At Wayland School of Music we believe that whether you're a complete beginner or a developing artist, you deserve an experienced, enthusiastic teacher with a proven record of excellence as both teacher and performer. So we have a stringent hiring policy:
Our teachers are passionate educators and inspiring musicians who "practice what they preach". They are are patient, skilled, dynamic, and fun!
Meet them below, then contact us to set up a free tryout lesson.
Penny was born in Worthing, southern England, and did her undergraduate and graduate training at the Royal Academy of Music, London, followed by post-graduate work with Ivan Galamian in New York. Later she completed a Master's degree and Doctoral coursework while studying with Yuri Mazurkevich at Boston University, where she also taught string pedagogy in the Music Education department. From 1990-97 she was a faculty member at the Community Music Center of Boston. In 1997 she founded Wayland Violin Studio, which in 2007 expanded to become Wayland School of Music.
Penny's first professional appointment was at age 22, as first violinist with English National Opera. She was also a regular performer with the Chamber Orchestra of Europe. She joined the first violin section of the London Philharmonic at age 26, took part in many international tours and recordings, and was featured as costumed soloist in a number of LPO opera productions. She also taught in the LPO educational program, and gave many recitals in London and elsewhere, including a solo tour of Brazil. In the US, Penny was concertmaster (first chair) of the Cape Cod Symphony Orchestra from 2000-2012. She is now the violinist of the Aviva Piano Trio.
A life long learner, Penny continues to be excited about teaching and performing and recently added Suzuki training to her toolbox.
“Penny is committed and passionate about what she does and works at the students' pace to make music fun.”
– parent of boys ages 6 and 8
“Penny is a wonderful, talented, and caring teacher. She pushes her students to reach for their best, but doesn't overwhelm them in the process.”
- mother of students ages 13 and 16
Francesco has performed frequently on prestigious concert series including those of the New England Guitar Society and Connecticut Guitar Society and has also appeared in recital in New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington. He is committed to community outreach, presenting multiple programs each season at libraries, assisted living centers, and other community venues.
In addition to his studio at Wayland School of Music, Francesco teaches at the Essex Community School, at the Barone Guitar Studio, and has given masterclasses at the Connecticut Guitar Society and the Hartt School of Music. He was a faculty member of the Hartt School of Music Community Division and appeared frequently on the Faculty Recital Series. He is the author of Chord Companion: A Chord Method Supplement, published in July 2020.
Madalyne trained at New York University with Stephanie Baer on a Talent Scholarship, and at the Hartt School of Music in CT with Rita Porfiris and Teri Einfeldt, where she completed her MM degree with a specialization in Suzuki pedagogy. Madalyne has taught in a variety of settings, including the Brooklyn Philharmonic Outreach program, the Suzuki Magnet program at Parker Elementary in Houston, Texas, and the Simsbury Arts Academy in CT. Most recently she taught at the Upper Valley Music Center in Lebanon, NH, where she maintained a studio of 35 students aged 4-70 for several years before settling in the Metrowest area in spring 2015.
Madalyne has performed with the One World Symphony and Opera Vista, as well as having extensive freelance experience in CT, NH and VT. She also has a particular interest in chamber music, and has performed as violist with the Cimmaron Ensemble in TX, the 016 New Music Ensemble in CT, and the Saraswati quartet in NH.
“Madalyne is such a skilled and gifted teacher and a gorgeous musician herself. She strikes this amazing balance — she's extremely empowering to kids because she is so masterful at helping them focus on one element at a time, while having fun. It means they feel very in touch with progress in a concrete, tangible way.”
- mother of student age 7
Allison received her B Mus from Texas Tech School of Music, and her M Mus and Graduate Performance Diploma from Boston Conservatory of Music, where she was a member of the BCM Honors String Quartet. Her principal teachers were John Gilbert, Markus Placci and Lynn Chang. She is certified as a Suzuki Instructor through Book 3, and also has training in Alexander Technique for musicians.
Allison also holds a BFA from Cooper Union College, and loves to combine music and art for students in multi-media projects such as “Night at the Ballet” chamber music, art, and dance workshop; Chamber Music and Puppetry: Pirates; Virtual Chamber Music Story Telling; and the "PlayTogether Go" chamber music/game design project, hosted at WSM and supported by the Wayland Cultural Council/Mass Cultural Council.
In addition to Wayland School of Music, Allison teaches at Brookline Music School and at the Powers School in Belmont. She was after-school lesson instructor for the Needham Public Schools from 2013-18. Her students have been successful in youth orchestra auditions including the BYSO, and Junior and Senior District Orchestras.
Allison has performed with multiple ensembles in the NE area including the Waltham Philharmonic (concertmaster), MassOpera (principal), Promisek Bach Festival and many others.
"Allison cares deeply about her students, about their progress, and about their involvement in music beyond simply attending their private lessons. She is highly attuned to and concerned about their enjoyment and engagement as young musicians. She is extraordinarily enthusiastic and encouraging of each of her students.
Allison is also a highly creative and outside-the-box thinker. She recently was one of the true stars of the pandemic, among the first to have her students continue making music remotely by harnessing and learning audio/video mixing technology. Any musical institution, particularly one that prides itself on encouraging young students to challenge themselves and discover their musical potential, would be fortunate to have Allison Dobbs join their ranks as a teacher."
~ Supervisor, Brookline Music School
Dr. Harms received his B. Mus from Missouri State University, his MM from the University of Missouri, and his DMA from the College-Conservatory of Music, University of Cincinnati. His teaching positions have included Trumpet Instructor at the University of Miami, Brass Instructor and assistant department head at Appel Farm Fine Arts and Music Center (Philadelphia), Brass Coach at New England Music Camp, and Director at the Boston Trumpet Workshop.
His students were accepted to All-State ensembles on every brass instrument this year. He is a published author on brass pedagogy, and serves on the board of the New England Brass Band.
Dr. Harms is Artistic Director of the Spitfire Music Consortium, which offers undergraduate career advising and instruction, college preparation, and curriculum advising for clients throughout the NE area, including UNH and U Maine.
Andrew has performed played with Philadelphia Orchestra, Atlanta Symphony, the Cincinnati Symphony, and the Miami Symphony, to name just a few. He has performed in many solo recitals in the NE area.
"Dr. Andrew Harms is more than just an A+ instructor, he is truly a teacher who meets the students where they are at and pushes them to grow. He engages the kids to go beyond just their instrument and learn to appreciate music. During COVID, Dr. Harms went way above and beyond for his students and really kept music in my child’s life all year. I don’t know where we would have been without him this past year, which speaks volumes to his dedication to the students he teaches. He is professional and kind. Dr. Harms is the place to go!
~ Parent of student age 15
Zarina trained in Russia, where she won many prizes and awards. She gained her M.Mus degree at the St. Petersburg, Conservatory, and became assistant principal cello of the St. Petersburg State Symphony Orchestra. She began teaching at an early age and later taught at both the St. Petersburg School for Gifted Children, and the St. Petersburg Rehabilitation Program for Abused Children. She is currently on the cello faculty of Wheaton College.
Zarina performs regularly with the Rhode Island Philharmonic and several other New England orchestras. She is an active chamber musician and has performed at the Greensboro Music festival in Vermont and the Jewish Music Festival in Boston. She also appears frequently as a solo recitalist at various local venues. She is the cellist of the Aviva Piano Trio.
“My daughter has had four other cello teachers, and none has made a connection with her that Zarina has.”
- mother of student age 11
Sheryl received her BMus (honors) and Masters degrees from U Madison-Wisconsin, studying with Jeanette Ross and Tait Sanford. She followed with extensive post-grad study in Suzuki philosophy and pedagogy, studying with Doris Harrell, Mary Craig Powell and Valery Lloyd-Watts. She is registered as a Suzuki instructor through level 4 piano.
Sheryl is happy to use a Suzuki, traditional, or combination approach, depending on the needs of the student. As well as maintaining her extensive private studio, she is piano instructor at Creative Arts in Reading, and was its Director from 2004-2009. She is a past Director of the MA Suzuki Association and the MA Suzuki Festival, and since 2005 has been Assistant Director of the Suzuki-by-the-Green summer piano workshop. She is also an adjudicator for the Eastern District Junior and Senior Festivals, and for the Rivers Conservatory Youth Orchestras.
As a performer, Sheryl freelances extensively with chamber groups in the Metro Boston area, and also performs (as violinist) with the Merrimack Valley Philharmonic, the North Shore Philharmonic, and the Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra.
Sheryl raised two young musicians herself who are now professionals - a Boston Symphony violinist, and a concert cellist/performance psychologist.
"Our family thinks the world of Sheryl! She has wonderful patience, ways of eliciting enthusiasm from students, and solid musicianship. Our daughter was able to progress at just the right pace, developing skills for and confidence in performance."
- mother of piano student, studied from ages 6 -14
Growing up in Wayland, Elizabeth Levens was a prizewinner of the Rivers Youth Orchestra Concerto Competition and a Senior Lifeguard at the Wayland Town Beach. After graduating with honors from Walnut Hill School for the Arts, she received her BMus in performance from BU (Summa Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa), and her MMus from the University of South Florida where she was teaching assistant to Carolyn Stuart.
In addition to her work at Wayland School of Music Elizabeth maintains a private violin/viola studio, teaches for the Walpole and Shrewsbury after-school music programs, and leads the Shrewsbury fourth grade orchestra program. She is Suzuki certified through Book 7.
A very active and versatile performer, she has appeared with many orchestras in Boston and Florida, including the Ocala Symphony, Thayer Symphony and South Shore Symphony. She has also performed with the New Music Consortium, at the Three Bridges International Chamber Music Festival, and the Aston Magna Bach Festival.
Elizabeth is certified as both Hatha and Vinyasa yoga instructor, and Thai massage practitioner. She uses her knowledge of anatomy and mind/body awareness to help her violin and viola students play free of unnecessary tension and injuries.
“I observed several of my son’s first lessons with Elizabeth. She is extremely talented and patient, and consistently offered positive reinforcement. I was particularly impressed with the strategies Elizabeth explained to him to help him improve his posture. They proved to be very helpful as he progressed. I have observed her amazing talent, both as a performer and teacher; her professionalism; and her kindness.”
- mother of a viola student age 10
Jose is a graduate of the National Conservatory of Peru (BM) and the Boston Conservatory (MM). He was cellist with the Peruvian National Symphony Orchestra from 2004-2018, and made concerto appearances with many orchestras throughout South America during that time.
Jose held several cello teaching posts in Peru ranging from elementary to college level, including at Sinfonía por el Perú, a non-profit organization for underprivileged youth. Jose is now Resident Music Tutor at Pforzheimer House, Harvard University, and is also Spanish Instructor at Kingsley Montessori School.
“I offer my warm endorsement of Jose Marquez, resident tutor at Harvard, Pforzheimer House. He is our music tutor, as well as a general advisor and pastoral presence for close to 400 students. In this capacity, he has regularly offered popular music workshops for our less experienced but enthusiastic music lovers, as well as arranging high level chamber music opportunities for our more experienced musicians. He is kind, patient, and passionate about his craft. He has been a great asset to the House."
Anne Harrington
Franklin L Ford Professor, Faculty Dean, Pforzheimer House, Harvard University
Among Andrew’s many professional accomplishments, he was Associate Professor and Director of Choirs at Northern Caribbean University, where he also taught Piano, Voice, Music History, and Composition. He has also been Associate Professor at Oakwood University, AL; Guest Conductor and Composer-in-Residence for both the Jamaica Symphony Orchestra and the Philharmonic Orchestra of Jamaica; and Founder and Director of the Jamaica Choral Scholars Festival. His compositions range from choral arrangements to full-scale symphonies, and have been performed to great acclaim. Dr. Marshall is currently Choir Director at the Winsor School, Boston, and has taught piano in his private studio since 1998.
Casey graduated from Berklee School of Music with a cello performance major and American Roots minor. A passionate educator and multi-talented performer, Casey is founder/member of several active bands and a prolific recording artist. Her discography includes “Caribou Party”, “Smart Folks”, “Magic Fantasy Dream Dance”, “The Waltz Album”, and her most recent release "After the Sky Weeps", with WSM violin/viola faculty Molly Tucker.
Casey also is certified in Creative Ability Development®, and loves teaching even early beginners the art of improvisation.
Before moving to Massachusetts, Casey was on the faculty of the Kanack School of Musical Artistry in New York, where she taught private lessons and group classes in Suzuki cello, folk/fiddling, and improvisation. She also developed and ran summer camps in Creative Music and Arts, and Fiddling, which she has now brought to Wayland School of Music.
"My children always compare their music teachers to Casey! Thus far no teacher can meet the individualized attention, passion, and excitement Casey provided. When one has that much love and regard for art and music as Casey does, it is clear we were one blessed family to receive the gift of her presence and teaching. It truly helped my children build a strong and loving foundation and high regard for music.
Without hesitation I actively and strongly can declare you have found a magical person; Casey is by far one of the best and most talented music teachers out there! She was truly made for this profession."
- Mother of three students age 5 - 10
Paris began violin at age 3 and bass at 7 with Dan Swaim, one of the first Suzuki bass teachers. He completed his BMus and MMus degrees at the Juilliard School of Music in New York, where he was a fellowship student of Eugene Levinson and Timothy Cobb.
Paris worked with under-privileged students in Harlem, NY, and taught in Juilliard’s Music Advancement Program which serves students in under-represented communities, giving them private lessons and preparing them for auditions. He was a substitute bass teacher in the Juilliard Pre-College Program, and a Juilliard Concert Fellow teaching music history, music appreciation and music analysis to fifth grade students at George Jackson Academy, developing lesson plans and concert programs, and leading discussion groups. He has maintained a private bass studio for many years.
Paris is Suzuki certified through book 3, and has performed at both the SAA Biennial Conference, and the Suzuki World Convention in Matsumoto, Japan.
As a performer, he is a first prizewinner of the National American String Teachers Association Solo Competition. He was principal bass of the Juilliard Symphony Orchestra; professionally, he has performed with the New World Symphony Orchestra and has advanced in auditions for a number of top orchestras including the Atlanta, Detroit, Indianapolis and National Symphonies.
“Paris is a wonderful, kind person, incredibly hard-working, responsible and professional. He worked with the double bass students in MAP and was effective, nurturing and encouraging in their development. He approached me / the MAP team many times over the years with specific concerns with each student (personally and developmentally) and exhibited a level of maturity beyond his years in his ability to problem solve and make tangible change. Multiple double bass students Paris mentored throughout his time with MAP moved onto and were accepted into Juilliard’s Pre-College, an impressive accomplishment many his peers were not able to achieve.
In summary, Paris’ musical talent, personal authenticity and dedication to student development is a breath of fresh air and any organization would be extremely lucky to have him!
Mason Kinkead | Administrative Coordinator, Music Advancement Program (MAP), The Juilliard School
Eliomar is a former faculty member at the Young Artists Vocal Program for Boston University Tanglewood Institute, and current faculty at PAC Metrowest, where he also directs the Opera Workshop and the Musical Theater Summer Program. His students have won prizes in important vocal competitions.
While at Boston University, Eliomar sang Figaro in Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro and Don Alfonso in Mozart’s Così fan Tutte, among others. Praised by the Boston Herald as the owner of a “Deep, lush voice” for his portrayal of Don Basilio in Rossini’s Barber of Seville, he has also appeared in productions of La Traviata, Lo Schiavo, I Pagliacci, Elektra, Salome, La Clemenza di Tito, Magic Flute, Bluebeard’s Castle and many others, with companies including Boston Lyric Opera, Opera Brazil, Opera Aperta, Real-Time Opera, and Connecticut Lyric Opera.
An avid educator and researcher, Eliomar is also a Tomatis® Method Practioner. The method, invented by the French scientist Alfred Tomatis, works to stimulate the auditory processing system, allowing the brain to better receive, select, and process sound. Placido Domingo, Sting, Maria Callas, and Gerard Depardieu are some of the famous clients of this method, more widely known in Europe.
Eliomar Nascimento is a member of NATS (National Association of Teacher of Singing) and is fluent in English, Portuguese, Spanish, and Italian.
Eamonn O'Hara was a scholarship student at both the New England Conservatory Prep School and the Boston Conservatory. His principal teachers were with Jonathan Bass, Ramon River, and Hilda Shapiro, and he also took masterclasses with the legendary Leon Fleischer.
Eamonn teaches at the Amadeus Music School in Lexington; he has previously taught piano at LexiMusic, and pedagogy at the Boston Arts Academy. He brings to his students not only his extensive teaching and performing experience but also his in-depth study of the Alexander Technique, in order to help them employ natural and effective movement in developing their piano playing.
Eamonn is a versatile performer who has appeared as soloist and chamber musician at a wide range of venues in New England, and has also performed as a symphonic pianist with the Cape Ann and Melrose Symphony Orchestras.
Cecilia completed her BMus degree at the Peruvian National Conservatory and her MMus at Boston Conservatory. She is a registered Suzuki Instructor for books through 10, and has also completed training in Dalcroze Eurhythmics and Kodaly pedagogy. Before moving back to Boston in 2019, Cecilia was String Department Chair, Violin Instructor and Early Childhood Instructor (in both English and Spanish) at the Chicago Center for Music Education, and was also Music Director of the CHIME’s large ensemble, United in Harmony. In Peru, she taught at the International Suzuki Festival, Markham College, and the Reina del Mundo elementary and middle school. She currently teaches in the New England Conservatory Pre-College Division.
Cecilia has performed as soloist with the National Symphony Orchestra of Peru, the Philharmonic Orchestra of the Andes, and the Peruvian National Conservatory Orchestra. She is a first and second prizewinner of the National Violin Contest of Peru, as well as winning the awards for Best Performance of Latin American Music and Best Performance of Peruvian Music.
Venezuelan violist, conductor and pedagogue Aleksandre Roderick-Lorenz hails from Caracas where their musical foundation began under the auspices of the famed "El Sistema" organisation. They received their BMus degree from Syracuse University’s Setnor School of Music, where they won first prize in the Concerto Competition and was awarded the Certificate of Teaching Excellence. Their principal teachers were Laura Bossert, Richard Fleischmann and Michael Klotz; they also coached with Steve Ansell. Terry King, Peter Zazofsky and Ivo Jan van der Werff.
A passionate teacher, Aleksandre serves on the faculty of Miami's ViolaFest at the New World School of Arts, the ArtsAhimsa Music Festical, and formerly at the International School of Music in Miami, where they are still a visiting artist. In New York they served as Teaching Assistant to Professor Laura Bossert at Syracuse University, and as the musical director of La Casita Cultural Center.
Aleksandre is a member of the Miami Symphony Orchestra (MISO) and principal violist of the Lyrica Boston ChamberOrchestra. As a chamber musician, they have collaborated with an eclectic roster of artists including Plácido Domingo, Andrea Bocelli, Johnny Mathis, Celtic Woman and the Electric Light Orchestra, Stephen Hough, Christopher O'Riley and Natalie Cole, among many others. Aleksandre has performed at the Latin Grammy, Billboard Music Awards, Premios Juventud, Miami Life Awards, Lo Nuestro Awards, and has made numerous televised appearances for Venevision, America TV, Ávila TV, Mega TV, Telemundo and Univision.
Aleksandre won first prize at Univision-Sabado Gigante’s Televised Talent Performance, and recently made their national radio debut at WQXR’s McGraw Hill Financial Young Artist Showcase with Robert Sherman.
“Alex is an amazing teacher. They are extremely musical and taught M___ that playing notes is easy, but understanding the music and its value is what is important. They are strict but at the same time all the students enjoyed their classes. They put their maximum effort in helping students understand."
- Parent of student from age 6 up
“Aleksandre teaches in a way which makes it obvious that they love to educate and help students achieve their goals. We believe that any student who gets to work with them is very lucky!"
- Director, International School of Music, Miami, Florida
“Aleksandre the magical musician – a daring young artist, and a transcendent musician breaking all boundaries!"
- Lori Singer, American actress and cellist
Michael completed his BMus in composition from the University of Colorado, followed by Master’s degrees in both Jazz Studies and Composition at New England Conservatory. He is now a faculty member at NEC in the Division of Continuing Education, as well as at Milton Academy, Powers Music School in Belmont, and the Community Music Center of Boston. Michael believes that a piano foundation in the European piano technique is a springboard for playing piano in any musical tradition.
Michael has performed and toured with many leading groups in the Boston and New England area, including the Either Orchestra (in Boston and at the Portsmouth, Toronto and Ottawa Jazz Festivals), the Artie Shaw Orchestra (at Worcester Centrum, and tours through the U.S. Seaboard and the Midwestern States), the Winiker Swing Orchestra, White Heat Swing Orchestra, and many others.
He also composes, directs, and performs as a pianist with his own group, Michael Shea Quintet, with performances on WGBH radio and in many Boston area clubs including the Willow Jazz Club, the Parker House, and the Regattabar at the Charles Hotel, Cambridge; plus concert tours through upstate New York, and New York City.
Johann studied at the Oberlin School of Music, where he obtained his Bachelor of Music degree, and subsequently did postgraduate cello study with George Neikrug and Terry King. He is much in demand as a teacher, maintaining studios in Dartmouth, Bedford, and Franklin in addition to his extensive private practice in Boston. He is also a judge for the NE regional district auditions.
Johann is principal cellist of the Claflin Hill Symphony and former principal cellist of the Utica (NY) Symphony. He is a very active chamber musician and member of Ensemble Porte ño, with whom he has appeared live on WGBH. His recording credits also include live jazz recordings with artists such as Ida Zecco, Carol O’Shaughnessy, Silvia Greenberg and Jan Peters.
“Johann's easygoing manner suits my son very well. He manages to teach not only the intricacies of cello but of music in general, in a way that leaves the student empowered with knowledge and skill. My son has thrived under his tutelage!”
– parent of a student age 12
Dianne completed her B Mus at New England Conservatory studying with Leone Buyse and Paul Robison (two of the premier flutists of their generation), and her M Mus at Manhattan School of Music with Judith Mendenhall and Keith Underwood. She has also completed studies in Music Therapy at the New School of Social Research.
Dianne is currently flutist with the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra and the Boston Modern Orchestra Project, and has an extensive performing resume with orchestras in both Boston and New York. She has performed as soloist at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and at Symphony Space, Lincoln Center.
She also performs pop, rock and jazz. She was the lead singer, electric flutist and songwriter for the Golden Age Electronica Band (and others) in New York, and has performed with the group Aerosmith.
Dianne employs a systematic teaching method which has resulted in a high level of success in student festivals and competitions. In addition to her studio at Wayland School of Music, she currently teaches at the Joy of Music Program in Worcester, has been Instructor at St. Thomas Boys’ Choir School in NYC and various other schools in the New York area, and has taught Early Childhood music classes both online and at Beth Sholom Preschool in NY. She has taught students of all ages, levels and styles in her private flute studio since 1997.
Professionally active as pianist and cellist, and equally adept at both, Mia completed her BMus at Tainan University in Tainan, and her MMus (with honors) at Syracuse University’s Setnor School of Music, where she was also teaching assistant to Dr. Terry King. Her teachers and coaches include Chia-Min Chen, Po_Chun Lin, Terry King, Nicholas Tzavaras, Alexander Gebert and Yehuda Hanani. Mia has taught cello and piano in El Sistema programs at the Longy School of Bard College and La Casita Cultural Center in Syracuse. She also maintains a private teaching studio in Malden, and formerly in Taiwan.
Mia has performed professionally with many orchestras and ensembles including the Fu Dou Symphony in Taiwan (with which she also appeared as soloist), the Boston Opera Collaborative, and at summer festivals in Taiwan, the US and Germany. As pianist she has performed with violinist William Preucil, and as cellist with the Invoke and Glenside String Quartets. Mia is a recording artist for Syracuse University Records; her most recent project for the label featured her in several works of Shostakovich.
“As a parent, I appreciate Mia's gentle approach to teaching and her various training exercises. She has a classic approach to teaching yet is able to respond quickly and effectively with children — my daughter adored her. Since Mia moved away from our area, we recently started with a new teacher. She has mentioned at every lesson how impressed she is with my daughter’s techniques and how grateful she is for my daughter’s first teacher.”
- mother of student age 8
Molly is a graduate of Oberlin College and Conservatory, where earned a BA Violin Performance/BA Economics with a minor in French, and also taught private violin students. She represented the Conservatory on a US Embassy tour of Jordan where she gave masterclasses, coached students and led workshops.
Molly has also taught at the Kanack School of Musical Artistry in New York state, the Ashokan Music and Dance Camp, and La Reina High School in California.
As a performer, Molly has performed at a number of prestigious festivals including Green Mountain Festival and Apple Hill Chamber Festival. She has toured the East Coast and Midwest with her quartet, Quartet Davis, and has also premiered a number of new works.
A native of China, Ali began studying violin at age 4 with her uncle, well-known teacher Dayu Su. She majored in violin performance as a student of Xiaowei Chen at the prestigious Renmin University in Beijing, graduating at the top of her class. She then completed a Masters Degree with Bayla Keyes at Boston University (where she won the Bach Prize) and Suzuki Training at the Hartt School of Music at Hartford University, CT.
After apprenticing with her uncle, Ali went on to teach at elementary and middle schools in Beijing, where several of her students won first prizes in violin competitions. She is group violin teacher for the Chelsea Public Schools, and also teaches private lessons at the Ip Piano School in Boston.
As a performer, Ali has played with the orchestras of the National Ballet of China and the National Grand Theater of Beijing; and in the US with the Cleveland Orchestra at the Blossom International Festival. She is also an active freelance player in the Boston area.
“Ali is a very talented player. When I first started lessons with her, I was a beginner. The violin sounded squeaky and miserable. I couldn't understand what I was doing wrong. Ali simply modified my hand angle, raised my elbow slightly, and made me stand up straighter. She said 'Try now', and the sound was beautiful - a huge difference! We both couldn't stop laughing. She really does know what she is doing and can teach really well. Not to mention, she is a really nice person. Thanks for everything Ali!"
– Adult Student