Just Another Chinese Violinist: American Strings Students in Public Schools

Just Another Chinese Violinist weaves together case studies of seven young musicians and insights into identity, culture, and belonging to explore Chinese American experiences in school music programs. Just Another Chinese Violinist weaves together case studies of seven young musicians and insights into identity, culture, and belonging to explore Chinese American experiences in school music programs. Taking an innovative narrative approach, the book reveals how Chinese American students navigate complex stereotypes, parental expectations, and cultural identity while participating in school orchestras. The stories unfold against a backdrop of significant social change, from evolving media representation to rising anti-Asian sentiment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Each story is interwoven with the social and historical forces at play to create a narrative tapestry that challenges the ‘model minority’ stereotype. Drawing from her unique perspective as both a Hong Kong-born music educator and researcher, Lung-Grant examines how transnational contexts, Asianization processes, and Chinese parenting styles influence these students' musical and cultural identities. This essential work offers valuable insights into the intersection of music education, racial identity, and cultural belonging for researchers, educators and anyone interested in understanding the complex experiences of Chinese American youth in today's musical landscape.