BIOGRAPHY

Dr. Nai-Yu Chen is an active pianist and experienced music educator with over a decade of cultivating musical talent in students of all ages and skill levels. She excels at personalized instruction, preparing students for graded exams, competitions, and college auditions.

Her teaching approach is uniquely effective, transforming traditional methods into an engaging and enjoyable learning experience. Dr. Nai-Yu offers practical tips to make practice efficient and fun, helping students master pieces quickly. A particular strength is her ability to make technical exercises, like etudes, sound musical while ensuring fluid fingerwork. Drawing from her own traditional training, she firmly believes lessons should be enjoyable, fostering significant progress alongside a love for music.

Dr. Nai-Yu's extensive teaching experience also includes diverse group music instruction, ranging from engaging young children (ages 4-6) with movement-based games to enriching the musical knowledge of middle schoolers and residents in retirement homes. This broad background allows her to cater to individual needs, create a supportive learning environment, and make even the most challenging passages approachable. What she loves most about teaching is witnessing her students' progress, fostering their growth, and experiencing the mutual evolution between teacher and student.

Deeply committed to music, Dr. Nai-Yu is an accomplished performer, having played with groups such as the Covelo Piano Trio and the Russian Chamber Orchestra at venues like Tateuchi Hall. Her rich background in chamber music profoundly shapes her teaching, guiding students in mastering technique while developing a keen musical ear, refined expression, and a well-rounded approach to the piano. She also maintains an active presence in the music community through professional development, workshops, and prizewinning performances (e.g., Grieg Festival Young Artist Competition), as well as serving as a staff pianist and adjudicator.

Ultimately, Dr. Nai-Yu believes music is a powerful tool for personal growth, enabling individuals to discover hidden talents, cultivate creativity, and enhance overall well-being. Outside of music, she enjoys cooking, traveling, and cycling.