Music Lessons in Natick, MA. It's your time.

I enjoy teaching my students music and want them to have a fun time with learning and playing music.

A Chinese native. 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 completed 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 on Beijing; and in the US with the Cleveland Orchestra at the Blossom International Festival.

I have been teaching professionally for the past six years. As a student who struggled myself in nearly every aspect of education, I understand the importance of individualized learning. As a teacher and performer, I look to find relationships between the emotional and intellectual facets of music. By doing this, I try to uncover the mystery of violin playing, allowing my students to gain an understanding that will last with them forever.

Every single student posseses the potential to fulfill his or her violinistic dreams. I cater my teaching around the goals of each student, while still instilling a high artistic integrity.

Though I center each lesson around building a superior technical foundation, duet playing, the theory of harmony, and aural skills are integral parts of my teaching. I strive for my students to develope a beautiful, in-tune, pure sound that can directly connect to their own emotional palette.

Let's sing whatever you like: from pop songs, to Broadway, to art songs or opera with an emphasis on good vocal technique.
30 minute lessons are ONLY for students ages 8 and younger.
Adults are encouraged to choose 60 minute lessons.

I customize my students curriculum based on their specific goals. I feel teaching students to play and transcribe songs and solos is my most important job. Most students come to me looking for structure so I try and provide a clear path for them to reach their goals. Although I love teaching music theory I understand that it is not for everyone, so I only offer theoretical principles when it is appropriate or asked for. I rarely use textbooks, but I do employ a lot of exercises and educational material when it applies to a lesson.  

For students with no prior music experience I use text books, and exercises to strengthen their technique, expose them to musical ideas, and give them a foundation of basic music theory.  After that is accomplished I move into a curriculum that is more personal to their specific goals.

I have a special place in my heart for beginning piano students. I treat them more like a grandchild than as a strict classical instructor would. I have eliminated the pressure to learn wherever possible. From the first day, my students learn to read basic music. The lessons I create are customized based on my student's interests, strengths and ability to learn. Each child is unique. Whether they are gifted or special needs, each student gets my full attention. I get a great deal of joy from seeing the faces of my students light up when they accomplish a piece of music.

An intermediate level student holds a special challenge for me. Many times, they come to me having developed bad habits or missing important musical information that could make them a better pianist. I see my role as filling the gaps that they are missing and taking them further from there.

My students come and they stay with me - some for many years. If this is the type of experience you are looking for, then we ...