Samuel He
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
I feel that further musical training would greatly benefit me for a performing career, as I am not yet ready at the level I needed to be to win or secure a performing job.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
The reason for me is simple, as UBC has the world-renowned clarinettist Jose Franch-Ballester as the professor of clarinet. With someone of his experience and caliber, any clarinettist serious about a performing career would benefit greatly from his meticulous, insightful and high standards instruction.
What is it specifically, that your program offers, that attracted you?
Asides from the obvious reason of studying with my private instructor Jose Franch-Ballester, the support system at UBC is outstanding for music grad students, and the professors are always willing to step out of their way to help students. The students are motivated and enthusiastic musicians that are open-minded and happy to collaborate.
What was the best surprise about UBC or life in Vancouver?
The friends I've made at the school for sure. Among them, some of them I believe will remain friends for life.
The reason for me is simple, UBC has the world-renowned clarinettist Jose Franch-Ballester as a professor. With someone of his experience and caliber, any clarinettist serious about a performing career would benefit greatly from his meticulous, insightful and high standard of instruction.
What aspect of your graduate program do you enjoy the most or are looking forward to with the greatest curiosity?
Having performing opportunities and improving my skills individually.
What do you see as your biggest challenge(s) in your future career?
Winning a job as auditions are astronomically competitive. However, I'm a competitive person by nature and never back down from a challenge and would rather die than quit.
How do you feel your program is preparing you for those challenges?
Receiving practical instruction at the highest level I feel is aiding my improvement to an extent where I will sooner be in striking range for winning auditions.
What aspects of your life or career before now have best prepared you for your UBC graduate program?
Having worked towards receiving a professional gaming contract in the past has prepared me in a way where I am self-analytical, adaptive, hard-working, disciplined, not discouraged by failure, with a huge hunger and drive for success
What do you like to do for fun or relaxation?
Practice the clarinet and play video games (I'm a former pro-gamer), I don't really deviate from that.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
Be resourceful and take advantage of the support available to you, whether it be from UBC, your professors, or your peers. Be flexible and be yourself, but be sure to be independent. That means making your own decisions when you feel you know what's best for yourself, and doing what gets you positive results. And of course, the jewel in the crown is to work hard!