Cho-Liang Lin Reveals the Truth About Making It in Music

In the competitive world of classical music, where countless talented musicians vie for limited opportunities, Cho-Liang Lin stands as a testament to what it truly takes to build a lasting career. Known affectionately as “Jimmy” to friends and colleagues, the Taiwanese-American violinist has navigated the classical music landscape for over four decades, building a reputation that extends far beyond his virtuosic playing.

An Early Start

Cho-Liang Lin’s journey began at age five when, captivated by a neighbor’s violin practice, he begged for lessons of his own. What followed was a trajectory that would seem almost impossibly demanding to today’s aspiring musicians. By age twelve, he had left Taiwan for Australia to pursue better training opportunities.

“Recognizing that I needed to pursue my violin studies abroad, I made my way to Australia by myself when I was only 12 years old,” Lin recalls. This wasn’t merely ambition but necessity – political conditions in Taiwan at the time would have prevented him from leaving until age 24 if he had waited much longer.

This early dedication exemplifies what Cho-Liang Lin’s reflections consistently emphasize: in classical music, there are no shortcuts. The technical foundation must be established early, and the commitment must be absolute.

Beyond Technical Mastery

When discussing what separates successful musicians from those who fade into obscurity, Cho-Liang Lin points to factors beyond mere technical prowess. “What really counts is your quality of playing, your integrity as a musician, and your ultimate skill as a violinist,” he explains.

The acclaimed violinist has demonstrated this philosophy throughout his career, regularly performing with orchestras worldwide while maintaining an unwavering commitment to artistic excellence.

But Lin is quick to note that technical perfection alone is insufficient in today’s competitive landscape. “When you walk on stage, there has to be a sense of self-assurance,” he advises in a candid interview. “If you’re not at all sure that you can do it under immense pressure, one will wilt, and that’s not good.”

The Reality of Competition

The statistics surrounding classical music careers can be sobering. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth for musicians will increase by only 4% from 2022 to 2032—slower than average compared to other professions.

Cho-Liang Lin doesn’t sugarcoat this reality. “When you go and make a debut with an orchestra, you only have one chance,” he warns. “If you blow it, they will never engage you again. And if you blow it more than once, then word will get around that you’re not so good after all. And then that’s the end.”

This unforgiving environment demands extraordinary preparation. Lin famously stepped in on one day’s notice to perform with the Philadelphia Orchestra under Eugene Ormandy. “I said, sure, I’ll stop practicing the Beethoven concerto for now. I’ll be ready in 24 hours,” he recalls. This level of readiness isn’t exceptional in classical music—it’s expected.

The Evolution of Musical Identity

One aspect of career-building that Cho-Liang Lin frequently discusses is the importance of developing a distinctive musical voice. This has become increasingly challenging in an era where global influences have homogenized performance styles.

“Even great orchestras around the world, it’s harder to tell them apart,” Lin observes. “In recordings from the 1960s, you could clearly identify whether you were hearing a British, French, German, or Viennese orchestra within minutes. Now it’s really difficult.”

This observation extends to individual performers as well. Standing out in a field where technical excellence is the baseline requires cultivating a unique interpretive approach—something Lin has achieved through his thoughtful programming and championing of contemporary works.

Diversifying to Survive

Perhaps most surprising in Cho-Liang Lin’s career advice is his emphasis on versatility. While maintaining his solo career, Lin has expanded into festival leadership, education, and even film music collaborations.

As a professor at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music since 2006, Lin has mentored numerous rising violinists. His advice often challenges the traditional career single-mindedness that many conservatories still promote.

“Playing music is just a step,” he explains when discussing former students who found success in other fields. “And if you’re good at it, go for it. But if it’s not, then other things are available to you.”

This practical perspective reflects the changing reality of classical music careers. Financial stability often requires multiple revenue streams—teaching, chamber music, orchestral work, and entrepreneurial projects—rather than relying solely on solo performances.

The Entrepreneurial Imperative

Today’s successful classical musicians must be entrepreneurs as much as artists. Lin’s founding of the Taipei International Music Festival in 1997 and his work as an artist-in-residence at various institutions demonstrates this business acumen.

“Technology democratizes education,” Lin notes when discussing how digital platforms have transformed music careers, “but it’s still crucial to maintain the personal connection that music thrives on.”

This balance—embracing technological opportunities while preserving artistic integrity—characterizes Lin’s approach to career development. He recognizes that social media and online platforms have created new avenues for visibility but cautions against sacrificing musical substance for superficial engagement.

The Commission Connection

One of Lin’s most significant career strategies has been his commitment to commissioning new works. During his 18-year tenure at La Jolla SummerFest, he commissioned and premiered 54 new compositions.

“You never know whether a piece will endure the test of time, but you have to give the piece a chance,” he explains. “I’m the doctor who brings the baby out to the public and shows it to them.”

This dedication to expanding the repertoire has not only enhanced Lin’s artistic profile but has also created lasting relationships with composers and provided valuable contribution to the violin literature.

Maintaining Relevance

At the heart of Lin’s career longevity is his ability to remain relevant through decades of changing musical tastes. While many soloists struggle to maintain momentum after initial success, Lin has continuously evolved his artistry while staying true to his core musical values.

“I’m actually much more open-minded now than I was 40 years ago,” he reflects. “When I finished school and was launching my career, I had very particular ideas about how to play every piece that I worked on. Now I’m very tolerant of other views.”

This growth mindset, coupled with unwavering technical standards, has allowed Lin to remain at the forefront of classical violin performance well into the third decade of his professional career.

The Honest Assessment

Perhaps the most valuable aspect of Lin’s career advice is his emphasis on honest self-assessment. He encourages students to evaluate their abilities realistically and to consider whether a performing career aligns with their strengths and goals.

Lin recalls meeting a former student who apologetically admitted she was no longer playing violin professionally. His response was characteristically pragmatic: “I don’t mind that you quit the violin. You could always pick it up and play in an amateur orchestra. That’s a lot of fun. And now if you become a very successful banker, you can do a lot of good in the music world.”

This balanced perspective—recognizing that musical training brings value regardless of career outcome—offers a refreshing counterpoint to the all-or-nothing mentality that pervades many conservatories.

The Legacy Beyond Performance

As Lin’s career demonstrates, a musician’s impact extends far beyond performances. Through teaching, mentoring, commissioning, and festival leadership, he has helped shape the classical music landscape for future generations.

For young musicians navigating today’s challenging classical music environment, Lin’s career offers a blueprint that balances artistic integrity with practical adaptation. His example suggests that success comes not from clinging to outdated career models but from thoughtfully evolving while maintaining the fundamental values that make classical music meaningful.

In a world where classical music faces numerous challenges—from funding cuts to shrinking audiences—Lin’s continued relevance and influence remind us that careers built on genuine artistry, versatility, and adaptation have the best chance of enduring. The truth about making it in classical music, according to Cho-Liang Lin, isn’t about overnight success but about building a multi-faceted musical life that can weather changing times while preserving what matters most: the music itself.