Meet Tong Chen

We recently connected with Tong Chen and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Tong, thank you so much for joining us today. There are so many topics we could discuss, but perhaps one of the most relevant is empathy because it’s at the core of great leadership and so we’d love to hear about how you developed your empathy?

I think empathy for me has been shaped by both life experience and musical collaboration. Growing up in China and then moving to the U.S. at 18, I experienced a lot of culture shock in the beginning. It took me quite some time to adjust—not just to the language or daily life, but to the way people here communicate, think, and interact. That process of learning and adapting really pushed me to observe more carefully, listen more deeply, and understand perspectives different from my own. It taught me how to meet people where they are, which is at the heart of empathy.

Chamber music has also been a huge part of that journey. Every musician is a unique individual, with their own ideas, values, and ways of expressing themselves through sound. What excites me the most in chamber music is the process of rehearsing, exchanging thoughts, and performing with others. We don’t always need words—sometimes a simple glance on stage, or a shared musical gesture, can speak volumes. That kind of non-verbal connection is magical, and it relies so much on empathy.

In a chamber group, we’re constantly trying to understand not only our own part, but also how the others feel and interpret theirs. Sometimes we even imagine how we would play someone else’s line, just to better align with their phrasing or emotion. That mindset—of constantly tuning in to others—is exactly why I love chamber music so much. It’s about deep listening, sensitivity, and shared expression.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m a violinist and educator deeply passionate about connecting people through music. I teach my own private students and also work as a teaching assistant at Stony Brook University, where I’m currently pursuing my doctorate in violin performance. Whether I’m performing, teaching, or collaborating with others, I’m always looking for ways to share meaningful musical experiences that speak to both the heart and the mind.

What excites me most is chamber music. There’s something incredibly special about the intimacy and trust it requires. Each musician brings their own voice and perspective, and through rehearsal and performance, we find a shared language—often without words. That sense of connection and mutual understanding is what I value most about making music with others.

Right now, I’m especially excited to be preparing for the Spiritus Festival (spiritusfestival.org), a new chamber music festival I’m co-directing. It will take place this summer, from June 23–29 in East Setauket, Long Island. The goal of the festival is to bring inspiring, high-quality chamber music to the local community and to create space for people to come together through shared musical experiences. We have a wide range of fantastic programs planned, and we welcome anyone who’s interested to join us!

At the heart of everything I do is the belief that music is about curiosity, empathy, and human connection. Whether on stage, in a classroom, or in conversation, I hope to always create something honest and meaningful.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, I think three qualities have had a big impact on my journey: treating people with sincerity, fearlessly pursuing what I truly care about, and learning to see the bigger picture.

Sincerity has always been my foundation. Whether it’s in personal relationships, collaborations, or just everyday interactions, being genuine creates trust and connection. People can feel when you’re being real—and that opens doors in ways that ambition alone never could.

The second quality—fearlessly going after what you love—is, in my opinion, the hardest to practice. Many dreams come with real sacrifices: time, energy, financial stability, and even relationships. I wouldn’t say I’ve done it perfectly, but I do try my best every day to move closer to the life I hope for. I actively hold onto that hope that one day, it will come true. I know that if I don’t give it my all now, I’ll look back later in life with regret. And that thought alone keeps me going.

Lastly, developing a sense of perspective has helped me grow in so many ways. I try to step back and think not just about what I want, but how my actions affect others, or how a situation fits into a larger context. That shift—from focusing only on the moment to understanding the broader picture—has helped me make better decisions and stay grounded.

If you’re just starting out, my advice is to be kind, stay curious, and trust your instincts. Don’t be afraid to take your time and carve out your own path. The most important thing is to stay true to what you value, and keep learning from every step along the way.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

I’ve always felt a strong desire to live differently—to not follow someone else’s path, but to stay true to who I am. I believe everyone is a unique individual with their own value, and I never wanted to live inside someone else’s version of success.

But in the music industry, it’s hard to avoid direct competition—whether it’s for a position, an audition, or an opportunity. Whenever I experience failure, I often find myself admiring those who succeed—not in a bitter way, but with genuine appreciation. Sometimes I catch myself thinking, “How amazing it would be if I had that opportunity too.” That moment of comparison can be followed by a brief sense of loss—because I didn’t get what I hoped for.

But then I try to flip the question: If I had won, would that alone mean I was truly successful? That shift in perspective has helped me redefine what success means. One of the most inspiring figures to me is Toby Perlman, the wife of violinist Itzhak Perlman and the founder of the Perlman Music Program. Her vision for the program was to create a space where young musicians could grow without the pressure of competition, where they could simply be free to express who they are. That philosophy has stayed with me and truly shaped my approach to music.

For me, the Perlman Music Program has been a place where my dreams were nurtured and given the space to grow. It provided me with the opportunity to explore my potential, surrounded by a community that valued authenticity over competition. It showed me that we’re not here just to win the next audition or competition. We’re here to offer something meaningful. As artists, our job is to bring music to others in the most honest and beautiful way possible. Sadly, the competitive nature of the field often works against that goal, replacing joy with pressure and fear of failure.

So while many people have supported and encouraged me over the years, I think the most helpful guidance has come from those who reminded me that my value comes from being authentic, working hard, and staying committed to something larger than myself.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @tongchen_
• Facebook: Tong Chen
• Youtube: @tongchen963