Sixteen-year-old McKayla Hwang is a junior at Archmere Academy, and has been playing violin for 11 years under the guidance of Shelley Beard at Settlement Music School. Over the summer, McKayla attended the Summer Violin Institute at Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music, Midori Summer Music Lab, and Berkshire High Peaks Music Festival. She also volunteered as an assistant coach at the Delaware Orchestral and Chamber Music Institute.
McKayla is also a member of the Philadelphia Music Alliance for Youth (PMAY), and participated in the Equity Arc Pathways Orchestra this past Spring alongside musicians from other pathways programs. During the academic year, McKayla plays in the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, which she has been a part of since 2024, as well as in the Capanna Quartet as part of the Settlement's Pre-Advanced chamber music program. Outside of music, McKayla enjoys going to the gym and playing with her dog, Cersei.
10 Questions with McKayla Hwang:
1.What was one thing about your instrument that surprised you when you started learning to play?
I was surprised to learn that the spacing of the notes changes as you play in higher positions. It really challenged me when I started learning to shift.
2. How would you describe the role of the violin in an orchestra?
Since the violin often carries the melody, it acts as the backbone of the strings section. Its range is also in a higher register, which can make the violin's voice more pronounced among other richer ones.
3. What inspires you?
Being surrounded by such amazing people. I'm so lucky to be among great, high-achieving peers, and I especially look up to the graduating seniors in my school and music community.
4. What was your dream job as a little kid?
I wanted to be the owner of a slime business! I remember recreating slime ASMR videos with my friends, and buying all the glue, activator, and mix-ins to make my own slime during COVID.
5. What advice would you give your 9-year-old self?
I would tell her to not be afraid to ask for help. Communication is a big thing that I am still improving on.
6. What’s your favorite thing about Philadelphia?
I love Philly's arts scene. When I have free time, I love going to the Barnes Foundation with my family or attending concerts in the Kimmel Center. The youth orchestra I am a member of, Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, rehearses near Rittenhouse Square, so my parents and I also like to explore the many different restaurants in the area.
7. What type of ensembles do you enjoy playing and why?
I really enjoy chamber music; the collaboration and creativity come together to make something magical. Some of my fondest memories are from playing in chamber ensembles at camps, festivals, and rehearsals.
8. Who have been the greatest champions of your career so far?
Definitely my parents. They've been through thick and thin with me, wins and losses, celebrations and tears. I don't think I can ever truly express how grateful I am for my parents, but I never would have gotten to where I am with music without them.
I'm also incredibly thankful for my teacher, Ms. Shelley Beard, who has taught me invaluable lessons, and the Philadelphia Music Alliance for Youth, which has provided me with immense musical opportunities.
9. Do you have any hidden talents?
I'm not sure if this is a talent, but I have a great sense of taste and smell. When I was younger, I distinctly remember being able to smell ladybugs.
10. Do you have any advice for people just getting started with learning an instrument?
Find a community! Being able to connect with other musicians has been one of the most important steps for me on my musical journey, and it's also core to being successful in classical music.
McKayla's Recommended Playlist:
