A huge round of applause for Valentina on securing the1st Prize & Exceptional Young Talent Prize at the Golden Classical International Competition!! We're incredibly proud of your achievement! Let's all celebrate this rising star!
Q & A w/Teacher Young (cello/piano)
What do you love most about teaching?
I love when I see students come in with a smile because at the end of the day, we are doing this for the joy.
1.How old were you when you started taking music lessons and what was your first instrument?
I started taking piano lessons at the age of 5, then transitioned to the cello at age 7.
2. Who/what inspired you to become a musician and music teacher?
I was very fortunate to have supporting parents who helped me continue my cello journey while growing up, and so they would have to be my inspiration to becoming the best musician I possibly can. My passion for teaching began while I was getting my undergraduate at the University of Washington. My professor at the time made me realize how important it was to have a good teacher from the very beginning. That being said, I had to relearn everything during my undergraduate studies with Saeunn who is a world class cellist, and could not have been any luckier to be under her guidance. I wish for no one to go through what I did and want to make sure I pass on the techniques I learned to the younger generation. I am grateful for all my teachers because I’ve learned many different things from each and everyone, and they would have to be my inspiration to become a teacher.
3. Who or what have been the most important influences on your musical life and career?
Attending concerts regularly growing up influenced me the most in my musical life, and it wasn’t until I first heard a cellist play a concerto for the first time with the symphony. That was the defining moment where I knew I wanted to continue playing the cello and taking music seriously. Now thanks to YouTube, I am able to look up legends such as Mstislav Rostropovich, Jacqueline du pre, Steven Isserlis, and many more.
4. Tell us about your musical and teaching background.
Since I started learning the cello at 7, my mom immediately signed me up for cello lessons and the Hawaii youth symphony, and was a part of a symphony since then, and also continued lessons ever since then. My first real student was when I was a sophomore in College because I knew I wanted to teach one day and wanted experience in teaching. Although I did not have many students, I’ve been teaching since then.
5. Do you have important ideas and concepts to impart to aspiring musicians?
Yes, I truly believe that good foundations from the beginning can come a long way and help enjoy playing the cello more. There is a misconception that you have to practice many hours every day but that is not true, the most important thing is consistency for me, and even 10 minutes a day is better than practicing 1 hour once a week and so I do try to drill that into my students. I also recommend going to concerts as much as you can because getting inspiration through others is really powerful.
6. What do you love most about teaching?
I love when I see students come in with a smile because at the end of the day, we are doing this for the joy. I want all my students to be excited for lessons rather than it being something they have to do because they are forced to.
7. Do you have a practice tip you want to share with our students?
Yes, warming up with scales early on I think is very important. Everyone knows this yet has a hard time doing this. I am guilty of this but when I started doing my scales every morning, playing my pieces was more enjoyable because it sounded better. The most important thing about doing scales is not to just play the notes, but carefully think about every detail possible because it is a lot harder to think about the details when the pieces start to get harder.
8. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not teaching, practicing, or performing?
Apart from teaching, practicing, or performing, I enjoy going out for a run and drinking coffee in the morning. Recently I’ve been learning how to golf because my whole family golfs, but I have long ways to go.
Creative Crescendo - Write a Song in 5 Weeks!
We’re so excited to bringing our new program, Creative Crescendo: A Journey Into Songwriting to our families.
have you ever dreamed of creating your own song? Then this is the class for you! Teacher Maria will take you step by stepy in your journey becoming a songwriter!
We are offering 100% Money Back Gaurantee so there is nothing to lose! (scroll down for detials)
Creative Crescendo: A Journey Into Songwriting
Learn to channel your emotions, ideas and creativity into crafting songs in New Mozart’s Creative Crescendo: A Journey into Songwriting!
Let's dive into the enchanting world of songwriting together! Discover the magic of crafting your own melodies and lyrics, and uncover the power of expressing your individuality through music.
You'll not only learn essential songwriting skills but also explore how each song reflects your own unique personality and perspective. Imagine the joy of creating something truly your own!
New Mozart students receive $50 off the summer camp and $100 off the fall classes.
Not sure? Sign up now & decide later!
If you’re not 100% happy with your 1st class, just let us know within the 1st 24 hour hours and we will refund you in FULL. We are that sure you will love our songwriting class, Creative Crescendo.
Meet Keaton Wan: New Mozart’s Exceptional Piano Student with a Radiant Smile
1. What is your name and how old are you?
My name is Keaton and I am 9 years old and will turn 10 next month.
2. How long have you been studying music and how old were you when you first started?
I have been playing piano for 4 years and I was 5 years old when I started doing it. I completed Harmony Road 1 and 2 with Teacher Valerie, and then started having private lessons in September 2020.
3. Who is your teacher?
My teacher is Larisa. She is a great teacher. She gave me suggestions for my recital piece.
4. What are you currently working on?
I am working on "The Entertainer" by Scott Joplin. I am going to play this piece for my honor recital. I learned "Ivan Sings" by Aram Khachaturian a few months ago, and I enjoy it so much that I still play it every day.
5. How often do you practice?
I practice once a day.
6. Why do you love music?
I like music because it sounds nice. It is also fun to perform!
7. What are some things you like doing besides music?
I like to play chess and build with legos.
9. What do you want to be when you grow up?
I want to be a car inventor, but I also like music and playing piano.
From New Mozart to Yale - Congratulations Claire Spence
From New Mozart to Yale University!
Meet Claire, our talented pianist who joined us when she was just 2 years old. After completing the Harmony Road program at age 5, she continued her piano study with Dr. Alexander. She won numerous competitions and is now off to Yale this fall! We couldn't be prouder and will miss her dearly. Congratulations Claire!
What instrument did you study at New Mozart and for how long? I have been a student at the New Mozart School of Music for 16 years. I started in the Harmony Road class at 2 years old, and went on to study piano with Dr. Alexander for 13 years
Which high school did you attend? I recently graduated from a French-American bilingual high school called the Lycée Français de San Francisco (LFSF).
What are you doing next? I am attending Yale University where I study English literature and poetry and continue studying music.
Tell us about your experience of learning music at New Mozart and how it has impacted your life. I have been a student at the New Mozart School of Music for as long as I can remember. I am so grateful to all of the teachers and staff who in many ways have watched me grow up. Teacher Alexander has been a real treasure. He was able to make piano lessons fun with his jokes and life advice, and always prepared me to play my best and win competitions. I grew so much thanks to him as a pianist, a musician, and even as a person, and I will always remember him with gratitude and love. To my family, he was much more than just a teacher, he was a dear friend. I have learned so much at New Mozart starting from the Harmony Road class where I was singing and playing my first notes on the piano to Teacher Alexander's advanced music theory lessons which were instrumental in my getting a top score on the AP music theory exam. Most importantly I learned how to touch others with my music. I know for certain that whatever I do in the future, music will remain an integral part of my life. I am so thankful to my parents for connecting me to this musical world and to New Mozart for giving me the foundation to truly become a musician.
Q & A w/Dr. Anqi - From Tapping on Tiny Keyboard to Award Winning Pianist
Dr. Anqi’s Practice Tips
“Maintaining a consistent practice routine and using the right methods is crucial at every stage of piano learning.”
1. How old were you when you started taking music lessons and what was your first instrument?
When I was seven, I got my first piano from my parents because every time I passed by a piano store and heard someone playing, I would stop and listen. I also enjoyed playing my grandpa's electronic keyboard, even if it just made some noise at that time. Thanks to my parents for respecting my interests and buying me a piano, starting my over two-decade-long journey of learning it.
2. Who/what inspired you to become a musician and music teacher?
I started learning the piano systematically at the age of seven, initially without a specific goal of becoming a pianist. My parents saw it as a hobby, aiming to cultivate discipline, creativity, and the ability to overcome challenges. Around high school, my piano teacher suggested considering a path in music professionally. Perhaps due to a genuine love for the piano, I quickly decided to do it. Becoming a teacher has always been my career aspiration, as I truly enjoy sharing knowledge and witnessing others grow.
3. Who or what have been the most important influences on your musical life and career?
I believe it's been each of my piano teachers. Fortunately, every one of them has provided excellent and incredibly patient guidance. They each had their teaching styles and musical insights. I've benefited greatly from learning with them, and through study and reflection, I've developed my own teaching methods and philosophy.
4. Tell us about your musical and teaching background.
I started learning the piano at seven and continued without interruption, smoothly progressing. After completing my undergraduate studies at South China Normal University's Music College, I wanted to experience different learning styles and cultural atmospheres. So, I came to the United States, earning Master's and D.M.A degrees at Temple University and the University of Southern Mississippi, respectively. Throughout this journey, I've performed solo, collaborative and chamber recitals in various places, achieving commendable results in several competitions.
Becoming a good piano teacher has always been my goal. I began as a private piano teacher during my undergraduate years, working with students of all ages and levels. During my doctoral studies, I also served as a teaching assistant for class piano. The diverse teaching experiences have helped me understand how to tailor my approach more effectively to individual students.
5. Do you have important ideas and concepts to impart to aspiring musicians?
Don't waste your talents, especially in learning piano, effort equals reward. Diligent practice with focus is a necessary step to uncover and unleash your potential. Therefore, maintaining a consistent practice routine and using the right methods is crucial at every stage of piano learning.
6. What do you love most about teaching?
For me, the greatest joy in teaching is sharing my knowledge with students and witnessing their progress. Whether they conquer a challenging technique, complete a piece, perform on stage, or achieve success in a competition, seeing students gain skills and joy from learning music is the most rewarding part of being a teacher.
7. Do you have a practice tip you want to share with our students?
When practicing the piano, it's essential to establish and stick to a regular practice routine. Don't just mindlessly repeat the entire piece from start to finish to fill the time. Clearly identify key practice points. For difficult passages, practice them slowly and separately to ensure your fingers and brain develop the right memory.
8. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not teaching, practicing, or performing?
It's gotta be exploring delicious food with family! We love to eat and enjoy trying different cuisines. Whenever we discover delicious food or find a new great restaurant, it brings so much joy!
Saina Priyadarshi Wins 2nd Place at NATS Singing Competition
Big cheers to Saina for winning 2nd place at the NATS Singing Compeition! We are so proud of your achievement! Join the applause for this rising star!
New Mozart in Vienna July 2024
New Mozart is performing in Vienna next summer!
We’re excited to provide this once in a lifetime opportunity for our students to perform in Vienna. Often hailed as the “City of Music,” Vienna has a remarkable musical heritage with iconic composers Mozart, Beethoven, and Haydn having lived and composed there. Performing at the prestigious Musikverein will allow New Mozart students to connect with this rich legacy and grace the stage where some of the most famous musicians have performed.
Come with us and make your Viennese debut!
Space is limited and it’s first come first served.
Enrollment is available to all currently enrolled New Mozart students!
