About Victor:

Victor Lin is a pianist, violinist, educator, and advocate whose work in jazz has spanned performance, teaching, and community building for over 30 years. With a Master’s Degree in Jazz Studies from Rutgers University, where he studied under the legendary Kenny Barron, and a Doctorate in Music Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, Victor’s career has been shaped by a deep commitment to creativity, collaboration, and education. Over the years, he has graced notable NYC stages such as The Blue Note, Flushing Town Hall, Lincoln Center, and Bryant Park. He has performed and shared the spotlight with artists like Taylor Eigsti, Julian Lage, Regina Carter, and Ambrose Akinmusire. For Victor, music is not simply about technical excellence but about fostering environments where musicians uplift and support one another. His teaching philosophy, centered on the idea that “your job is to make everyone else better,” reflects his broader belief in music as a communal and transformative force.

As a long-time educator, Victor’s influence has extended to institutions like Columbia University, where he has taught since 2008. His journey as an educator has been chronicled by Teachers College, as he also spent over two decades at The Calhoun School in New York City, building its jazz program from a single morning class into the largest jazz program of its kind in all of NYC. His approach to teaching prioritizes empathy, collaboration, and the real-world application of musical knowledge, focusing on the relationships and connections that music can foster. Beyond technical instruction, Victor’s students learn the importance of community, and many of them stay connected with him well into their professional lives.

Victor has also been a driving force in Asian American representation in the arts, helping to lead and host the annual AAPI Jazz Fest since 2022, and hosting Victor's Asian American Musician Podcast to explore the experiences and stories of Asian American musicians.

Victor’s performances reflect his ability to fluently and seamlessly move between genres and cultural narratives. His work on projects like interpreting Studio Ghibli music through jazz is a testament to his belief in the power of blending traditions. Whether he’s performing jazz standards, film soundtracks, or pop culture themes, Victor’s musical versatility brings together different artistic worlds in ways that resonate deeply with diverse audiences. His ability to bridge the gap between traditional and contemporary, classical and jazz, Eastern and Western influences is at the heart of his work, and his performances demonstrate how music can connect across borders, styles, and generations.

In addition to his public performances and educational work, Victor’s reflections on life and music reveal his thoughtful, introspective nature. His experiences—whether teaching jazz, parenting two young boys, reflecting on the challenges of personal growth through basketball practice, or fostering relationships with students and colleagues—shape his approach to music and education. Victor is committed to expanding his influence beyond the classroom, continuing to develop platforms like his podcast, public concerts, and creative collaborations that offer transformative, inclusive spaces for all. At the heart of his work is a desire to use music as a tool for connection, personal growth, and community impact.