Mr. Huy a BeatBoxing, Singing Marvel En·thu·si·ast
Mr. Huy teaches Voice, Guitar & Ukulele at Music Maker Workshops
"Never accept your own limitations"
Born and raised in Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, Vietnam, Huy came to USA to study at ASU.
This interview gives us a little insight into his musical journey in becoming a teacher & professional Vocalist.
What is your favorite thing about Vietnam?
Most definitely the food. It is also what I miss the most now that I'm living in the US.
Tell us a bit about your musical journey growing up?
Before I even realized it, I had always been singing. My earliest memory of performing must be when I join the singing group in kindergarten for a district competition (we won too). Then I guess I just kept going. Fast forward to December 2016 when I landed in the US and started college for my Vocal Performance degree.
When did you decide to come to the USA?
In the part of the world where I grew up, people strongly believe that if you want to be successful, you have to go study in the United States. So my mom decided before I was born that I am going to go study in America, and had me learn English since I was seven years old.
How did you choose ASU?
After my mom and I decided that it was time to go to the US, the next step was to find a state. So we picked the state where I have some relatives living because someone had to pick me up from the airport. So we picked AZ, where my aunt used to live (she moved to TX last year). Then, we asked my aunt what was the most popular college in AZ, and she said ASU, so we said "ASU it is!" The rest is history!
At ASU what was your favorite performance memory?
There are so many memories to choose from, but I have to say my senior recital! It was my last milestone before I graduated from ASU, and it recorded a lot of my achievements and how much I have grown as a singer and performer!
Since living in the USA, what are the biggest cultural differences you've discovered?
I still cannot get used to calling everybody just by their first names, especially when they are my professors or much older than me. In Vietnam, we have specific pronouns to address someone based on their age and gender, and especially we have a respective way to address teachers and professors.
What's the best thing that has happened to you since arriving to USA?
Meeting and marrying my wife. 🙂
What's your favorite thing about Arizona?
Obviously the weather! I just love how the summer heat scorches every single inch of my skin whenever I step outside or step into a car that's been sitting outside for a few hours! I AM KIDDING!!! The people of Arizona have treated me extremely well ever since I stepped out of the airport. I am to this day surprised at the hospitality of Arizonans!
When did you graduate from ASU and with what?
I graduated from ASU in May 2022 with a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance.
This summer you joined us at MMW starting with teaching at camps. What was your favorite memory?
The kids and their excitement to sing!
What are your favorite songs to sing?
It changes all the time. For me this is extremely seasonal because I like a lot of things! At the moment my top 3:
"Out There" from The Hunchback of Notre Dame,
Any interesting fun facts about you?
I am a big Marvel nerd, and I can and I will talk with you about Marvel and superheroes for days if you would like! Also, I collect playing cards!
I enjoy beatboxing!
What is unique about your teaching style?
Having lived in a different country, been exposed to several different cultures, and worked with very different people in a different environment, I am specialized in adaptation. Each student is unique and so there is no one size fits all way to teach everybody. I will do everything in my ability to find what fits each student most, and develop my lesson plan for them accordingly.
How do you describe your personality?
I am very easy to talk to. I may be bad at starting conversations, but if you start one with me I am a good listener and I will keep you company until you are bored!
What instruments do you teach at the studio?
At MMW, I teach voice, guitar, and ukulele!
