Name –  Angel Tzu-Nung Lin

Hometown – Taipei, Taiwan       

Degree Program / Year of Graduation  – Doctorate of Musical Arts/ Fall 2015

Year you are in– Third year of my degree

Dream Job – Professor at a college

 

1. Why did you come to WVU?

Faculty and the studying environment

 

2. What do you like best about WVU as a whole?

It is very diverse with students from all over the world. Not only can you learn from the professors about their specialty, you also can learn from native or international students about their different cultures.

 

3. How did your foundations classes prepare you for your major?

I have been playing the piano since I was five. As a Taiwanese, learning how to play the piano or any instrument seems to be common in my country. I had piano and flute private lessons every week for over 8 years until I got accepted to go to the special class in junior high.  While growing up, I was always in the special class with only students who knew how to play instruments. I think that starting early in the music field is very important and helpful.

 

4. Did you find that you ended up enjoying a class (at the Creative Arts Center) that you didn’t think you would? If so, why?

During my second year of receiving my Doctorate of Musical Arts, I took the 16th and 17th century music history class with Dr. Ferer, who is an amazing teacher at the Creative Arts Center. In this class, music was very hard to understand. However, Dr. Fever used a very simple way for us to understand easily!

 

5. What has been your favorite experience at the CAC?

My favorite part has been playing music collaboratively with my friends and the studio lunch! Before the semester starts and ends, Dr. Amstutz’s studio always holds a lunch for his students to get together and spend time with each other and with Dr. Amstutz. I have to say that I really enjoy it a lot!! 

 

6. Describe some opportunities in which you have gotten to exhibit your own work or talent while studying at the CAC.

So far, I have had two chamber recitals and am going to have my first solo recital in this coming March in Bloch Hall. I also used to play in a couple of events which were held by CAC.

 

7. Who is your favorite professor and why?

Of course it’s my piano professor Dr. Amstutz. He is the most patient and understanding professor I have ever seen in my life! If you don’t feel like practicing due to personal issues, he is always there to listen. When you have difficulties practicing any hard passage, he always has thousand of practicing methods for you.

 

8. How did a degree from the College prepare you for the real world?

Being a professor at a college has always been a dream of mine. I also know that this society is very competitive. If I want to be a professor at a college, having a doctoral degree is a real advantage for me.

 

9. Would your recommend your major of choice to others?

I would tell them it is very hard but if you have faith in yourself, go for it!

 

10. Why would you recommend your major to an incoming student?

“Music is the best medicine for everything.” If you are happy, your music will sound pleasant and lively; if you are sad, your music will calm you down and comfort your heart. I always believe that music is the best communication for human beings!