Jerry Liu ’24 is a three-year Senior from Beijing, China. At school, he is the principal double bassist in the orchestra and the philharmonic orchestra. Liu has taken courses in the music program for three years and has been selected twice to play at Carnegie Hall. He also performed as the double bass soloist with the school’s music summer program, Hotchkiss in Spain. Liu frequently performs in instrumental recitals. He will study music performance at Northwestern’s Bienen School of Music next year.
How did you discover your passion for music?
I began learning piano when I was five years old, which introduced me to the world of music. By the age of ten, I had started playing the double bass. This transition felt incredibly natural as if I was meant to find this instrument.
Music accepted me as much as I accepted it, and it has been a significant part of my life ever since.
How has the music program here helped you?
Our school’s program and Mr. Fabio Witkowski, [head of the visual and performing arts department], have provided me with a lot of opportunities to grow as a soloist and orchestral player and to meet and learn from many great professional musicians. I’m truly grateful for those opportunities; they have broadened my musical perspective and deepened my appreciation for art.
What has been one of your most memorable trips as a musician?
I went to Berlin when I was twelve years old for a music program; before that, I did not genuinely enjoy playing an instrument—it was just the repetitive process of practicing to get better.
In Berlin, professors from prestigious universities around the world came and taught me how to enjoy music genuinely. Even with unskilled kids my age, they taught us how to enjoy music solely as itself rather than focusing on the technical aspects of the instrument.
What is one of your favorite pieces?
I wouldn’t say I have a favorite piece, because every musical composition is great in its own way. However, if I had to choose one specifically, it would be “Symphony No. 5” by Gustav Mahler.
As a great representation of the late Romantic period in classical music, the piece encompasses many aspects of the human experience: defeat, overcoming challenges, love, joy, and more.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?
Always remember the love and passion you had when you started with your instrument. Most importantly, enjoy every note you play and have fun.
Could you talk a little bit about your interest in conducting?
I wanted to conduct, because I realized that conducting is the most complete musical experience. You can experience every part of the music when you are on the podium. Conducting is something that I want to try to start developing in college.
