We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Siyi Chen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Siyi, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
Building confidence and self-esteem was challenging, given my upbringing in an environment that didn’t particularly foster these qualities. The turning point came from the unreserved praise and support of my teachers and friends. Their genuine appreciation of my work helped me recognize my own worth.
I shifted my approach to setting goals, breaking ambitious targets into smaller, manageable tasks and celebrating each minor achievement. Regularly reflecting on these small successes gradually built my self-esteem.
Equally important was learning to say no to things that weren’t beneficial for me. Establishing boundaries and choosing my commitments carefully played a crucial role in nurturing my mental well-being and positive self-perception.
This journey towards confidence has been gradual, marked by self-recognition and the courage to prioritize my growth and mental health.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
As a media composer, I co-founded Si Scoring Studio three years ago with my business partner Yusi Liu, embarking on a thrilling journey in the world of music and sound design. Our studio specializes in creating original music and soundscapes for a diverse range of media, including films, TV shows, video games, advertisements, and interactive media. To date, we’ve crafted sound content for over 40 projects, many of which have been nominated for and won awards at top-tier film festivals worldwide.
One of the most exciting and special aspects of our work is the focus on cross-cultural musical communication. Last year, we embarked on a unique project – producing a jazz album based on Shidaiqu, a genre of music originating from Shanghai about a century ago. This album is a fusion of diverse explorations, blending traditional elements with modern influences. It’s a testament to our commitment to bridging cultures through music.
Additionally, we’re passionate about exploring the application of music technology. Whether it’s innovating in sound design or experimenting with new ways to create and experience music, we believe in pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the sonic realm.
Our studio is more than just a business; it’s a platform for artistic expression and cultural exchange. As we continue to grow and evolve, we look forward to sharing more groundbreaking projects with our audience. Stay tuned for more exciting developments from Si Scoring Studio, as we continue to explore the confluence of music, technology, and culture.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Perseverance: The path of a media composer is filled with challenges. Whether it’s meeting tight deadlines, continuously improving skills, or dealing with the competitive nature of the industry, perseverance has been key. It’s about staying the course even when things get tough, and not losing sight of your passion and goals. For those early in their journey, my advice is to set clear, achievable goals and to approach each day with a mindset of growth and resilience.
Boldness: This industry requires one to take risks and think outside the box. Being bold has helped me push creative boundaries and explore unconventional projects. It’s about not being afraid to present unique ideas or take on projects that might seem daunting at first. For newcomers, my suggestion is to embrace opportunities that scare you a little – these are often the ones that help you grow the most. Don’t shy away from showcasing your unique voice and vision.
Equanimity: The ability to remain calm and composed, especially in stressful situations, is invaluable. In a field where feedback can be direct and criticism harsh, maintaining a level head helps in making rational, thoughtful decisions. For those starting out, cultivating a practice of mindfulness and reflection can be incredibly beneficial. It helps in gaining perspective and dealing with the ups and downs of the creative process.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
The main challenge I’m facing currently is related to visa restrictions, which limit my ability to work in various industries. This situation restricts my creative and professional growth, particularly in expanding my work and projects with Si Scoring Studio.
To address this, I am actively working on resolving my visa issues by meeting the necessary criteria and seeking advice from immigration experts. I’m also focused on diversifying my projects to strengthen my visa application and demonstrate my value in the creative field. It’s a demanding process, but I am committed to overcoming this obstacle to achieve greater professional freedom and contribute more significantly to my field.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://siscoringstudio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/siscoringstudio/
- Other: Siyi Chen website: https://www.siyichenmusic.com/ Yusi Liu Website: https://yusimusic.wixsite.com/yusi
Image Credits
Gavin Li for Siyi’s NYAFF photo
