About
Ms. Liu, an accomplished pianist, graduated in 2023 with a Master's degree in Piano Performance from the Mannes School of Music, where she was a student of the renowned pianist Blair McMillen. Previously, she graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor's degree in Piano Performance from the University of Arizona in 2021, under the guidance of department head John Milbauer and associate dean Rex Woods. During her undergraduate studies, she received multiple scholarships.
Ms. Liu began her piano studies at the age of five. She has studied under several distinguished pianists, including Professor Cui Honggen from the Central Conservatory of Music, Professor Daniel Epstein from the Manhattan School of Music, and Professor Sandra Shapiro from the Cleveland Institute of Music. These experiences have not only deepened her musical understanding but also enhanced her performance skills.
Her musical achievements include winning the first prize in the youth category of the inaugural Yamaha National Piano Competition and the college category of the Yamaha Academy Cup Piano Competition. She also secured the third prize as the Chinese representative in the senior category of the 2014 Yongchang Music Piano Competition in South Korea and the second prize (with the first prize unawarded) in the youth category of the 2016 Liszt Cup International Piano Festival. Ms. Liu has collaborated with the Zhangjiakou City Chinese Symphony Orchestra, performing the piano concerto "The Yellow River" for three consecutive years (2012-2014). She has given performances in Vienna, Rome, Beijing, Tianjin, Cleveland, and Cincinnati.
As a piano teacher, Ms. Liu has over six years of teaching experience. She has systematically studied piano pedagogy during her undergraduate and graduate studies and is familiar with and utilizes a variety of mainstream piano teaching materials. During her undergraduate years, she studied American piano teaching methods under the authority Jane Magrath and received high praise for her work. An active member of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), she actively participates in forums and seminars on piano teaching methods. In 2021, one of her students was admitted to the Xi'an Conservatory of Music. Her students have achieved outstanding results in the ABRSM and NYSSMA examinations during the 2023 examination season.
As a pianist, Ms. Liu passionately and tirelessly pursues the embodiment of truth and the ultimate expression of musical artistry. For her, the piano is not just an instrument but an extension of her soul. Through its keys, she endeavors to convey the depth of human emotions and establish a heartfelt connection with her audience. In her role as a teacher at Alicia's Piano Studio, she places great emphasis on nurturing character and fostering empathy in her students, prioritizing these qualities before delving into the technical intricacies of music.
Ms. Liu understands that mastery in any art form is not just about skill but also about possessing a compassionate and understanding heart. She firmly believes that before one can truly capture the essence of an artist, it is essential to cultivate an inner warmth and kindness. These virtues are the foundation upon which the transformative power of music is built, enabling artists to profoundly impact the lives of others.
At Alicia's Piano Studio, Ms. Liu is dedicated to instilling these core values in each of her students, creating an environment where they can develop not only as musicians but also as individuals. Her balanced teaching approach, which integrates technique, theory, and the exploration of various musical genres, aims to shape well-rounded musicians who can express their unique voices to the world. Ms. Liu invites students to join her on this enchanting journey of self-discovery and musical enlightenment. Together, they unlock the immense potential within each student, embarking on a harmonious path towards both artistic and personal growth.