Music alum’s talent and work takes him to advanced degrees
If you want to find an alum who is highly motivated to work hard, engenders professional success and serves society at the same time, then look no further than Dr. Anson Sin ’19 MMC. Anson grew up in Hong Kong S.A.R. but made the move to the Olympic Peninsula in Washington at a young age, where he eventually studied at Peninsula College for two years then earned a BA through Hong Kong Baptist University. During that time, he had the privilege of studying with Dr. David Jones, a highly passionate jazz musician and professor. Dr. Jones also invited Dr. Alexander Tutunov (SOU piano professor) as a guest for one of the public piano masterclass events. During that event, Dr. Tutunov taught three piano students and Anson was fortunate enough to be one of them. That relationship helped pave the way for his journey to SOU.
Anson enjoyed the quaintness of Ashland and the natural beauty, cultural events and outdoor recreational opportunities as well as the arts with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. In 2017, he embarked on his journey towards a master’s degree in music performance. “Dr. Tutunov stood out as my favorite. It was under his mentorship that I was not only offered a position as a graduate employee but also the opportunity to study under his guidance. Dr. Tutunov’s considerate and supportive approach left a lasting impact on me and my piano playing,” said Anson. Throughout his time on campus, the team approach helped immensely. “We secured the title of first alternate winner in the Oregon State MTNA-Steinway Young Artist Piano Competition, an event organized by the Oregon Music Teachers Association. Moreover, we excelled in the Open Class in Concerto/Aria Competition held by the Grande Ronde Symphony in Eastern Oregon. Notable accolades also include the Music Scholarship Award from Brookings-Harbor Friends of Music. Dr. Tutunov’s mentorship helped immensely. The most memorable experience I was involved in was the SOU Wind Symphony’s concert on March 15th, 2018. That evening, I had the honor of being invited by the music director and professor, Dr. Cynthia Hutton, to perform Grieg’s A Minor Piano Concerto as the piano soloist. Alongside my fellow SOU music students, we collectively delivered an inspiring musical performance that received a standing ovation from the audience!”
After earning his MMC in June of 2019, Anson headed to the University of Oregon. He had been introduced to Dr. Dean Kramer and Dr. Claire Wachter, distinguished piano professors who taught at the University of Oregon. This relationship paved the way for admittance and success at the University of Oregon for his doctoral program. He worked as a teaching assistant while pursuing his doctoral degree in musical arts and a second master’s degree, both earned in 2022.
During the pandemic of 2020 though, he yearned to contribute to the country he considers his home base. “Early in 2021, I began taking the pre-requisites for a bachelor of science in nursing, all while continuing to work towards my doctorate and second master’s degree. In June 2021, I also reached a personal milestone by publishing my first work combining medical-prevention insights: “Stretching Exercises from Martial Arts and Preconditioning Piano Exercises,” said Sin.
In 2022, concurrently as he worked on his graduate degrees, he also was accepted into the School of Nursing at Bushnell University in Eugene, graduating with his bachelor of science in nursing December, 2023. He envisions a dream career that melds music and the medical field: “This entails serving as a professor in higher education, dedicating at least a day each week to share my knowledge with students. Simultaneously, I am committed to contributing to the medical sector as a registered nurse for three days a week, thereby serving both our community and our nation,” he added.
“My time at SOU was an enriching journey that blended the beauty of music and the pursuit of knowledge. The close interactions between students and faculty created an environment where learning flourished and mentorship was not just a concept, but a daily reality. The stage of SOU became a canvas for unforgettable performances and the campus, a place where diverse passions converged. From music to medicine, SOU ignited the spark of curiosity that continues to guide my path, reminding me that true education goes beyond textbooks – it is about fostering a holistic growth that shapes both the mind and the soul.”
Learn more: Dr. Anson Sin
