Hello, I'm Amy. I'm a professional violinist, violin teacher, and a doctoral student at UNT currently working on my dissertation. I'm also the creator of Thrive x Strive YouTube Channel & Thrive x Strive Musician Podcast
As a violin teacher, I have been teaching over 10 years through all level of students. I taught collegiate students at UNT as a teaching fellow during 2016-2018. As a creative and enthusiastic person, I focus teaching around the efficiency of students' practice method besides techniques and solo repertoire. I encourage students to bring creativity into practicing sessions to help them achieve more in less time.
To check out some of my music videos: Amy Wang-Hiller - Violin Channel
As a content creator, I started my personal YouTube channel since 2015. My video content has been evolved through my journey of veganism, recovery, and self-discovery. After overcoming my mental illnesses, I want to share my experience and insights to help music students and any professionals achieve their goals in life while maintaining a happy and healthy lifestyle. This is why I also recently launched my weekly Thrive x Strive Musician Podcast to invite musicians into the conversation of mental health to find work-life balance.
After the podcast launched a few months, I didn’t know that I would be battling my physical illnesses since 2020. I have been diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. And the spine complications caused me step-wisely lose my motor function. Throughout the paralysis from paraplegic to quadriplegic, I actively searched for ways to adapt so that I would be able to continue my performance career and manage my life. I want to raise awareness of rare diseases and spinal cord injuries by sharing my story on social platforms. I hope my positive outlook and the attitude of an adaptive mindset can inspire others with or without disabilities.
Be creative with deliberate practice.
I love to see the progress students make and the joy and fulfillment they receive after putting their heart into learning the violin.
For every level of student, I emphasize the efficient practice method to develop their problem-solving skills and thoughtfulness in music playing. I believe a suitable practice method will lead to a more enjoyable and motivated learning experience.
I focus on body awareness and help students with muscle tension, weaknesses, and hypermobility, to be in tune with their body rhythm in breathing,
Be courageous with modifications
Embracing modifications in your violin practice is not just about adapting to challenges—it’s about unlocking new possibilities for expression and creativity. It's easy to feel constrained when we face physical or technical limitations, but I’ve learned that these limitations can become doorways to innovation. We create a meaningful music-making process by courageously exploring modifications, experimenting to expand your technique, posture, and bring inclusivity into the music world.
Thrive x Strive Musician Podcast
a musician’s podcast where we dive into the personal development as musicians to create a healthy living with mental clarity & vibrancy. My goal is to provide musicians healthy tools and wisdoms for you to implement in your personal and professional life.