University of St. Francis appoints new violin teacher
Violinist Kevin Lin, who has performed on concert stages throughout Europe, Asia and North America, has joined the University of St. Francis Department of Music and Performing Arts.
Lin, a native of China, has a master of music degree in violin and piano from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music and has lived in the United States. since 1991.
In addition to his recital and orchestral appearances, Lin has dedicated himself to the art of chamber music and is a founder of the Pro Musica String Quartet.
Always seeking change and a new environment, Lin at 25, on a challenge from his father, moved to the United States and gained citizenship. His always supportive father gave the young musician $200 and a one-way ticket to Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport to expand an already prominent career. “My parents supported my music career since the very first day I picked up my violin,” said Lin.
Before long Lin was leading the southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra and enjoying every moment of it. “I love the freedom, the history and the culture of this country,” he added.
While a student at the Music Conservatory in Shanghai, Lin walked down the street one evening and heard a unique form of violin; it later became a passion that would fully evolve on the streets and in the pubs of Chicago. He soon became infatuated with the style and rhythm of the music and would regularly join the fiddlers in downtown Shanghai. This passion stayed in him through his trip across the ocean to a city that some say, has more Irish pubs than taxis. Lin often performs on the streets of Chicago during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Lin will teach violin to USF music students and will also be available to area string students who are not enrolled at the university. For more information about applied string lessons, please contact the USF Department of Music and Performing Arts at (815) 740-3219.