Check Out Dr. Pei-Chi Lin’s Story

Hi Dr. Lin, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Dr. Pei-Chi Lin, DMA in choral conducting from the University of North Texas, currently serving as an adjunct professor at Tarrant County College. I was born in Tainan, Taiwan. My journey with music began at the age of 6 when I started learning piano and dance. Growing up, I developed a love for singing and performance. In high school, I became actively involved in choir, and during my university years, I majored in voice and minored in piano, eventually entering the field of choral conducting during my master’s studies.

~Life Filled with Wonders and a Willingness to Face Challenges~
I thrive on learning and embracing new challenges, believing in the boundless potential within individuals. A life of routine unsettles me, and I find comfort in pursuing the unknown. Before coming to the United States in 2012, I served as a full-time music teacher at a high school in Taiwan. While achieving great results with the school choir in competitions, I felt a desire for further professional development. Consequently, I took on part-time teaching positions at several university music departments and founded a children’s choir.

In my eighth year of teaching, I realized the passage of time and contemplated what regrets I might have upon retirement. This reflection led me to make a bold decision at the age of 34: resigning from my teaching position and choir conducting responsibilities to pursue my dream of studying in the United States. Many discouraged me, predicting regret, but I was determined to follow my passion.

~Overcoming Challenges: Starting Afresh from Ground Zero~
The initial year in the U.S. proved challenging as I struggled with the English language despite passing language proficiency exams. Being the only international student in the choral conducting doctoral program added to the difficulty. I couldn’t fully understand class discussions or even jokes, making it challenging to assimilate into American culture. My daily routine involved constant studying and dictionary consultation, and the stress of that period still looms large in my memory.

In 2018, after completing my doctoral degree in choral conducting, some Taiwanese friends invited me to co-found a new choir. I aimed to establish a high-caliber choir in the DFW area, and thus, the Dallas Philharmonic Choir (DPC) was born. Notably, DPC achieved Second Prize at the 2019 International Choir Competition for Overseas Chinese.

~Leading the Dallas Philharmonic Choir: A Journey of Musical Exploration~
DPC, primarily composed of Chinese community members aged 30 to 80, has ventured into various musical genres, from classical to pop, religious to secular. As the artistic director, I continually encourage members to challenge themselves, surpass local American choirs in skill, broaden our audience base, and introduce our music to diverse communities. Our successful collaboration with the McKinney Philharmonic Orchestra in performing Mozart Requiem in September garnered much praise, with many assuming DPC to be a professional choir.

~A Nuanced and Expressive Female Conductor~
DPC members often express their attraction to my conducting style. Female conductors with a powerful and dramatic presence are a rarity, and many are curious about my decision to become a conductor. Conducting, being a silent performer using only body language to convey musical ideas, holds a unique place in the world of vocal music. Understanding the maxim in choral circles that “there are no bad choirs or orchestras, only bad conductors,” I appreciate the responsibility that comes with the role.

Starting piano and dance at six and later excelling in choir competitions in high school, I gradually transitioned to vocal studies in college. The development of a conductor requires a combination of musical proficiency, mastery of body language, and confidence—qualities I cultivated through early leadership roles and dance training. My vocal background aids in precise vocal training for choir members, and I find great joy in leading a team to explore the rich and multi-layered world of choral music.

I have a deep passion for collaborative teamwork. Unlike solo vocal performance, conducting allows me to appreciate the multifaceted richness of music and guide a team to artistic heights. I believe that choral education is not just my job but a calling, and I am committed to using the talents bestowed upon me to glorify the name of God.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Pei-Chi Lin, D.M.A. University of North Texas
Adjunct Music Instructor, Tarrant County College
Artistic Director, Conductor and Vocal Coach, Dallas Philharmonic Choir
Conductor, InOne Sacred Choir
Founder and Artistic Director of Dallas Youth & Children’s Choir

What was your favorite childhood memory?
I am deeply grateful for my mother’s companionship and perseverance on my musical journey. Despite our modest means, my mother, who has a great love for music, insisted on providing me with excellent teachers. I started learning the piano at the age of six, and my mother would sit in the classroom for every lesson, taking notes. She would then encourage me to practice at home, and if I didn’t perform well, she would be the one shedding tears, not me. She felt that it was her responsibility to push me harder. These memories are etched in my mind, serving as a constant reminder to approach my studies with diligence.