Warren Lee

Professional Pianist, Composer, and Music Educator

Warren Lee is a Professional Pianist, Composer, and Music Educator based in Hong Kong. Lee is a concert pianist of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra and is on both the Steinway Artist and Naxos Recording Artist rosters. Lee was elected an Associate of the Royal Academy of Music in 2015. In 2017, he received the Ian Mininberg Distinguished Alumni Award from Yale University. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Music from the Royal Academy of Music and a Master's degree in Music from Yale University. Lee also holds an MBA degree from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and an LLM degree in Intellectual Property Law from the University of London.

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Q&A Comments (3)

How do I know the deeper meaning of the lyrics in music?
So, if you're not into delving into the technical aspects, it's about keenly paying attention and grasping, at a fundamental level, the structural components of a musical piece—treating it as a narrative. By interpreting it as a story and creating that mental imagery, one can appreciate the emotional nuances and the words it conjures. Some individuals articulate this through words, while I prefer exploring the emotional and sensory aspects, akin to visualizing or expressing through drawing.
Do I need to have a perfect pitch to be a good musician?
No, absolutely not. My wife is also a pianist, and while having a perfect pitch can be advantageous in specific scenarios, it is by no means a prerequisite. What is essential is the ability to refine your ear, achieved through extensive listening. This entails not only recognizing the sound of various elements but also comprehending the underlying narrative and technical aspects. To facilitate this, a basic understanding of music theory can be beneficial initially, allowing you to identify patterns and progressions. The goal is not to precisely label every harmony but to grasp the structural elements, similar to ADA, and to listen beyond the basics.
What skills do I need to have to be a successful musician?
Many artists possess the ability to create and produce art, yet it seems that their proficiency on the business side is not as pronounced based on my observations. Successful artists, in my view, have a grasp of essential skills such as sales, general branding, content creation, and the effective distribution of their work across various platforms. It's not solely about creating exceptional art or music; it's equally crucial to navigate the channels that enable proper promotion. Fostering relationships is vital. I recall reading an article emphasizing the concept of cultivating your first thousand true fans, underscoring the importance of developing a loyal following by giving people a reason to care. So, it boils down to creating fans, building relationships, and understanding how to promote oneself effectively. This involves knowing what type of content resonates with an audience and tailoring it for various platforms, websites, and social media channels that the artist utilizes.

Co-authored Articles (5)