Our Team — Heartstrings at Berkeley

Carolyn Pyun

Founder & President

Applied Mathematics

Hi! I'm Carolyn. I've been playing violin for 9 years, and I currently perform with the UC Berkeley Symphony Orchestra. My music taste is all over the place — I'll go from Tchaikovsky to Olivia Dean in a second. I'm also learning to play fingerstyle guitar so hmu if you have any tips. Performing in service settings has been a huge part of my life since middle school, and I founded Heartstrings because it was the club I wished existed at Berkeley — a chill space for musicians who love performing and want to give back to the community while doing it.

Why I'm passionate about music as wellness

I see music as an amazing, universal way to connect with people, regardless of their background. Throughout my life, music has played a significant role in my own wellness journey.

Greta Chan

Founder & President

Molecular & Cell Biology · Chinese Minor

I've been volunteering since my sophomore year of high school, working across the Bay Area in leadership roles—from organizing events and outreach, to supporting children and seniors through tutoring, health education, and community programs. Whether I'm planning initiatives from the ground up or coordinating on site, my goal has always been simple: to help people and the causes they care about.

Why I'm passionate about music as wellness

Alongside service, music has always been my constant. I'm a singer with experience in orchestra, violin, piano, and dance, and you'll almost always find me with headphones on. Heartstrings Club is my way of blending compassion, creativity, and connection—to give back, build community, and let music speak where words sometimes can't. 💛🎶

Carolyn Wang

Vice President

Computer Science · Politics, Philosophy & Law Minor

hi! I'm Carolyn (the other one :D), and music has been a part of my entire life! I played piano for a decade (specializing in sight reading competitions), flute for six years (two in middle school band and four in hs youth symphony orchestra), and sung classical opera for two years! I'm currently taking vocal lessons in theatre, and am so excited to share music at Heartstrings and perform for the community on a regular basis! hmu if you like disney karaoke and fruit tea :)

Why I'm passionate about music as wellness

I'm passionate about music wellness bc it's been this consistent source of wellness in my life, and I believe everyone deserves that presence in their life!

Angelina Guo

Financial Lead

Molecular & Cell Biology

Hey! I'm Angelina. I've been playing violin for around 7 years now, and I've loved every bit of it! I started out on piano and flute when I was little, but violin just stuck with me more than the others. Music is basically always with me — my AirPods are practically glued in — and while I'm an enjoyer of classical violin, piano, and orchestral pieces, my playlist is also all over the place with Chinese songs, pop, and R&B. When I get the chance, I also love catching performances at Zellerbach or Hertz — hmu if interested in being concert buddies :D

Why I'm passionate about music as wellness

Outside of music, community service has been a huge part of my life since high school, both through school programs and my local community. When I found Heartstrings, it felt like the perfect combination of two things I already loved, and I get to use the skills I've built through service while sharing my love for music with others.

Oindree Chatterjee

Media Lead (Photography)

EECS

Hi!! Music has always been a way for me to relax and recharge. I've been doing Hindustani classical singing since elementary school, and found a love for choir from middle school through high school. I'm always down to karaoke, and I love singing along to music on drives with the windows down — overall, just having a good time. I'm mesmerized by everyone in Heartstrings being so talented across so many instruments; every performance I go to is a blessing to my ears (and eyes, as a photographer ;))

Why I'm passionate about music as wellness

I'm passionate about music as wellness because it's such a powerful way for me to connect with others. It's always relaxing and a great source of happiness for me, and I love being able to share that with others too.

Avery Waxman-Lee

Operations Lead

Integrative Biology & Music

Hello! I play concert percussion mostly, but I have been in all sorts of ensembles including marching band/drum line, orchestra, choir, and pit. I love learning new instruments! Right now I am trying to learn bassoon and I love playing guitar in my free time. I love Heartstrings because there isn't any pressure to play a certain way or at a certain level, and I get to try out instruments I've never played before (like drum set).

Why I'm passionate about music as wellness

I have always had a deep love of music and it has always been something that has contributed to my personal wellbeing. Being able to connect with people through music and provide music for those in need is important to me because I know how important and impactful it can be.

Jake Wirtjes

Financial Lead

Neuroscience

Hi!? I'm Jake. I've been playing guitar for more than 8 years now. I started with an electric guitar, and from that I've begun to play acoustic guitar, bass, da ukulele, and the piano. I like all music; polyjamerous some might say. And it is because of this I joined Heartstrings, where I can share music of all genres and play for people of all ages.

Why I'm passionate about music as wellness

I've spent almost half of my life teaching music to individuals on the spectrum, and I love every minute of it. Music has helped me communicate with the non-verbal, and Heartstrings has let me reach even more communities, proving time and time again that music can help anyone.

Liv Do

Media Lead

Mathematics & Music

Hi! My name is Liv and I'm a junior studying math and music. I love to all things musical and creative, and I'm excited to be a part of Heartstrings!

Why I'm passionate about music as wellness

Coming soon!