Every musician has a story, and for Joshua, it began with an unexpected gift.
From discovering music as a young child to performing on stage and pursuing conducting, Joshua’s journey reflects the importance of curiosity, discipline, and staying connected to the music that inspires us.
A Musical Journey That Started with Kindness
Joshua’s first introduction to music wasn’t through the violin, but the piano.
“When I was about four or five years old, an elderly lady from my church generously donated her piano to my family,” he shares. “That was how everything started.”
What began as a simple act of kindness eventually sparked a lifelong passion for music. As Joshua grew older, he found himself drawn to the violin, developing both his technical skills and his love for orchestral music. Today, while continuing his journey as a violinist, he is also pursuing his passion for conducting.
A Performance Close to the Heart
Among the many performances throughout his musical journey, one stands out above the rest.
Joshua recalls his collaboration with Resound Collective and the Singapore National Youth Orchestra (SNYO) as one of the most meaningful experiences of his career.
“After performing for almost ten years, it was the first time my relatives came to watch me perform,” he says.
While every concert presents its own challenges and excitement, having the support of family in the audience made that performance especially memorable.
Music Is More Than Practice
For Joshua, one of the biggest lessons music has taught him extends far beyond the concert hall.
“When I was younger, learning felt like constantly hitting a wall,” he explains. “It was all about doing worksheets and repeating things over and over.”
As he matured, his perspective changed.
He realised that learning isn’t simply about practising for long hours. Instead, true progress comes from discipline, consistency, and developing a genuine relationship with the instrument.
Music has taught him that meaningful growth happens when dedication meets curiosity.
Finding Inspiration in Great Composers
Joshua continues to stay inspired through the music itself.
Currently studying Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 5, one of his favourite works, he finds endless motivation in exploring a composer’s intentions.
“For me, it’s always about finding the tempo that best reflects what the composer wanted to express,” he shares. “The goal is to understand the music deeply before presenting it to the audience.”
Rather than simply playing the notes, Joshua believes musicians should strive to communicate the composer’s story and emotions as authentically as possible.
Advice for Young Musicians
For aspiring musicians hoping to pursue music professionally, Joshua offers practical advice.
“Build a strong foundation first, then build connections.”
Technical ability is essential, but in today’s world, networking and visibility also play an important role. Social media has become a valuable platform for musicians to share their work and connect with wider audiences.
Joshua also encourages young musicians to learn from experienced performers.
“Study how soloists approach solo repertoire, chamber music, concertos, and orchestral performances. If you have the opportunity, attend live concerts whenever you can.”
Watching great musicians perform in person offers valuable insights that cannot always be learned from recordings alone.
A Journey That Never Stops
Joshua’s musical journey continues to evolve, from his early beginnings at the piano to performing on stage and exploring the art of conducting.
His story reminds us that every musician starts somewhere. With curiosity, discipline, and a willingness to keep learning, music becomes more than a skill. It becomes a lifelong journey of growth, expression, and connection.