
A Musician on a Mission to Educate and Help Others: “Music Brings Hope and Comfort.”
B y J e n n i f e r A l i ne Graham
Tuba musician and business woman, Ka Hei Eunice Lai, not only
plans to take on more virtual endeavors as the year progresses, but
also conquer more goals than many female, Asian musicians could
even dream to do in a lifetime – and she plans to do them well.
“My Goal is to Educate the Younger Generation”
Though Lai is one of thousands of artists to face cancellations
due to the pandemic, she has not let the roadblocks of 2020
deter her goals. Her experience performing in government
houses in New York City and Hong Kong as well as coaching
quintets and chamber groups has given her the edge to
successfully attack the goals she has set for herself.
“Since all concerts were canceled during the pandemic, I am
meeting with a lot of musician friends online to come up with
“My goal is to educate the younger generation and promote
brass music to them. I aim to conduct and coach brass as well
as open a music school and performing space in the future.”
With virtual classes gaining popularity, Lai’s hope of creating
ongoing online – and safe in-person – classes to educate others
of brass artistry is absolutely essential during the current state
of the world. Music and art is the glue that brings communities
together because it is the one constant that will never vanish - no
matter what pandemics hit our futures.
even adults to relieve stress and be able to communicate with
other real human beings,” Lai states of how music classes and
cold monitor, the warmth from the human connection
compensates.”
Taking Over Tuba in a Male-Dominated Niche
of Music specializing in tuba. Graduating as one of the top
compete around the world. She has become a “highly
sought-after tuba player who takes the role as spotlight artist in
many chamber groups” and has collaborated with many
musicians such as Steve Rosse and Roger Bobo.
“I don’t only perform tuba. I coach quintets and conduct chamber
many commercial recordings with well-known
musicians and composers. “I have recorded
orchestral albums as well as commercial recordings,
but brass quintet music is what I love the most.”
While Lai’s array of experience in regard to coaching
and performing is impressive, what makes her
unique in this industry is her ability to connect
emotionally to the music in a way many other
tubists cannot do. This is something that truly
makes Lai a one-of-a-kind tubist and someone so
many could – and will – learn from.
“One thing I have heard from some great tubists is
that I have great musicality and expression,” Lai
says. “I guess that is because women are more
emotional and sensitive. People never imagine how
expressive a tuba can be and I want to show them
what it does.”
Bringing the Community Together Through Brass
classes, Lai looks forward to providing community
interests and lifestyle. Though she plans to continue
to coach and perform through virtual outlets, she
truly aims to provide in-person experiences once the
pandemic allows this to safely happen.
“I am working on educational outreach programs as
well as recording and performing,” Lai says. “I have
held successful masterclasses and concerts for
students around the world – the TubaMania
&&
Lai has a passion for collaboration and hopes to connect with
others so knowledge can be shared and projects can be brought
to life. She plans to create classes and programs
where renowned maestros and musicians can
virtually work alongside students to help
them grow as both a musician and a
creative individual.
Creativity is something that helps push
through the emotional pain hardships bring
forth – such as the pandemic the world has
been facing. Lai is determined to be part of
the creative cure opening the minds, hearts,
and souls of both youth, and adults, when it
comes to the beauty of brass.
Schneps Media February 18, 2021 5