Thursday, December 4, 2025
When Jing (Mei Jun) Lin (MM’24, Jazz & Contemporary Music) first considered studying at Longy School of Music, she was already an accomplished guitarist in Taiwan and had begun her studies at Berklee. She knew she wanted a graduate program that would help her grow as an individual artist. What she did not expect was to find a place that felt like family.
A Clear Path from the Start
As an international student, Jing was concerned about the complexity of the application and visa process. English was not her strongest language at the time, and her academic path was not straightforward. She was finishing one semester at Berklee, had previously studied material science in Taiwan, and hoped to apply to Longy without another undergraduate degree in music.
She reached out with her questions. Longy replied immediately.
“Benjamin (Nourse Gross) helped me with every detail,” Jing remembered. “He explained exactly what I needed to do and answered very fast. Every step was very clear. For international students, that means everything.”
From application guidance to visa support, Admissions walked with her through the entire process. Jing describes Benjamin and the team as patient, kind, and meticulous, making her transition to Longy smooth and stress free.
A Community that Feels Like Home
What convinced Jing to choose Longy was the strong sense of community she had heard about from her friends.
“I’ve had educational experiences where you sit in a class and not really know anyone,” she said. “But Longy is like a small family. And after you graduate, everyone still stays connected.”
That sense of belonging began immediately. Jing quickly found friends, mentors, and ensemble partners who supported her long after she completed her degree. The relationships she built here have become a major part of her professional life.
“I still talk with my friends from Longy all the time. We help each other with gigs and projects. That connection is very important for my career.”
Individual Attention that Meets Students Where They Are
For Jing, one of the most meaningful differences between Longy and her previous educational experiences was the personal attention from faculty.
“Longy teachers really see what you need,” she said. “They do not just give every student the same materials. They follow your goals and help you develop yourself.”
She appreciated that her professors were active, performing artists who approached teaching as fellow musicians. They stayed invested in her growth during her studies and long after.
“When I graduated and came back to Boston to visit, I had dinner with my professor. We talked about my career and even about good recording studios. That connection does not end when you finish your program.”
Launching a Career Back Home
Today Jing is one of the most in-demand guitarists in Taiwan and across Asia. She performs regularly, teaches, records, and collaborates on high-profile projects. She is currently working on her first album, and the network she built at Longy continues to shape her creative path.
“Longy gave me the time and space to focus. It helped me find what kind of musician I want to be,” she shared. “I am really glad I studied at Longy.”
For prospective students from China, Taiwan, and across the region, Jing’s story shows what is possible when a school not only opens its doors, but stands beside you every step of the way.
