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!
Overview
Benefits of Starting Music Education at a Young Age
Northern Academy of the Arts’ music track seeks to help students attain a solid professional foundation in classical music. In combination with our outstanding academic program, our students will be well-equipped to become successful conservatory or college students as well as morally sound and well-rounded individuals.
The verdict is in and confirms what people have known for ages: studying classical music is good for you. From mastering memorization to scoring better on the SAT to developing spatial intelligence, the correlations between thriving young scholars and music are too numerous to deny. This program establishes a strong foundation in classical music for students who have serious musical aspirations. By joining the music track, students can learn to work well with others, build character, and develop discipline that can be applied to any path they may choose in life.
Instrumental Classes: Grade 6 to 12
- Violin
- Viola
- Violoncello
- Flute
- Clarinet
- Trumpet
- Piano
- Pipa
Music Theory: Grade 6 to 12
This course will enable students to build a solid foundation in music theory. The curriculum covers basic music notation, time values, scales, intervals, different times, and different kinds of chords, cadences, transposition, music analysis, and voice leading writing.
Basic Skill Training: Grade 6 to 12
This course will enable students to acquire basic musical skills such as dictation and sight singing. It will help build a strong foundation for further development of their musical and sight singing abilities as well as provide a solid base for more advanced musical studies.
Music Appreciation And History
Students will learn to appreciate classical music that focuses on the music history of the Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Nationalism periods.
Orchestra Ensemble
Students will have the opportunity to perform as part of an ensemble. They will learn how to put their performance into practice and how to cooperate with other musicians in the ensemble group. This course is for all instrumental students regardless of which grade they are in. The students will learn standard repertoire from the chosen literature of great composers throughout the history of western classical music. The orchestra will perform two major concerts a year.
Chorus
This is a required course for all freshmen. The students will receive instruction and training in choral singing. The techniques they will learn include: correct vowel formation, diction, articulation, sound blending, and so on. The students will also improve their sight singing skill while cultivating a strong sense of harmony as they learn to sing choral repertoire in different styles. The chorus will also be featured in the two major annual concerts.
Wind Orchestra
This course is open to woodwind, brass, and percussion major students who will be selected by the music faculty. During the two-year course, the students will learn to play the standard repertoire that is chosen from Winds literature according to their performance level. The Wind Orchestra will also be featured in the two major annual concerts.
Chamber Music
Chamber Music is open to advanced students who are selected by the music faculty. This course offers great experience in how to collaborate to create fine, delicate music by performing classic opuses with other musicians.
Concert Practice
The weekly concert practice offers students a chance to accumulate valuable experience by performing publicly. On top of that, students will learn to give feedback on the performances of their fellow students. They will learn to accept and appreciate both positive and negative comments about their own performances as well as those of others.
Every afternoon and evening, music students liven up the school with the sounds of their instruments. Their mood tends to be playful and light, and their academic achievements are strong. After all, the musical environment encourages a joyful feeling and the music faculty place strong emphasis on cultivating moral character and achieving academic and artistic excellence.
Students have access to caring music advisors who are passionate about helping them excel. These advisors encourage students to develop self-discipline, leadership, organizational abilities, and teamwork by creating opportunities for them to mentor younger students and learn how to manage their independent practice time.
Courses are college preparatory in nature and include private lessons, ear training, music theory, orchestra, chorus, music appreciation, chamber music, and concert practice.
Students regularly perform with an orchestra that combines classical Western instruments and Chinese instruments, such as the pipa, erhu, and taiko drums.
- 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
- 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
- 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.)
- 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
Our mission is to nurture students to become cultured individuals of exemplary moral character. To this end, we provide an education drawn from the classics and the arts, one steeped in divinely inspired traditional values of the East and West.
We are accredited by the Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Institutions of the Middle States Association.
