Music
Rhythms of Self-Expression
Piano - "但愿人长久" (Wishing We Last Forever)
One of my most meaningful experiences was playing the song "但愿人长久" (Wishing We Last Forever) on the piano at the Harvard Business School chapel. This song, originally performed by Teresa Teng, is inspired by Su Shi's ancient poem, conveying a deep desire for enduring relationships and peace, even across distance.
As I improvised the melody, I felt deeply connected to its message—that no matter the physical separation, our bonds remain strong, just like the phases of the moon. This moment allowed me to express my belief in music's power to heal and manifest positive energy.
Improv Singing at the
Harvard Business School Chapel
One of my most memorable performances at the Harvard Business School chapel was an improvisational singing session. I love the spontaneity of improv singing, where I follow the pianist's notes in real time, creating melodies without pre-written lyrics.
The acoustics of the chapel made the experience even more special, as the echoes of the music filled the space, enhancing the beauty and depth of the sound. It was a powerful moment of connecting music, space, and energy.
Original - "Get In" by
Sienna Xu & Vincent Ferguson
One of my most special musical collaborations was with my close friend, Vincent Ferguson, a talented music producer based in New York. Together, we created an original song during our time at Harvard. The process was entirely improvisational—we composed, recorded, and edited everything within just four hours.
The spontaneity and synergy between us made the song even more meaningful, reflecting both our creativity and friendship. It’s a testament to how powerful and quick collaboration can be when passion and skill align.
"Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything." – Plato
Piano & Vocal - "Part of Your World"
from "The Little Mermaid"
As a huge Disney fan, I know most of the Disney songs by heart, and "Part of Your World" from "The Little Mermaid" is one of my absolute favorites.
I had the pleasure of performing this song with my Taiwanese friend at Harvard Business School, and it was such a magical experience to bring one of my favorite Disney moments to life.
Piano & Vocal - "Lover" by Taylor Swift
As a Swiftie, I absolutely love singing Taylor Swift's songs! During my J-term break at Harvard, I made a cover of "Lover," and it was such a joyful experience to connect with the music that resonates so deeply with me. Taylor's lyrics always inspire me, and performing her songs brings me so much happiness.
Piano - "Can't Help Falling in Love"
& "Heal the World"
Singing and playing the piano with my close friend Maureen at the Harvard Department of Music has been one of my favorite experiences. We often spent our time there, creating beautiful music together.
Performing songs like "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis Presley and "Heal the World" by Michael Jackson, we cherished the harmony we created. It’s a source of pride for us, reflecting our shared passion for music and the deep connection we forged through our collaborative performances.
"Halo" & "Make You Feel My Love"
at HGSE Talent Show
In December 2023, my close friend Vincent and I had the incredible opportunity to host the biggest student-led event at the Harvard Graduate School of Education—our talent show.
One of the highlights was when my close friend Maureen performed a beautiful mashup of Beyoncé's "Halo" and Adele's "Make You Feel My Love." Having our friends from HGSE join us in singing was truly magical. It was one of the best and most memorable days of my life, filled with joy, connection, and unforgettable moments.
Drum - Freestyle
From the beats to express freedom and personality, every beat is a reflection of my inner rhythm, a powerful way to communicate emotions without words.
Music became my voice, where creativity and self-expression flow effortlessly, shaping the world around me with every note.
Guitar - “萱草花” Daylily Flower
I love playing the guitar and singing, and one of my favorite songs to perform is the Chinese song "萱草花." This song is a tribute to my mom and all the mothers in the world, a way to express gratitude for their love, care, and sacrifices.
The song's meaning is deeply emotional, as "萱草花" symbolizes the daylily flower, which in Chinese culture represents motherhood and the nurturing qualities of a mother. It's a heartfelt reminder of the selflessness and strength that mothers embody every day.
"Lift Me Up" & "No One"
I love singing with my close friend Maureen in front of my apartment, where the echo of our voices creates a beautiful and harmonious sound.
One of our favorite moments was singing "Lift Me Up" by Rihanna and "No One" by Alicia Keys together. The way our voices blend and resonate in the open air is truly magical, making each performance feel special and unforgettable.
Teaching the Musical - "The Lion King"
I am a musical lover and find immense joy in both performing and teaching. At an international school in China, I taught the "The Lion King Kids" curriculum to grade 1-3 students, guiding them in playing the African drum and singing the song "One By One" in an African language.
This experience allowed the students to explore the diversity of instruments, languages, and cultures through music, enriching their appreciation for the world around them. It was incredibly rewarding to share my love for music and see them engage with such vibrant traditions.
Piano - "River Flows in You"
When I was a teacher at a middle school in Miami, FL, one of my favorite escapes was heading to the music department to rehearse the piano. I found such peace in playing "River Flows in You," letting the melodies carry me away. It was a way for me to connect with my passion for music, even during the busiest days of teaching.
Piano & Vocal - "Bring Him Home"
from the musical"Les Miserables"
When I was a teacher at a middle school in Miami, FL, I loved collaborating with colleagues to perform music. One of my favorite memories is playing "Bring Him Home" from *Les Misérables* with my colleague Anderson.
This song is incredibly sad and emotional, and even today, it still gives me chills. The depth of its melody and meaning made it a truly powerful experience every time we played it together.