Teacher of the Month for July 2019 Vivian Lam

Monday, July 1st 2019

Vivian Lam is our Lessonface teacher of the month for July 2019! Vivian has taught on Lessonface since December of last year, and since has been a student favorite for violin, viola, piano, recorder and music theory (woah!). We asked Vivian a few questions so we all get to know her better this month!

In a few words, how did you manage to achieve your level of skill?

"I was able to achieve my level of skill through dedication, practice, and curiosity. Having the chance to be able to teach from a young age, and being able to learn from my mistakes. But there's always so much more to learn!"

What would you recommend our future Lessonface pro-musicians to focus on?

"Be one with the music! Students should enjoy what they're actually playing. As you're progressing, add brain teasers that can be accomplished in the near future. (For teachers) Always check your email! I recommend keeping in touch with your students on a daily basis. I always email my students at least once a week to recap their previous lesson and to give them tips on how to improve what they're working on."

What is your favorite subject to teach?

"I dont have one! I love teaching everything I am able to teach."

What projects are you currently working on?

"My most recent project is with a colleague who's also a teacher on Lessonface, Shawn Garrone. Basically we have created a Youtube channel that breaks the stereotype of how musicians "don't have a life" or how they practice all day. The channel is called S & V Adventures and it shows a diverse set of hobbies all musicians could do on a daily basis, or without their instrument."

What/who are your biggest musical influences?

"I have a huge spectrum of musical influences! It ranges from Pop/R&B all the way back to the Baroque era, but in this moment I want to say my private-lesson professor, Dr. Timothy Schwarz, Hilary Hahn, and TwoSet Violin because I need to get practice!”

Where are you located and what's your favorite thing about it?

"I'm located near the Philadelphia area so I get to see the Philadelphia orchestra, senior recitals at Curtis Institute, and local concert venues such as Music at Bunker Hill. They host faculty and graduates from Curtis and Juilliard as well as musicians from all around the world. I don't have to travel to see great musicians!"