Amy Jong

2023 Instrumental Scholarship Recipient

Amy is a junior at Orange County School of the Arts. She is from Diamond Bar, CA. Amy's love for playing music has always revolved around the joy of sharing it with others. Over the past decade of playing the cello, her favorite experiences have been making music with friends and engaging in chamber music. However, until recently, she felt a missing connection to music, as if there was a part she couldn't grasp. She had never felt a deep emotional response to a piece of music and often found herself unengaged at concerts.

Everything changed for Amy after her participation in the National Youth Orchestra of the USA during the summer of 2022. The hardworking and empathetic individuals she met there transformed her perspective on music and performance. They taught her the value of being expressive both in music and in life, shifting her focus from merely playing with others to playing for others. This new mindset brought her a profound sense of fulfillment and excitement about music, igniting a personal connection she had been missing.

Amy's curiosity about other musicians' perspectives grew, and she began to listen attentively to the nuances and interpretations they brought to their music. It fascinated her to hear the different ways people thought about music, recognizing the vastness of learning and exploration within the art form. Listening to musician interviews became a source of inspiration, offering fresh and exciting insights into the motivations behind playing music and various practicing methods. Amy realized that being surrounded by other musicians and connecting with them was the key to finding meaning in music and life. The Anthony Quinn Foundation scholarship has granted her the chance to attend The Heifetz International Institute of Music, which will provide her with the opportunity to delve deeper into the fascinating world of music, further explore diverse ideas and learn from others, enriching her own musical journey.