weekly coachings from the SFS, the rehearsals in Davies Symphony Hall, and the European tours. I felt so underqualified knowing some of the other musicians in the orchestra, and didn’t want to audition because of my insecurities and my fear of rejection.

But the people pleaser in me auditioned, and got in by my sophomore year of high school. And as cliché as it sounds, my experience at the SFSYO was critical in pivoting the way I viewed classical music…so much so that I decided to major in viola performance.

During my senior year of high school, I transitioned teachers and started taking lessons from a professor at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM) along with chamber music lessons. With my new professor, I had to change a lot of things about my technique and playing; so from August-November, I was playing catch-up to get my pre-screening recordings ready by December 1. I was stressed, and it didn’t help that my chamber coach at that time would also comment and tell me, “You’re never gonna make it if you sound like THAT.”

Fast forward, I got into UCLA and was studying under the teacher I wanted. Unfortunately, however, he had to leave and the replacement teacher was everything that I was trying to get away from with my previous chamber coach.

I dreaded going to my lessons. People would tell me, “There’s always something you can learn from your professors. She’s going hard on you because she knows you’re good and can do better.” But after two years with her, I just felt embarrassed and ashamed. To make matters worse, my teacher changed again my senior year, and having had an inconsistent undergraduate education, with three viola professors over the course of my four years of college, I desperately needed to catch-up (sound familiar?) for my Masters.

Yet, while I was bracing myself for harsh criticism that paralleled my own self-doubt, I was met with an immensely supportive faculty when I started my Masters back at the SFCM. My private instructor was truly the best thing to have happened to me. His teaching undid so much of the hurt and baggage I had carried by myself for so long. I realized it was more than getting better at viola that I needed.

I used to have regrets. And maybe I still do. What would my life have looked like if I actually became a professional soccer player? What would my life have looked like if I had gone into the medical field? What would my life have looked like if I had a consistent and encouraging viola teacher from the start of undergrad?

These “what if’s” will always be there. But as I’m getting older, I’m understanding more that every part of my journey was important. Sure, it’s nice to know how to play viola and my musical skill could have definitely progressed much faster. But, I don’t think I would’ve made as much progress in my personal development if it weren’t for these obstacles. Where I was trying to find acceptance from my mentors and peers in order to prove my worth, I am now finding a healthier relationship with how I view myself and how words affect me. I am still figuring out what life as a musician looks like, but with this confidence, I’m excited for continued growth and for more of what’s to come.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a violist in the greater Los Angeles area with a passion for chamber music, teaching, and community engagement.

I graduated from USC with my Graduate Certificate in May 2023, received my Master of Music in 2021 from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, and earned my Bachelor of Arts in Music from the University of California Los Angeles in 2019.

Currently, I perform in orchestras and chamber ensembles throughout the greater Southern California region. My most recent appearances include performing Candlelight concerts, rehearsing with Grammy-winner Zedd, and recording for artists such as Lyn Lapid and Sad Alex.

I also am the violist in Common Gathering, which is a community of worshippers with the vision of inviting all people to experience and encounter the presence of the Living God through creative and authentic worship. It has been so fulfilling and challenging being part of this group because of how different it is playing in a worship band compared to an orchestra. I’m learning so much!

I am also a viola teacher. I currently work as a Teaching Artist for YOLA (the music education program under the LA Phil), and also hold my own private studio. My students have participated in orchestral programs such as the California Orchestra Directors Association (CODA) All-State Orchestra and the SCSBOA Middle School Symphonic Strings. Students I have worked with also won viola competitions like the US International Music Competition.

In addition to my teaching experience, I search for opportunities to give back to my community. In 2017, I became a Gluck ambassador as part of UCLA’s community outreach program. The Gluck Foundation nominated me to travel across Los Angeles to create spaces for music education. My desire is to continue this work of bridging the classical world and my community by making classical music more accessible and approachable, and by initiating professional development conversations.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I grew up knowing two different types of classical musicians: the first being cut-throat, competitive, and having the mentality that every musician for him/herself; the second being collaborative and encouraging. It’s so natural to become like the first. You’re auditioning against others for a very limited number of spots. You’re competing against others for first place. Who has the better sound? Who has better artistry? Who has more mastery over their technique?

As I’ve come out of school, I’ve encountered both. But, I’m realizing that more people desire to help others. It’s challenging and humbling to ask for help, but these candid conversations have led to open doors and more opportunities that I’m so thankful for.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

As a musician, it’s the most rewarding to be proud of a performance or recording. Just as I loved being part of a team growing up playing soccer, I love the camaraderie that music can bring, especially when there’s a shared focus and desire.

As a teacher, it’s the most rewarding seeing my students make progress. Progress isn’t always linear, but I love when they ask questions and really wrestle with the music so that they can tell their own story.

Contact Info:

• Other: I don’t personally have these, but Common Gathering has these sites: Website: https://www.commongathering.com/ Youtube: @commongathering Instagram: commongatheringmusic