Women in Time: Behind-the-Scenes with Jue Yao

Famed violinist Jue Yao knows her goals in every aspect of her life, which allows her to use her time wisely. Asia Tatler joins the famed violinst behind-the-scenes as she speaks about music, time and memories.

Asia Tatler: Can you tell us about life as an accomplished violinist?

Jue Yao: As a child, it was very tough. I didn’t like practising because there was no playtime; I’d practise for hours as soon as I came home from school. If I didn’t, my father would punish me by making me kneel on the washboard. But in retrospect, I am thankful for the strict schedule he imposed. You have to start young to be a professional. When I was in my early 20s I would sometimes play for up to eight hours a day.

Asia Tatler: How did you manage the transition when you opened your music academy?

Jue Yao: When only a violinist, I had only the violin on my mind. Now I have to take time to organise my schedule, to strike a balance covering family, school, career and me. I organise everything into one big picture and several smaller pictures: the big picture is violin time or me-time in the morning, lunch with friends, teaching in the afternoon and family in the evening. The smaller pictures are the unexpected things that come up during the week.

Asia Tatler: What is me-time for you?

Jue Yao: Me time is many things! I read a lot, especially books on time management; I exercise, meditate and learn – through friends, family or students. Me time is also when I am by myself with my music.

Asia Tatler: Do you have any time-management tips for our readers?

Jue Yao: Find your balance. You can’t make everything the priority. Know your goals in every role and try to achieve them one by one.

Learn more about how Candice Chan makes time for her family in the lead up to her upcoming wedding here.

Asia Tatler: The Omega Ladymatic, originally crafted in 1955: the name is a portmanteau term, derived from the words “lady” and “automatic”, that today still reflects the attitude of the modern woman. How would you interpret that attitude?

Jue Yao: The modern woman must be informed. She must always be learning, optimistic and passionate about her life and herself. She should enjoy being a woman and know she deserves all the good things in life. And despite facing different problems at various times, she should realise those problems will disappear if she conquers her weaknesses.

Asia Tatler: If you were to choose a timepiece for yourself, what would be its qualities?

Jue Yao: Elegance and timelessness: it should last for an eternity.