Meet Alice Hong

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alice Hong.

Alice, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always been a person to wear many hats. I explored a lot of paths: some to pay rent and some to fulfill some creative hunger. I thought that would change when I finished my doctorate degree, that I’d narrow in on one of the paths I’d explored, but finishing school didn’t change a thing. I’m a violinist, composer, teacher, photographer, and as of recent, an actor. My primary thing has always been the violin – I got all three of my degrees in Violin Performance. But I was first “known” as a composer when I had my first symphony premiered at the age of 11. Photography and teaching paid my rent when I first moved to Toronto to pursue my Doctorate in Musical Arts, and through those avenues, I met some of the coolest people that exist in my life. Then, during the heat of the pandemic, I fell into acting. An upcoming Netflix movie needed a violinist on screen for a band scene, and the next thing I knew, I was living in a film bubble and making way for The Rock as he zipped by in his golf cart. That path has since led to the signing with STW Talent Agency, and the road ahead is unknown but optimistic.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
My journey has been smooth in the way that I was never alone. For every step of the way in whatever endeavor I was focused on at the time, I had a friend, a mentor, or a support group at my side. I will always be grateful for that. Of course, there were moments when the next step seemed too daunting to take, or none of my choices seemed to lead anywhere. I’d find myself struggling to suppress the very loud voice in my head that told me I was an imposter, and I’d feel an innate pressure to choose one career, choose one place, and settle down. I think I chose an unconventional lifestyle, and it takes a lot of self-confidence and faith to stand by unconventional choices. Sometimes I didn’t have that, especially when some things inevitably didn’t pan out. I had plans to move from my dream city Toronto to LA and pursue film scoring, and an auto-immune disease diagnosis prevented that from happening (not to mention, COVID followed shortly after). When those times hit, I turn to those aforementioned friends who are so thoughtful, inspiring, and completely human. It really pays to surround oneself with people doing cool things with their time and energy, with positive attitudes about work and life.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As a violinist, I’ve had the privilege of performing in a lot of different settings: in a professional orchestra, as a soloist and a recitalist, in a quartet, on a movie set, and also on cruise ships! I think there’s a stigma in the classical music industry towards being a cruise musician like it’s not “serious” work, but those are some of the most memorable performances of my life. We performed on our own stage as a piano quintet, hailing from the top music conservatories, and the audience was genuinely very appreciative. And during the day, we’d get to explore Europe, Alaska, the Caribbean, Fiji, Africa, you name it.

I also run a YouTube channel with my friend, Cello Guo (his name is Cello and he plays the cello), called “Project MainStream.” We post music videos of both classical pieces and original pop covers, and we also share travel vlogs from our cruise contracts. If you want to show your support, please hit that subscribe button and check the channel out!! We’re fun!

As a composer, I’ve had the privilege of hearing orchestras like the Toronto Symphony and other incredible musicians play my works. Being active as both a composer and performer gives me a pretty interesting perspective on how music is made and what it means to others.

As a photographer, I used to run around Toronto taking people’s portraits, always meeting someone awesome or discovering something new. Now I do the same thing in Atlanta, in addition to my own home studio now. I recently discovered Krog Street Tunnel and got some cool shots there!

Lastly, as an actor, I’m just going with the flow. The thing I’m most proud of as an actor is just putting myself out there and not looking back. Who knows where it will lead? But I’m enjoying myself every step of the way.

How do you define success?
Living your life on your own terms.

Pricing:

• 2 hr portrait session, indoor or outdoor – $300

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.aliceyhong.com
• Instagram: alicehong__
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/projectmainstream
• Other: https://www.alicehphotography.com, https://www.project-mainstream.com