Does my 3-year-old need an instrument at home right away?

Yes — to make real progress, your child will need access to a piano at home for daily practice. We recommend a full 88-key weighted keyboard at minimum, and ideally an upright or grand piano. If you're not sure where to start, Cristina is happy to discuss rental options that work for your budget.

How long are lessons for young children?

For ages 3–4, lessons are 30 minutes — perfectly matched to a toddler's attention span. Children aged 5 and older typically do 30–45 minutes per session. Once a student has established a consistent practice routine at home, lessons can grow to 60 minutes.

Should I stay during my child's lesson?

For children under 5, parents are strongly encouraged to sit in on every lesson. Cristina will show you exactly how to supervise practice at home — the right technique, posture, and approach — so your child builds good habits from day one.

My child has never touched an instrument — is that fine?

Absolutely! Complete beginners are always welcome. Starting from zero with young children is our favourite — no habits to undo, and the joy of discovery is pure and wonderful.

Do you offer online lessons?

All lessons are in-person at the Mahwah studio. For students aged 8 and above who have already built a solid foundation, occasional online lessons may be considered — for example, to review homework, check progress, or work on musicality and expression.

What if my child wants to try a different instrument?

Many children start on piano and later transition to violin or viola, which works beautifully because piano naturally builds the music reading and ear training skills that strings require. Cristina will always guide you toward the path that sets your child up for the most enjoyment and success.

Student Achievements & Recital Gallery | Keys Strings Music Studio Mahwah NJ

Students of Cristina Huang have performed at Carnegie Hall and won 1st place at the Crescendo International Music Competition and Little Mozarts International Music Competition. View recital photos from Steinway Hall New York and other venues.

Awards & Recognition

Honoured for Musical Excellence

Recognition from some of the most respected names in music education and performance.

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Global Music Award – Silver

Global Music Awards

Silver recipient recognising outstanding artistry and contribution to music as a performing and recording artist.

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Steinway Educator Partner

Steinway & Sons

Recognised by the world's most prestigious piano maker as an educator of distinction — a mark trusted by music families worldwide.

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Master of Music

New York University (NYU)

Graduate-level musical training at one of the world's most prestigious conservatories, bringing academic depth to every lesson.

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Recording Artist

Original Albums Released

Released original albums as a professional performing artist, bringing real-world musical experience and artistry into the studio.

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Early Childhood Music Specialist

15+ Years Teaching Ages 3+

Dedicated specialist in early childhood music education, helping hundreds of young children discover their love of music.

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Performing Artist

Piano & Violin

An active performing artist on piano and violin, keeping artistry sharp and bringing the joy of live performance into teaching.

Education & Training

Academic Excellence 🎓

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Master of Music

New York University (NYU)

Advanced graduate study in music performance, theory, and pedagogy at one of America's most celebrated music programs.

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Steinway Educator Partner Certification

Steinway & Sons

Recognised as a certified Steinway Educator Partner — a distinction awarded to the most exceptional piano teachers worldwide.

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Early Childhood Music Education

Specialist Training & 15+ Years Practice

Specialist training and extensive hands-on experience in developmentally appropriate music education for children aged 3+.

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Piano & Violin Performance

Lifelong Study — Started as a Young Child

Cristina began studying piano and violin as a young child herself — giving her a uniquely empathetic perspective when teaching young learners.

Our Students

Student Achievements 🌟

Every certificate and award represents weeks of dedication, courage, and a growing love of music.

🥇 1st Place · Piano

Vivienne Kantor

Crescendo International Music Competition 2025 · Carnegie Hall, NYC

Vivienne performed Chopin's Waltz in A Minor at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall and took 1st Place with a score of 27/30. The judge praised her beautiful melodic line, strong understanding of Chopin's Rubato, and called her performance "overall well prepared."

🥇 1st Place · Recommended for ISEP · Piano

Helen Liu

Little Mozarts International Music Competition 2024 · Zankel Hall, Carnegie Hall

Helen performed Beethoven's Für Elise in A Minor and achieved 1st Place with a near-perfect score of 28/30 — and was Recommended for ISEP (International Student Exchange Program). The judge praised her beautiful playing, wonderful hand coordination, and balance between melody and harmony.

🥇 1st Place · Piano

Chloe Zheng

Little Mozarts International Music Competition 2024

Chloe performed Burgmüller's The Swallow Op.100 No.24 and earned 1st Place with a score of 27/30. The judge commended her expressiveness, noting she showed "different phrases and articulations" and wrote: "You seem to enjoy playing — keep up the good work!"

🥈 2nd Place · Piano

Brandon Li

Little Mozarts International Music Competition 2024

Brandon performed Kuhlau's Sonatina Op.55 No.1 and earned 2nd Place with a score of 24/30. The judge loved how he showed different characters through changing dynamics, writing: "Keep up the good work!"

🥉 3rd Place · Piano

Max Guan

Crescendo International Music Competition 2025

Max performed Burgmüller's Arabesque Op.100 No.2 and earned 3rd Place. The judge called it "a solid memorization and performance," adding that his music would bring "a lot of joy to himself, his family and others." We look forward to hearing more from Max on stage!

Studio Life

Recital & Studio Moments 📸

From first recitals to everyday practice moments — a glimpse into the joy of making music together.