Professional violinist CALLS OUT classical music TikToks

Do you only practice by yourself? The secret to learning music faster and staying motivated is to practice on Tonic: tonicmusic.app/practice-together Download it today for free 🎵
How real or fake are some of these TikToks? Some were good. Others were sus.
Ps. This was the original video that caused me to fly to Paris to CALL OUT a TikTok musician for his video.
0:00 - Intro
0:28 - String
0:56 - Water
1:29 - 1 to 17 years
2:51 - 5 vs 15 years
4:22 - Raising money for lessons
5:24 - Conductor 1
6:50 - Classical music is boring
7:38 - Shots fired
7:55 - Falling asleep in concert
8:41 - Conductor gets pranked
9:17 - Conduct us
10:29 - Mozart Lacrimosa
11:45 - Interstellar
12:53 - CALLING OUT TIKTOKER

[@RayChenViolinist]

ALRIGHT practice break is OVER. Need a motivation boost? Go see what the other practicers are doing on Tonic: tonicmusic.app/join-in 🎵

[@namewithheldbygoogleforsec673]

those musicins playing Interstellar are staging the whole scenario. Ive seen many videos of him, and others and they all set up the scene of having musicians suddenly appear and play along or even sing along. They're still good videos though, and great playing of instruments and in some cases, singing.

[@kehwa]

I can't let you forget the name. Radetzky March!

[@30_caovantung88]

I wish I can play better in violin 😢😢

[@Nefarnia]

Is tonic also suitable for autodidacts? I've made the experience that as a musician without classical education I'm kinda subhuman to other musicians.

[@marikothecheetah9342]

Not playing my beloved violin yet (at... 40...:P) but I love the idea of Tonic. It's awesome and we need more things like this. Keep an amazing job! 👌

[@emiliopiano.official]

You came all the way to Paris because of my TikTok video?! Wow what an honour 😍

[@Ilovepaneer]

youre a big youtuber cool beans!!!

[@undyingsaltedfish753]

so cool to see this encounter from both sides! Saw Ray Chen play Vivaldi with you and now Ray Chen posts this! He actually looked for you!

[@emgee44]

I just watched that clip which brought me here. I had goosebumps, staged or not it was incredible.

[@usa2745]

二人の演奏の虜になりました。なんて素晴らしいのでしょう!!✨👏✨👏✨とても感動しました🍀ありがとうございました♡♡

[@KayleeWu-ViOliN]

Lol when you realize a certain violinist has been tracking you and even followed you into Paris 😂🤣

[@ViolinMechanic]

I saw your clip playing in Paris with Emilio and I thought “well it’s scripted, but it sure as heck makes a great performance”

[@Gemoraly-iv2fz]

Yeah it's definitely scripted

[@sarakzite6946]

My mother showed me the video on instagram and I told her the same as you lol

[@Y3llow_Submarin3]

But still they acted like it's spontaneous.

[@eriks2962]

it's totally scripted he has dozen of those on his channel

[@milkystraw15]

Lol I was so confused cause he seemed to be confused with those two guys happened to be there, while I just watched him happened to play Vivaldi with the pianist a few days ago! It definitely makes so much more sense that it's scripted 😂

[@RobLandes]

I always lost music competitions to violinists younger than me, so of course I had to flex on that girl. Now....go practice.

[@fluffyeyes4]

First to comment. You sounded good in that clip.😊

[@agatafurczyk9149]

😂

[@AR-ko4ht]

Lol

[@antine1279]

I felt like you were trying to encourage her, to show her what's possible if she keeps it up. You're a good guy :)

[@LAJcat_Photography]

5th Comment! OMG

[@vanessachromik3879]

I'm always happy to see Ray promoting Tonic, in the past few months there have been so many new people joining it's such a big difference to when I joined! And everyone is really supportive, and it's a great way to stay motivated and keep the streak up 😄

[@Lyander25]

That Stravinsky clip at 7:54 never fails to put a smile on my face. Revisited the original video several times over the years and it's always helped with cruddy days. Don't let people say orchestral music can't be fun.

[@michaelvincent7115]

I enjoyed performing that. the danse infernale chaotic ending is so fun

[@dominictalbot3720]

the segment with the conductor also conducting the audience really got me. it's such a clever way to protect from issues like 1. audience clapping when they shouldn't, and 2. audience getting too distracted. fantastic stuff

[@Arieltheonly]

the Vivaldi video on tiktok of them playing together is how I found Ray Chen. He's so awesome, sounds like a fun person to be around. Makes me want to learn violin. Been binging his videos lol

[@patmw]

Shoutout Matt Kent w/ the Lacrimosa adaptation. If you ever get chance to see him live, don't miss out. Incredible performer and it's such a privilege to watch him perform!

[@iammattkent]

❤

[@Cleareye]

He seems like a nice, down-to-earth guy despite being one of the best violinists in the world

[@hs964]

Generous with his knowledge too

[@NiiloPaasivirta]

That part around 5:30 is from the Vienna New Year's Concert. It's the final encore (after the Blue Danube), during which the audience claps, directed by the conductor. The demand of tickets is so high that you need to pre-register one year to even participate the drawing of tickets to next year's concert. It's also broadcast on radio and television. I always watch it!

[@lucienazario2786]

You played with so much passion and excitement when I watched your video in Paris. Your music always touches the heart and soul of the listener. You are truly amazing!!!

[@elliechoi._.]

The piece Dudamel was conducting was the Radetzky March (I’m pretty sure) and it is such a fun piece to listen to. Many recordings have the conductors also engaging with the audience, and it’s just rlly amazing

[@antine1279]

Yes it's Radetzky March, I really don't like it for personal reasons but I'd recognise it in my sleep

[@liamnevilleviolist1809]

Right from the beginning: all I can see is one of the world's most famous Strads just casually being an audience member on Ray's couch.... listening to words like "TikTok" and "video". So mind-blowing to think that someone as brilliant as Stradivari had no idea about *videos* or *the internet* back then and probably couldn't even begin to conceive such ideas. I remember reading that Stradivari used to literally walk around the town [in his early days as a violin maker] and knock on people's doors asking if they'd like to purchase one of his violins. *That's* how hardworking people used to promote their work!

[@joeshah8789]

Sir, I love how you are so encouraging to other artist that have 1/1000 the talent that you do. Music is such a wonderful way to express yourself when words can't. When you take the time to "read between the lines" of each individual artist, you will really find the "magic" of what makes music so great. Thank you, Mr. CHEN. You make music fun. 🎻

[@oliviang4899]

Sweet! I saw the second part first on Emil’s channel not knowing this is the first part!! I’m so happy! Awesome duo ❤

[@MagisterialVoyager]

LOOKING FORWARD FOR YOUR PARIS VIDEO, RAY!!! sorry i got very excited LETS GOOO.

[@bestuish]

12:17 Ray looks SO SAD because he wants BADLY to BE THERE to play the violin himself 😂

[@bestuish]

Oh, he really went to play the violin lol 🤣so cute Ray!

[@dunstonlion1342]

Another big fun surprise moment is in the Tchaik 6th symphony, about halfway through the first movement. You get so completely drawn in by the serene clarinet solo as it slowly descends, getting calmer and calmer and calmer and BAM. It's so much fun to play.

[@ModusVivendiMedia]

Another is the 4th movement of Mahler 1, but the Tchaik has it beat for being actually in the middle of the movement!

[@CortVermin]

damn i did not expect the lacrimosa thingy to turn out so good o_O

[@irisce2799]

I didn't realize Vivaldi was the trailer and I was just confused how Ray was gonna call out TikToks while performing. lol.

[@jaegertiger384]

PRACTICING... diligently EVERY day on Tonic. Thanks Ray !!

[@bhelliom3]

I went to the Firebird Suite at the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra as a teenager, I was obsessed with Fantasia 2000 and when I saw it was playing I immediately asked to go. I did fall asleep during that gorgeous peaceful piece, and was startled awake by the bird awakening. It was amazing though, I was so glad it woke me up cuz that’s my favorite part (after the ending bit, idk music terms) and I would have been upset if I missed it.

[@agatafurczyk9149]

This one is going to be long... 😂 1) Great that you've picked these nice TikToks - not something 'bash-able' 👍 2) The Lacrimosa-based-song has great vibes! 3) I hope the 'Bond' concert audience was warned somehow beforehand, because some people could've ended up in real shock - otherwise great show idea 😁 4) the 'Conduct Us' part reminds me I need to practice my social skills more 😭🤭- it must be great to meet in person, such people who try to break the barriers, that divide us socially, in such heartwarming ways 💕 5) 'Interstellar' soudtrack makes me want to learn how to play pipe-organ even more!!! 😍I usually say that violin is my favourite instrument, but the truth is 'violin ❤= pipe-organ ❤' in my heart. (I'm Xaver Varnus' but also our local church's Ivona organist's fan. 😄) I picked to learn violin out of the two instruments, for 'totally-not-guessable-reasons'... 😉😜 (And 'Interstellar' film has just the the kind of storytelling I truly enjoy: epic packaging covering a deep, universal tale 💝) 6) Generally, the whole 'Paris' piano + violin(s)' part looks 'totally-not-staged' 🤣😜🤣 it's enjoyable nonetheless 🤗 I've got a thought or two about the other parts, but this comment is already terribly long 😆 so... ...That's that, thanks for the video Ray!

[@KG-Lime]

Vienna philharmonic new year concert 2017 (Dudamel) was the one of my favorite year (I watch every year on TV/streaming). He was having such fun! And so cool you really went Paris to play!

[@mikededmon]

Pensacola, Fl symphony has this amazing conductor that stops and speaks to the audience about each piece explaining the music and it's history. And he encourages questions about it. It was so refreshing and engaging to go to their concerts.

[@grissini]

Such trailer as waiting screen is just on point!

[@nialin7605]

我是看到Emil短片尋找到這個頻道！很喜歡你的演奏，後來才發現你是台裔，而且回來過台灣，很高興得知有這麼厲害的大人物存在並熱愛古典樂，真的好帥❤

[@chrisma3256]

Agree that Tonic community is sooo encouraging ❤ hard to see an unpleasant comment no matter what's your level

[@susieplog4434]

I shared your Vivaldi video with Emilio today on my Facebook. My aunt teaches Suzuki but I wanted her to see your video. Great video.

[@skylerhedblom]

My first classical concert was your performance of the Tchaikovsky concerto with the Seattle Symphony ~2 years ago. Tchaikovsky's 4th symphony was on the 2nd half of the concert. While we unfortunately didn't quite get a scream like with the Stravinsky here (7:54), at the start of the finale after the 3rd movement you could feel the whole audience jolt awake!

[@moiragores1226]

Radetzki-Marsch ist ALWAYS played last at the Austrian Vienna Symphonie New Years concert :) A must watch every year as a true European (Austrian, German, Britisch Citizen) - Can definitely recommend! Is broadcasted internationally nowadays :) Always on the 1. of January in the late morning (Central European time)

[@vanessamccann294]

What a fun idea!! The ending!! I loved it

[@user-oo2op4pg3i]

I saw your video playing in Paris with that last piano player, you were amazing as always.

[@jaegertiger384]

RAY IS SUCH A COOL GUY. Reminds me of a modern day version of Leonard Bernstein... reaching out to we musicians in such a magnanimous way... which he would NEVER have to do. THANKS RAY !!!

[@stevenmeyer9674]

I love the KZbin video where a guy from the audiences jumps in to sing the tenor part with Lisette Oropesa. in her encore.

[@andreajaramillo4981]

I saw u already in that video with the last guy playing Vivaldi, it was so amazing!

[@DSCS_ShilpiPrasad]

Can't believe Ray actually went to paris on like a thought. Goshhh, this guy's impulsiveness! Thats what I need in life.

[@MrAceman82]

Thank you for sharing TonicMusic....I am on fire and inspired to practice more.

[@Visitkarte]

These choices were wonderful, happy holidays!

[@Ch1oe2472]

I'm not gonna lie, I smiled at the Dudamel concert tiktok, it looks so fun and everyone seems to be enjoying it!!!

[@HanniPham-kc8fg]

absolutely love your videos Ray. thank you for your frequent posts

[@mihailucaciu7366]

Wanted to see this for so long wow

[@Grisy23]

Estuvo genial tu interpretación en París y este vídeo me encantó ❤

[@seliador]

That Strauss Piece Radetzkymarsch was in a commercial for corn in Germany a few decades ago, with animated scenes of corncobs marching to the music and some lyrics about marching corn added. This childhood memory is burned into my brain - and many other Germans - and I can't listen to that piece without visualizing that old tv commercial. You can still find it on youtube by searching for "Bonduelle Mais marschiert".

[@patrileq]

Omggggg I saw the video with Emile first and then I saw this one and it was like a movie at the end 😂 I was anxious jajajajja!! Love your work!! ❤

[@08m]

Love watching Ray's content ALWAYS but 1000 bonus points for the Snatch movie(?) flight clip :D PS: Where are the Tonic stickers !??!?!

[@lattelover5471]

7:40: This TikTok reminds me of a P.D.Q. Bach concert I attended. The orchestra was warming up and then all the musicians gradually stopped playing and slunk down in their seats. A stage hand came on and, holding up the two ends of an over-sized extension cord, dramatically plugged it in. The musicians sat up and continued tuning! Such a fun way to get the audience ready for the P.D.Q. Bach experience. (Forget violin concertos; you haven't lived until you've played a concerto for Horn and Hardart.)

[@SouthFloridaSunshine]

So funny I just came from the last clip in this compilation featuring you, on the pianist channel, and I found out about you from TwoSetViolin I believe. I loved this video so enjoyable. ❤

[@chopstyx1]

I have downloaded Tonic but haven't used it yet. I had my final class for the year yesterday, so is a good time for me to start using it to help me keep motivated until class starts again next year.

[@sabrinai]

Only Ray can fly business to Paris only to track down a tik tok musician and to play with him.

[@Y3llow_Submarin3]

Look what was he wearing in Paris.

[@bestuish]

@@Y3llow_Submarin3 A sweater and coat. Is that a problem?

[@autoghg]

I'm so happy to see a clip by Mike Chen here! He's incredible and definitely super nice and passionat!

[@tonimcguire8588]

Ray, that could happen. For Easter four of us as musicians got together knowing we were going to play two hymns for church but we had no idea how we would play them or what it would sound like. We sat down and jammed together.

[@channaichew3013]

11:00 this is amazing talent musically vocally , this is 1 way to spread classical to younger generations mixing into pop (eg. Coolio+Canon in D)..I got goosebumps !

[@chrisma3256]

Vienna Philharmonics! Radetzkymarsch 😊 and conductors always direct the audience when they play that piece 😊

[@chani_m]

Quite randomly, but I really love the 30 seconds when you film your travels on the plane and walking on the street; it feels so nice and real! You should do some vlogs when you're touring and traveling! I miss the backstage videos!

[@Music_mental_health]

At 5-15 years, I’ve met Emma from TheSeaStrings and she is such a sweetheart! I’ve had lessons from her too 🎻

[@nlinh5462]

What a freaking cliffhanger of ending, why are you hanging us out to dry like that haha

[@mononoke813]

One of my favorite classical pieces ❤ Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. Winter is my favorite section 🥰

[@vivianidelacerda9708]

You guys were great in Paris! 🎉

[@riiita4476]

This video lead to collaboration with him😊 I look forward it, your video in Paris😂

[@becgedge7609]

Just saw the Paris vid....holy s&*t!!! I would cry if I was able to witness that!!! What an awesome vid!!

[@sgoheen06]

I came here from the video that Emilio Piano made with you playing Vivaldi! lol

[@BG-iu1ld]

That tictok brought me to your channel! Am now a sub!

[@davidhaynes9234]

Ray, in a concert, there are obviously great violinists in the orchestra, possibly able to do what you do, but they stay in the orchestra. What motivates one to be the soloist? Is it just a realization that you have something special that others just don’t have or just don’t want to put THAT much dedication in, to be like you? And then there is ego… but you have a tremendous charisma and charm in your playing. This could be said for Hilary Hahn or even Karolina Protsenko (

[@SteveWhiteDallas]

Oh, and I also meant to say, Ray Chen, how impressed I am with your skills on what is my favorite instrument. I like anything with strings (along with many more instruments) but the violin is my favorite. I don't know if anyone else interprets it this way, but I classify violinists into two categories. Some have a masculine style of playing while others have a more feminine sound. The sound doesn't necessarily match a person's gender. For example Karen Briggs (like many females) has a masculine style/sound while Mary Simpson's style/sound is more feminine. (Neither style is better than the other.) BTW> You, Ray, have what I call a masculine style/sound and it's awesome.

[@SeasickSailor76]

I replayed the 8:00 moment several times! Music having an impact! 😀I love the conductor's reaction too... just a restrained smile gradually appearing!

[@Arc3eee]

Ray, can you make a video on what exactly a conductor does in a concert and how it plays an effective role?

[@irenecancelmo3349]

I’m not a violinist, though I have the Hungarian background. I saw this clip with Emilio. He’s a classical player and I loved the fun you had together playing Vivaldi. Super cool!

[@dysntgr8]

I wish I was as dedicated to practising as Ray is to finding the pianist, even if he's gotta travel all the way to Paris for that.

[@biatchg1]

So this is the video that started the vivaldi with emilio.❤❤❤

[@thepianoplayer416]

4:38 sounds like Part 1 of the Suzuki "Twinkle Variations"... ear training intended for beginners learning to play without sheet music. It's a show-off piece that kids would play in their first year-end recital for the parents. Great conducting of the "Radetzky March" by G Dudamel. 9:30 a total beginner conducting an orchestra is like the Mr. Bean (Rowan Atkinson) comedy skit where he goes to a Christmas market and comes across some musicians. Mr. B picks up a baton and starts to conduct "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen". The last 1 is quite amazing. The piano guy started as a solo and then switched to playing the same piece "Interstellar" as accompaniment with 2 violin solos. The thing that turn people off Classical music is the lack of audience participation. The majority of the Classical concerts we go to everybody is expected to sit quietly for the duration. Anybody who makes noise including sneezing or coughing, the next person would do the "Sh-h-h-h-h" to remind him/her to keep quiet.

[@becgedge7609]

Hahaha love the audience conducting!! So fun!

[@becgedge7609]

Omg the birthday thing would make me cry if I saw that live!! 😂

[@airenyah7243]

0:16 sir. it is midnight. my neighbors will hate me 😩 (however, i played the violin only this morning, in fact, i had a really productive and super fun violin lesson this morning) also omggg i saw that video of you and the french guy on instagram, how fun to learn the backstory 😂

[@lucasprestes]

The interstellar ramdom collab could totally happen! Its as probable as your collab with Rob!

[@SteveWhiteDallas]

The rude comments you mentioned reading are something every musician could do without. Although I'm not a musician, I have noticed something that most musicians seem to have in common. When I see negative remarks in the comments from people who claim to be musicians themselves, sometimes I can't stop myself from striking back at them. They think the internet is a place where anyone can be anything they aspire to be. But they often give themselves away. What I've noticed is that in any field - music to construction, impostors are quick to criticize and they don't mind being rude either. But a real musician is far less likely to openly insult the skills of another musician. It's true of other professions, but to a lesser degree. I can't confirm this theory, but of the few times I have outright accused a person of pretending to be a musician when he isn't (because of his rude comment/insult directed toward a musician in a video) I have never received any kind of response from the person I called out. I know there will always be exceptions, but I have to believe that most musicians are above such childish behavior. In fact, judging from the few famous musicians I have met, they seem to be relaxed, easy-going people (as opposed to uptight like some celebrities can be.) Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

[@Mango-n-Orange]

Just in time ✨❤

[@AmandaViolinGirl]

Nearly 5 years I have been playing violin and I am still at beginner level but close to intermediate level. I did a grade 3 abrsm violin performance exam 2.5 years from starting as an adult.

[@austintuckett1301]

The ending to this video is underrated!

[@mrbeastfan9579]

I've seen the 2nd last one before. It's by far my favourite one

[@proturtle8715]

Ray: Its a bit of sus... 🤔 Also Ray in another video: Is that Vivaldi?

[@svetoslavkrastev228]

11:10 - That MatKent guy is really creative AND talented (Multi-, at that). It was reall joy listening to his voice 🔥🔥😍😍👌👌

[@insydian]

See the pianist is also world class and has soloed with the polish phil and various other symphonies. I can actually believe it’s kinda real with very few practice sessions if both guys are at the top of the world in terms of skill.

[@dvillebenny1445]

You silly man, you did the exact same thing, surprise the soloist on the piano!

[@Krizefugl]

Didn't Paganini intentionally weaken strings to have them snap mid performance and just keep going? Definitely a pro move! :D

[@yutongmp3]

since i started watching ray chen videos again i think i found my motivation to practice LMAOO

[@sudharmansitaraman8377]

In view of TwoSet not posting, Ray has become my daily practice motivation. Could you please shame me into practicing a little more through the video? A "go practice, you disappointment" at the end wouldn't go amiss either.

[@aisyahazmi8835]

Hahaha he's playing with emiliano with really high excitement like 2 best friends playing in rivalry 😂😂😂

[@Casutama]

It's by Strauss Sr :) And yeah, the Vienna Phil play it every year at the New Year's concert

[@marwanahmed5377]

I honestly also wondered about your performance with him.

[@_3.14]

11:20 lacrimosa guy really rizzed us all up -also first comment of 2024, HAPPY NEW YEAR YALL, BEST WISHESSS

[@FoodwaysDistribution]

No one travels with violin cases that is boringly all staged and they have tons of very similar videos.

[@simondanielssonmusic]

I'm practicing scales with this video in the background. THERE IS NO EXCUSE TO NOT PRACTICE.

[@watermouth0072]

5:46 The song is called Radetzky March.

[@reportimortal]

Ray's bad acting gave me every info I need. 😅

[@jonmendoza6256]

Good thing you found Emil! 😂

[@viviangarber7460]

Isn’t that one pc you said by Strauss the Radinsky March? or something like that.

[@harl33nq.14]

I just need to know how to do the vibrato on the violin. My family growing up could not afford things as well as lessons, and I’ve always had an ear for music so if you have a better way than some of the other videos, I have seen on how to do the vibrato and ways to loosen up my wrist to be able to do that so my sound doesn’t sound so straight and not smooth. I would love some tips even from people in the comments please.

[@kimprocarione5473]

My son would have that enraptured look of reverence when he heard classical music that he liked. When he was still in his walker he would hurry up to the stereo and listen in silence all the way through, if he liked it! If he didn't he would voce his opinion loudly and with body language! 😅 If it was an opera he disliked he would turn and leave the room with a very obvious look of disgust on his little cherub face! He was such a snob! 😂❤