A graduate from the Guildhall School of Music, Tasmin Little has taken her solo violin tours around the globe, traveling everywhere from Iceland to China. A talented musician from a young age, Little is one of only four violinists in the world who has the
challenging Ligeti concerto in their repertoire. The English violinist took time out of her Naked Violin tour of China to speak with some aspiring musicians at the British School of Beijing. Imogen Kandel
Judy Liu, 14, Hong Kong
When you were a student, what was the hardest technique to master?
The number one hardest technique to master is to know how to practice. To have tools at your disposal that you can use. Practicing is not simply repetition; it’s using your intellect. Once you’ve mastered the art of practicing, you can really progress.
Amy Macleod, 12, UK
Why was it important to you to come to China?
Meeting different audiences is wonderful. Each country I visit has a different feel. I like picking up the atmosphere, to get a feel for the way people live. When I stand up at the end of a performance, I feel a connection with the audience. Peace is possible if we understand how other people live.
Jessica Chen, 12, China
What are the most memorable highlights of your career?
There are three highlights that come to mind. When I played in New York’s Carnegie Hall, stepping onto the same stage as so many of my idols was just magical. My second favorite memory is playing at The Proms in Hyde Park. When I looked out into the audience, there was a sea of 40,000 candles. But the funniest thing that happened was in Zimbabwe by the Zambezi River. Shortly after I started to play, I noticed all these people looking to my right. I slowly turned around, and there was a giant hippo! It was a little scary. He listened to the music for around 15 minutes, and then he left.
M’tume Budzinska, 11, UK
Why did you call your project “The Naked Violin”?
That’s a very good question. We’re used to music with a beat that distracts you. I wanted to make something that was only about the music. I decided to put a “naughty” word in front of violin to try and attract people to classical music. Anybody can appreciate music, but I wanted to appeal to people who wouldn’t normally listen to classical music.
Harry Rix, 11, UK
Who’s the greatest musician you’ve ever met?
I’ve played with so many – it’s so hard to pick. Simon Rattle is one of the greatest conductors I’ve ever worked with.
Judy Liu, 14, Hong Kong
Who, in your opinion, is the greatest violinist in history?
One of my icons is a fantastic lady called Ida Haendel. When I was young I used to listen to her records. She was a hero of mine – incredibly strong and pushed the envelope. But great people don’t always stand up and tell everyone how great they are; they’re very modest.
Harry Rix, 11, UK
Can you play other musical instruments?
Not terribly well. I enjoy playing the piano, and I used to play the viola in school. I’ve always enjoyed singing, too.
Jessica Chen, 12, China
Was there a lot of competition when you were at music school?
I was always the baby of the school. I was only 8 when I started playing so I spent a lot of time watching and learning from older students who were my role models. So I never found it competitive in that sense – I never thought I’d be as good as they were! I suppose when I got older, the younger children would have looked at me in the same way, though.
