Cristina is a Steinway Certified Educator and professional with 10+ years of music teaching experience. She has demonstrated aptitude for teaching young children a variety of musical instruments through developing a personalized lesson plan and rigorous curriculum. She has coached children starting at the age of 3.5 years old, culminating in their placement to prestigious music programs such as the Mark Twain Intermediate School Gifted and Talented (Music), Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Performing Arts, and other pre-college programs such as Manhattan School of Music.
She is also experienced in preparing children for national and state examinations, such as the New York State School Music Association. For example, almost all of her students who sit for the UK Royal Schools of Music ABRSM exam receive a Distinguished or Merit result.
Her students are from all ages and musical backgrounds. She has students in New Jersey, NYC, Westchester County, and Connecticut.
About
Cristina’s teaching philosophy revolves around fostering a learning environment that focuses on curiosity and personal growth. She understands that children learn best when they feel safe, valued, and inspired.
Central to her approach is the recognition that learning is not a one-size-fits-all. She embraces the individuality of each child, tailoring her curriculum to accommodate their learning styles and preferences. For example, for children ages 4 to 5, she may try a few different piano books ranging from play to notes reading. Once they progress, she will begin adding new activities such finger techniques, etudes, and music repertoires. She will learn about their music interests and make suggestions for building musical expression.
Cristina believes that nothing is more rewarding than seeing her students develop a passion for music. She makes sure that each student progresses at his or her own pace, and she focuses on equipping them with the skills and mindset needed to navigate challenges and pursue their own dreams. In addition, she works closely with the parents to ensure that the children have a robust support network. By fostering a love for learning and providing personalized support, she hopes to ignite a lifelong passion for music.
Teaching Philosophy
Cristina began to study the piano at the age of 5 and the violin at the age of 10 in Taiwan. At the age of 9, she won the audition of Primary Music School of Tainan, Taiwan, where she was classically trained. She continued her piano and viola studies at SooChow University in Taipei, Taiwan, where she received her Bachelors in Music. Afterwards, Cristina received numerous scholarships, including a Music Talent Scholarship from the Steinhardt School at New York University where she pursued her Master of Music Performance.
Cristina was an Adjunct Faculty at NYU Steinhardt from 2012 to 2015. She has also performed in the Taipei Philharmonic, the NYU Philharmonic, the United Nations Symphony Orchestra, the National Opera Center of Opera America, the Vokenasen Summer Academy in Oslo, Norway, the Dobrichovice Festival in Prague, Czech Republic, and at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China.
She was acknowledged by Steinway & Sons as a Top Piano Teacher in 2022. She has also been recognized by the Global Music Awards numerous times - as a Silver Medal Winner for her original compositions Sunset (2022) and Autumn Waltz (2020) and as a Bronze Medal Winner for her song The Color of Amour (2019). In addition, she has received numerous awards, including sponsorship by Chimei Museum (2015), 1st Prize of the National Taiwan Viola Competition (2009), and New Art Inc. Rising Stars (2008).
Cristina and her husband live in Mahwah, NJ where she plays and teaches on her two grand pianos.