February 2022 Student of the Month – Eric Wang

This month we’re so excited to feature CCM guitar student, Eric Wang, as our February 2022 Student of the Month! Eric has been taking guitar lessons for around 11 years at CCM’s Sunnyvale location with Teacher Robert. Teacher Robert and the rest of us here at CCM are so proud of Eric and were so happy to see him featured on NPR’s Instagram this month! Congrats to Eric for all of his accomplishments and amazing progress over the years!

Read below to see Eric’s great advice for CCM students just starting on their musical journey, and don’t forget to check out the parent spotlight as well.

Q: What is your name?

A: My name’s Eric Wang.

Q: How old are you?

A: 17 years old.

Q: Who is your teacher?

A: I study with Robert Miller.

Q: What advice would you give to a guitar student just starting out at CCM?

A: I’d say that just starting a musical instrument is always difficult. Improvement is not easy, and you may feel discouraged by your lack of progress sometimes. However, just as long as you keep playing, you’ll definitely be rewarded.

I’d also say to always be listening: to recordings and, if possible, live music. One of the key parts about becoming better at music is to listen to the music you play. Just being exposed to classical music can help you develop a better understanding and enjoyment of playing it.

Q: What piece are you looking forward to learning someday?

A: I’m really hoping to learn the Tahhiyya Li Ossoulina, by Sergio Assad, performed by the Assad duo. I’ve listened to it so much along with Jardim Abandonado, my favorite album of theirs. It’s an electrifying and enthralling piece that I’m very much looking forward to learn.

Q: What is your favorite thing about playing guitar?

A: I’d say it’s the element of interpretation that makes guitar and music in general so beautiful for me. With any piece, it’s possible to have an infinite amount of different interpretations. Finding one’s own musical voice within that multitude is one of the most fun and genuine parts about music for me. Guitar stands out as an instrument that offers an unparalleled array of color and timbre and is such a unique medium to form an interpretation.

Q: What is your favorite food?

A: I really like noodles.

Q: Do you have a pet?

A: No.

Q: Do you play any sports or do any other activities outside of music lessons?

A: I’m pretty involved with my school’s astronomy program. I teach in the class and the research program, and work with friends on projects on really cool astronomy topics, like black holes and variable stars. I’m also on my school’s track and field team, previously doing cross country in the fall semester.

Q: What do you want to be when you grow up?

A: I’m not sure yet, but I’d like to become a professor or teacher of sorts, whether that’s in astrophysics and music. Teaching is one of the things that I really enjoy doing.

Q: What is your most memorable experience at CCM?

A: There really have been so many, from masterclasses with great musicians to just inspiring moments in private lessons. If I had to choose, I’d probably say the 2018 Guitar Foundation of America competition. Getting to play with the ensemble alongside my friends at the GFA was a really fun experience.

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Parent Spotlight – Gaoyuan Wang

Q: Regarding guitar, what are you most proud of your child accomplishing?

A: We are proud that with all the help and his own persistence, Eric found his passion, very likely a lifetime passion, in music at young age and he has been actively trying to make differences with music for the community.

Q: What advice would you give to a new parent starting in the program?

A: I feel that help your child develop his/her strong passion in music is way more important that insisting on 100% correct in fingering or practicing long time everyday. Listening to music often, going to concerts, participating in group lessons are all good ways to cultivate passion.

Q: Why did you decide to give your child a musical upbringing?

A: We feel music education is one of the best possible gifts parents can give to a child as it is a lifelong asset that he/she will always possess and enjoy. Also, music education is a quality time that we get to spend with our children.