Q: How did you decided to learn the double bass?

There are seven bass players in my family. My father, uncle and four cousins all play the bass. I played the cello for two years before I started learning the bass. In China, it was much easier to find a job as a bass player than as a cellist, most of my family members started the bass for the same reason.

Q: How do you choose your music?

Because of the limited amount of solo music composed for the double bass, I have always been arranging music that were composed for other instruments. I try out many pieces, and then choose the ones that fits the bass the best. My concept of arrangements is that it has to sound at least as good as the original instrumentation, if not better. I am also learning music that are composed for bass by composers who are living in our time. Just because the bass repertoire is small, it dosen't mean we shouldn't try to improve it.

Q: How do you travel with the bass?

I used to buy an extra seat for my bass, but it is getting too expensive and the airline security does not allow me to do that anymore. Now, I travel with a gigantic hard bass case which is even taller than me, and it counts as one of my luggages. To decrease the possibility of damaging the instrument, besides making sure the bass doesn't shake inside the case, I insist to watch the TSA check it out so that I can make sure they wouldn't mishandle the bass or repack it improperly.

Q: Do you have a suggestion on how to practice?

Practice slow! When practicing at a very slow speed, you can listen to yourself better, and being able to hear yourself is one of the most important keys in music performance. Whatever you are playing, ask yourself if you are convinced by your performance. Your music can convince other people only if it convinces you first!

Q: What kind of music do you listen to in your free time?

I listen to Chinese pop music while I am driving long distance. I usually don't listen to music in my free time because I need to be away from it to keep myself fresh.

Q: What is your favorite piece to perform?

All the pieces that I choose to perform are my favorites. I put a lot of time in selecting what piece I perform and the pieces that I play are the "favorites" . I enjoy playing pieces that has distinctive character. I am now interested in learning more styles such as Jazz and Chinese traditional music.

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