Now back in Hong Kong for Harmonica Heroes, an online Hong Kong Arts Festival performance which will be recorded at Tai Kwun in April, he tells Tatler how he first got into playing the harmonica, learning from jazz maestro Ted Lo, and what it takes to be a world champion.

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8.30am

I’m currently working on my book The Mastery of Modern Chromatic Harmonica, which is also my master’s thesis; every morning I spend two to three hours working on it. My goal is to create another school of thought for harmonica students. I’ve learnt a lot from all the existing theorists and harmonicists, but sometimes their books can be about how to be as good as them. I love combining the good things from different teachers; but while I also reveal my secrets to my success in my book, I want my readers to find their own voice in the musical world, so the book also offers a philosophical take on playing the harmonica.

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11.30am

When I’m done with writing, I go through my practice routine. In the past, I would practise for six to ten hours a day. Now, I believe I’ve spent quite enough time on my technical ability, so I spend 30 to 40 minutes to maintain my skill level, and I design my own practice routine.

Because I have an occupational therapy degree I know how to design muscle training regimens to improve the condition of one’s body parts, so I have a scientific approach to improving my coordination for playing the harmonica. I first play some classical music to check my technical abilities. I then play more difficult pieces until I find a problem. For example, if I am breathing more slowly than before, or my hand movements are less smooth, I spend time practising these two areas. Paganini’s Caprice Number 24 is always a good test due to its fast pace.

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This troubleshooting is important for jazz improvisation because, as well as creative interpretation, jazz requires technical knowhow. A lot of people say there’s no right or wrong in jazz music, but that’s not true. When I perform, sometimes I can get away with creating something on the spot if I forget part of a piece, but it is through practising what I expect I’ll be doing that I am able to improvise.

I’ve started composing more frequently during my time in New York, and it is as demanding as perfecting my performance. I have to practise even longer. I read a book by [Japanese composer] Joe Hasashi, where he says he sets a time to compose every day. For me, I have to put myself in a situation that inspires me. My best music is often created when I’m not sitting with a harmonica in hand but when I’m in the shower. Now I change up my daily routine from time to time to open up new possibilities for my music.

1pm

I love a healthy meal, probably because of my health-related degree. I cook for myself: my favourite dish is udon with beef or chicken and a side of vegetables or mushrooms. I also add a sunny-side-up egg. Whatever I cook, I avoid food with strong flavours like kimchi since it sticks to my harmonica.

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2pm

I have classes three days a week. There’s not a programme specially for harmonica majors here, and it’s rare for a harmonicist in both Hong Kong and New York to be a music degree major, but because Dean Dave Schroeder of my department is a huge harmonica enthusiastic, and he appreciates what I do, I’m an exceptional case. I take private lessons from pianists, guitarist and trumpeters, and also history, improvisation and music composition classes. That helps me with composing music not only for the harmonica but a band, which is what jazz performances typically are.

6pm

At the end of last semester, I met some professional musicians who invited me to jam with them at bars: that was the start of my performing experience in New York. The harmonica I bring with me depends on the mood and musical quality I want to create. For example, if I want a mellow tone, I go for the Cremona because it’s made of wood, which gives it a sweet, mellow sound; on the other hand, a Polle, a model made of silver by a Norwegian producer, has a brighter tone.

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10pm

My performances can last for hours, well into the night. When I return home, I clean my harmonica so that I am ready for tomorrow's practice. 

I wind down my day with Zooming with my girlfriend in Hong Kong or watching Netflix movies—activities that distract me from the melodies playing in my head.

‘A Day In The Life’ is a Tatler weekly series, which delves into the lives of the tastemakers within Hong Kong’s arts scene.

Editor's note: Social distancing rules are currently in force for various businesses and venues in Hong Kong, please make sure you follow the latest government guidelines and be responsible when participating in public events. All the events mentioned in the article are still happening on the date of original publication, please refer to the event organisers’ official websites and social media platforms for the latest information.

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