Discover the Magic

Unlock your musical potential with our exceptional music teachers, providing personalized 1-on-1 private instrument lessons, comprehensive ear training, and in-depth music theory. Whether you're passionate about Western or Eastern instruments, we have a wide range of options to explore!

Unlocking the Power of Music:

Benefits of Starting Music Education at a Young Age

  • Enhanced Cognitive Skills: Music education stimulates various areas of the brain, fostering improved memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities. This can lead to enhanced academic performance and critical thinking skills.
  • Improved Focus and Discipline: Learning an instrument requires consistent practice and dedication. This cultivates discipline and focus, essential qualities for success in any field.
  • Enhanced Emotional Intelligence: Music fosters emotional expression and sensitivity. Students learn to understand and manage their emotions, leading to better social interactions and empathetic relationships.
  • Boosted Self-Confidence: Mastering an instrument or performing in front of an audience builds self-assurance and self-esteem, empowering students to face challenges with confidence.
  • Stress Relief: Playing music can be a form of relaxation and stress relief. It offers a creative outlet to cope with academic pressures and everyday challenges.
  • Teamwork and Collaboration: Participation in ensembles and music groups cultivates teamwork and collaboration skills, as students learn to synchronize their efforts to create harmonious music.
  • Enhanced Time Management: Balancing academic studies with music practice teaches effective time management, a crucial skill for success in any career.
  • Cultural Appreciation: Learning about different styles and genres of music exposes students to diverse cultures, fostering appreciation and understanding of the world’s richness.
  • Improved Communication Skills: Music education involves verbal and non-verbal communication, aiding in the development of effective communication skills.
  • Innovative Thinking: Music encourages creativity and innovative thinking, which are vital qualities for solving complex problems in various fields.
  • Life-Long Enjoyment: The joy of music remains with students throughout their lives, offering a lifelong source of fulfillment and happiness.
  • Opportunities for Scholarships and College Admissions: Exceptional musical achievements can open doors to scholarships and enhance college applications, setting students apart in the competitive admission process.
  • Career Advantages: Music education fosters skills that can be valuable in various professions, such as teamwork, discipline, creativity, and leadership.
  • Building Inner Strength: Facing challenges and overcoming obstacles in music nurtures resilience and inner strength, which are invaluable assets in navigating life’s ups and downs.

Meet Our Talented Music Instructors

Get to know the skilled and passionate minds behind our music program. Each instructor brings a unique blend of expertise, experience, and enthusiasm to inspire your musical journey. Discover their stories, accomplishments, and dedication to nurturing your musical talents. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced musician, our instructors are here to guide and support you every step of the way. Let their passion for music ignite your own, and join us in creating harmonious melodies together!

Education

2011-2014     Doctoral of Musical Arts, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY

2009-2011     Professional Studies Diploma, Boston University, Boston, MA

2007-2009     Master of Music, Mannes College of Music, New York, NY

2001-2005     Bachelor of Music, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea

Teaching/Coaching Experience

2022-Present Violin Faculty, Saint Thomas Choir School, New York, NY

2019-Present Violin Viola Faculty/ Chamber Coach, Northern Academy of the Arts, Middletown, NY 

2015-Present String Faculty, New York School of Music and Arts, Fort Lee, NJ

2011-2015 String Faculty/Chamber Coach, Music Academy of Long Island, Commack, NY 

2009-2011Teaching Assistant of Prof. Michelle LaCourse, Boston University, Boston, MA

Current Activities

2018- Present Viola Principal, Bergen Symphony Orchestra, Fort Lee, NJ 

2015- Present Viola Co-Principal, New York Classical Note Philharmonic, New York, NY  

2015-Present Judicator, New York Artists Competition, K-Radio International Competition, NY 

2012-Present Member of Starry Duo: Album Release “Hymns and Passacaglia” “Mozart, Halvorsen, and Brydern”

2009-Present Music Director, Enovation Bridge, EnoB, Non-Profit Organization, New York, NY         

Selected Solo/Chamber Performances

2022 Carnegie Weill Hall, New York, NY        

Yonsei University Lecture Concert Series, Seoul, South Korea       

Duxbury Music Festival, Duxbury, MA             

Oshawa Concert Hall, Ontario, Canada            

Lincoln Center Bruno Walter Auditorium, New York, NY            

2021 Merkin Concert Hall, New York, NY

NV Factory Chamber Series, Englewood cliffs, NJ                                                                                 

2020 Starry Duo 2nd Album Release “Mozart, Halvorsen, and Brydern”

2019 Carnegie Zankel Hall, New York, NY

United Nations Headquarters, New York, NY

Lincoln Center Bruno Walter Auditorium, New York, NY

National Opera Center, New York, NY 

Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

2018 Carnegie Weill Hall, New York, NY

United Nations Headquarters, New York, NY

Lincoln Center Bruno Walter Auditorium, New York, NY 

Dimenna Center, New York, NY

2017 Carnegie Hall Isaac Stern Auditorium, New York, NY

Christ& St Stephen’s Church, New York, NY: 

Carnegie Weill Hall, New York, NY

2016 Embassy of the Republic of Korea, Washington D.C.

Seoul Arts Center, Seoul, South Korea

Zaragoza Auditorium, Zaragoza, Spain

Jean Piaget, CEDES Foundation , Zaragoza, Spain

 

2015    Lincoln Center, New York, NY 

Sejong Art Culture Hall, Seoul, South Korea 

                          Carnegie Weill Hall, New York, NY

New Jersey City Hall, Jersey City, NJ \

Awards/ Honors

2018 Paris Grand Prize Virtuoso Competition 

2016           Alexander & Buono International String Competition

2015 New York Artists International Competition

2013           American Protégé International Piano and Strings Competition First Prize                       

2012           Duxbury Music Festival Solo Competition First Prize

Chamber Music Competition First Prize        

2010     Boston University Bach Competition                           2008         Posco Asia Limited Scholarship    

2006     Manhae Music Competition             

2004     Korea Opera Group Competition   

2000     Eumyoun Festival Music Competition First Prize

Coca Cola Co. Ltd Scholarship

Training

Primary Teachers Coaches/Mentors Master Class Instructors

Lawrence Dutton Gilad Karni Jeffrey Irvine

Nicholas Cords Avri Levitan Lynne Ramsey

Michelle LaCourse Karen Ritscher Sheila Browne

Daniel Panner

Anastasia Solberg, violist, completed her graduate studies in performance at the Hochschule der Kunste, Berlin, with Prof. Bruno Giuranna.

She was founder and director of “Ensemble Solange”, a mixed chamber ensemble based in Europe, “The Ellenville Chamber Players” a mixed ensemble with leading players from the Hudson Philharmonic, “VIOLent PERseCution”, a duo with Christopher Earley (percussion), and was the violist for the “American Festival of Microtonal Music” for over 20 years.

Anastasia is an active chamber musician and has many solo/chamber world premiers and commissions to her credit.

Aside from her life as an international performer she is the founder/director and instructor at “MISU”, a music school in Ellenville, the director of “Music on Market”, a concert series based at St Johns Episcopal Church, Ellenville, Adjunct Professor of Music at SUNY Ulster and teaches at Northern Academy of the Arts in Middletown New York.

She is an active free lance violist/violinist performing as a classical violist or masquerading as a fiddler crossing over many genre’s.

Career in the United States                                                        

From 2016, Ms. Wen-Wen Chou joined the Northern Academy of the Arts (NAA) as the first Music Chair and as the music teacher from 2021. NAA Orchestra performed greatly in events such as the NAA Winter Showcase, Annual Concerto, Open House, and local Moon Festival, Galleria Mall activities. Northern focus on classic music of both west and east like Mozart and Beethoven, Brahms, Dvorak, etc. With these trainings, many former students had the chance to study advance in famous schools like Fei Tian Academy of the Art, Peabody Music Conservatory, Maryland University and became professional musicians.

During 2013~2021, Ms. Chou was invited to serve as the music director of Tian Guo Marching Band, New York. Under her guidance, the band successfully performed The Stars and Stripes Forever, a magnum opus of the March King John Philip Sousa, in parades of the National Independence Day in Washington D.C., Falun Dafa World Day in New York City 42th Avenue and many important parades like Santa Claus Parade in Montreal, Canada. Wen-Wen Chou also works with the band on new works of Shen Yun composers, including Triumphant Return and The Sacred Song.

In 2010, conductor Wen-Wen Chou was invited to serve as the Conductor of the Shen Yun Performing Arts Orchestra, performing in many major concert halls including the Lincoln Center in New York City, the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, the Palais des Congrès de Paris in Paris, and the Royal Opera House in London, U.K.

Conducting career in Taiwan

Besides serving as the Assistant Conductor of the Taipei Symphony Orchestra (TSO, 2005), Ms. Chou founded several orchestras including the Youth Vacation Symphony Orchestra (1993), the Alumni Band of Taipei Municipal Hongdao Junior High School (2001), the Taiwan Wind Ensemble (2004, performed in 2011 World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles [WASBE] Conference), and founded the Taiwan Youth Band (2009). She is also the assistant conductor of National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU) Symphony Band and the China Youth Corps Wind Orchestra (CYC, performed in 2009 WASBE in U. S. A.). She is also the Resident conductor of National Taiwan Symphony Orchestra (NTSO) Wind Ensemble and Youth Band, the Tao-Yuan Symphonic Band (TYSB) and) and Taipei Kiwanis Band; guest conductor of the University System of Taiwan Orchestra (USTO), the Sound by Ourselves Wind Ensemble (SBOWE), Yoshin High School Band (Japan, 2003). 

Wen-Wen Chou took lead in bringing various local orchestras onto the international stage such as the the Chia-Yi International Band Festival, the Asia Pacific Band Festival, Korea’s Jeju Band Festival and Texas Band Festival in U.S.A., the International Hamamatsu Band Festival, the Hong Kong International Band Festival and the Macao Band Festival, CYC Wind Orchestra China tours (2005, 2007), USTO’s European tour in 2004, TWE’s Tokyo tour (2010, Joint Concert with Omiya Civic Band led by the Wind Master, Toshio Akiyama), including the concert with CYC Youth Wind Orchestra in Taipei National Concert Hall when she premiered the commissioned work of Russian composer Saffinov, Ballade for Trumpet, Piano and Wind Orchestra.

Among the musicians Ms. Chou worked with, there are Trumpet Virtuoso Mr. Shu-Han Yeh (Principal Trumpet of National Symphony Orchestra), Violin Virtuoso Su, Sien-Ta (Concertmaster of Taipei Philharmonic Chamber and Orchestra), Tuba Soloist Tuan, Fu-Shuan (Principle of NSO), French Horn Soloist Kathy Y. C. Wang (Assistant Principle of Taipei Symphony Orchestra-TSO) etc.

 

Early years

Born in Chang-Hua County, Taiwan, Wen-Wen Chou is a graduate of the National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU), with a bachelor’s degree in music and a master’s degree in conducting. Her mother Lin, Chun-Mei mentored her on conducting, she then studied under Professor Chang, Ta-Sheng (The First Music Director of NSO), Professor Liao, Nian-Fu (Music Director of the Century Symphony Orchestra), Professor Yeh, Shu-Han (Director of NTNU Symphonic Band), Professor Dai, Jin-Chuan (Former Conductor of Taiwan National Choir) and internationally renowned Russian conductor and pedagogue, former Music Director of The Bolshoi Theater, Maestro Vladimir Vais. 

Education

Graduated from the Conservatory of Music, Moscow Pedagogical State University, with a master’s degree in piano performance, piano teaching methods and pianist. Currently, I am a piano teacher at Northern Academy of the Arts .Courses I teach are Music Theory , Ear Training , Keyboard group lessons, Private piano lessons, and Piano Accompaniment. I’m participated in many performances, served as piano accompaniment for students participating in instrumental music competitions, and won awards.

Artistic experience

Participated in the first chorus competition of the China Music Golden Bell Awards as an pianist and won a bronze award;
In China and Russia, I regularly participates in concerts and international music festivals;
I am served as a pianist in many opera performances and arrangements, including “Carmen”, “Norma”, “Rigoletto”, “Lucia di Lammermoor”, “Die Zauberflote”, etc. 

Professional Summary

Pianist with more than 20 years of experience in performance and accompanying professional soloists in voice and instrument. Seasoned with more than 10 years working in schools – a highly dedicated educator able to adjust to all learning levels.

Education

1998-1999       Music Performance, School of Music, Ohio University – USA

19994-1997     Master of Music, IGP Department, University Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria

1994-1997       Master Class of German Art Songs and Accompaniment, 

                        Music Department, University Mozarteum Salzburg, Austria

1990-1994       Bachelor of Music, IGP Department, University Mozarteum  Salzburg, Austria                       

1981-1986       Bachelor of Music, Tainan University, Tainan Taiwan

Training Professors

Primary Professors Master Class Instructors

Dr. George Kern                             Prof. Harmut Holl

Prof. Wolfgang Bruckner                                                      Prof. Shirai Holl

Dr. Sylvia Reynolds   Prof. Alfon Kontrasky

Prof.  Junzheng Lu                                                                Prof. Pogany Lazlo

Lecture Yuxun Lin                                                                Dr. Tantiana Nicolaeva

                                                                                               

Teaching/Coaching Experience

2021-Present     Music Chair, Teacher and Accompaniment for Instrument and Concert Practice
Northern Academy of the Arts, Middletown, NY USA

2017-2020 Music Teacher in Piano, Ear training, Music Theory, Concert practice, Music

                          Appreciation; Dance Accompaniment and Instrumental Accompaniment

                          Northern Academy of the Arts, Middletown, NY USA

2015 Piano student won first prize: 2015 Steinbach Piano Youth Competition, Taiwan

2010-2012        Resident Artist
Niaosong Academy of the Arts, Yunlin, Taiwan 2015                 

2004 Piano student won Grand Prize at the Prague Piano Competition
Czech Republic 

2004 Piano student won first place at The 3rd National Music and Piano Competition; received a certificate of appreciation
Ministry of Education and the Music Society of the Republic of China, Taiwan

 2004                 Piano student won the first place in the 3rd National Music and Piano Competition, and received a certificate of appreciation from the Ministry of Education and the Music Society of the Republic of China, Taiwan

1999-2003 Lecturer in dance improvisation accompaniment,
Dance Department of Taipei National University of the Arts – Taipei Taiwan

1999-2005 Lecturer in piano
Music Department of Dan Jiang High School – Taipei Taiwan

2000-2003 Lecturer in piano
Music Department of Shiu Shan Elementary School – Taipei Taiwan   2000-2005        Lecturer in dance improvisation accompaniment, Dance Department of Fuxing High School, Taipei Taiwan

2000-2005 Lecturer in dance improvisation accompaniment
Dance Department of Fuxing High School – Taipei Taiwan

Performances

2009 Commissioned by the Dunhuang Art Research Association to create the dance composition, “King Kong Warrior”, and performed the dance in the National Concert Hall, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
Taipei, Taiwan

2009 Solo performance of original compositions “Return” and “Nu Wa” in a solo recital at the Taipei International Exhibition of Arts
Taipei, Taiwan

2007 Accompanied a vocal concert with Soprano Jia-Hui Chang, Kaohsiung City Cultural Center Concert Music Hall
Kaohsiung Taiwan

2007 Solo performance of original compositions on a concert tour in Taiwan
Cities of Taipei, Kaohsiung, and Tainan, Taiwan

2005 Accompaniment a Chinese flutist Guohua Chen

– Stockholm, Sweden

2000 Solo performance of original compositions, “Wind Waves, Bells Ringing and heart unmoved” and “The Light of Mercy” in Tsuen Wan Town Hall
Hong Kong

1999 Performed Robert Schumann “Carnaval” in Music Hall at Xiushan Elementary School

Taipei Taiwan

1998 Accompanied a concert with viola virtuoso Nikos Pappas, Ohio University

            – Ohio, USA

1997 Solo Piano Concert in Music Frohnburg Hall, University Mozarteum, – Salzburg Austria

1996 Accompanied a vocal concert with Soprano Xiao-Qun Chen

            – Vienna Austria 

1995 Accompanied a vocal concert of “Baroque of Dr. Anerson’s Master Class” in Music Frohnburg Hall

            Salzburg Austria                                             

   

1994 Solo Piano Concert in Music Hall, University Mozarteum

– Salzburg Austria

1992 Performed Mozart Sonata in D major Mov. I kv.  in a Advent Concert, – Taxenbach Austria

1986 Performed Mozart Piano Concerto KV 467 with Orchestra, Music Hall of Chenggong University

Tainan Taiwan

Awards & Recognitions

1986 First Prize: Tainan University Piano Concerto Competition, Taiwan 

1986 Graduated 3rd in Music Department: Tainan University, Taiwan 

1978 First prize: National Music Youth Competition Miaoli County Piano Competition, Taiwan

1977 First prize: Elementary of the National Music Competition Miaoli County Piano Competition, Taiwan

 

Mei Xuan began learning erhu from the age of ten. She served as the erhu chief at the Huangmei Art Theater in Anhui, China, after her graduation from a professional art college. She performed several soundtracks for dozens of films and televisions.

In 2007, Mei Xuan came to the United States and joined the world-renowned Shen Yun Performing Arts Troupe and Symphony Orchestra as an erhu soloist, opening a new chapter in her career. In the past ten years, she has toured more than 100 cities around the world with the Shen Yun Performing Arts Orchestra. She has also recorded a DVD with the Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra, which has been well received by the audiences. In the 2002 World Music Competition held in New York, her works: “Stories that Happened in China” and “Parting of the Newlyweds” won the silver and bronze awards respectively. The work: “Stories that Happened in China” also won the first place in the semi-final composition. 

In addition to performing, Meixuan has taught at the Feitian Academy of Arts in California and the Northern Academy of Arts in New York, training many outstanding professional erhu students, and some of them have been admitted to world-renowned symphony orchestras and art troupes.

Music has no borders. Traditional music culture can bridge the communication barrier between life and God, and connect the emotions between people. 

In order to let the world understand China, and for China to understand the world, Meixuan produces her own music channel while teaching. She hoped the beautiful melody could bring happiness and relaxation to people and give their mind clarity. She also hoped it could guide them towards compassion, which contributes to the beauty of this world, and make their life fuller and more brilliant.

• National First-Class Performer, China

• Cellist at the Central Philharmonic Orchestra for 33 years

• First orchestral conductor at Shen Yun Performing Arts

• Most of his cello students in recent years have been admitted to Feitian Academy of the Arts and Shen Yun Performing Arts

• Instructions are in Chinese only

Profile

As a compound talent, I have a wealth of music teaching experience including training various ages and experience levels in Pipa instrument. 

Core & Personal Skills

  • Committed to Students’ Success
  • Goal Oriented 
  • Skilled Curricula Planners
  • Excellent Communicator
  • Team Player
  • Skilled use of office software

Experience

Oct. 2017 – Now     Music Teacher

Northern Academy of the Arts

https://www.northernacademy.org

  1. Teaching Content:
  • Pipa private lesson
  • Pipa group lesson for non-music track students
  • Chinese instrument performance class for Gr.10 & 11
  • Chamber Music 
  • Concert Practice for whole music track students
  • Ear training Level 1(Gr.6) & 4(Gr.9)
  • Music Theory Level Gr.7 & Gr.9
  • Chinese music theory and appreciation for Gr. 11
  • General music 
  • Music creativity through technology
  1. Successfully help music chair to hold the music events: (Junior Graduation Concert, Senior Graduation Concert, Annual Recital, Chamber Music Concert, Outdoor Spring Concert, Chinese Moon Festival Outdoor Concert, Open House Concert, etc.)
  2. Music track advisor for Gr. 9 and Gr. 10. Help students to overcome issues in academic and music sides both.

Education

China Conservatory of Music 2006-2010

B.A. Degree – Musicology

Profile

Studied music in China, continued study with Aaron Rosand and Joel Smirnoff in America.

Work experience

09/2017 – 03/2022 Cuddebackville, USA

08/2015 – 09/2017 Cuddebackville, USA

Education

08/2017 – 05/2020 Cuddebackville, USA

08/2012 – 05/2015 Cuddebackville, USA

Achievement

Concertmaster
Shen Yun Performing Arts

First Violin
Shen Yun Performing Arts
Performed as soloist with Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra globally, including Carnegie Hall, Boston Symphony Hall, Kennedy Center, Chicago Symphony Hall in the USA; Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall, Daegu Concert House in Korea; National Concert Hall, Tainan Cultural Center Performing Hall in Taiwan.

Performance | Master of Music Fei Tian College

Performance | Bachelor of Music Fei Tian College

Won Berlin music competition golden metal in 2019