Our Team
Dr. Yu (Dora) Dong
Dr. Yu (Dora) Dong has shown her music passion and diverse scope as a dedicated pianist and educator. Yu maintains an active performance career, performing a diverse selection of repertoire spanning from the Baroque through works by composers of today. Yu’s main research interest is on Chinese-American Women composers.
Yu completed a Bachelor's degree in Music at Nanjing Normal University, China. She then completed a Master's of Music Degree in Piano Performance at Kent State University and earned her Doctor of Arts degree in Piano Performance at Ball State University, with a secondary emphasis in Voice Performance. While completing her Master’s and Doctoral studies, she served as a Graduate Assistant, teaching applied piano, and class piano.
Alfonso Alborta
Alfonso Alborta is a highly skilled and passionate piano instructor with over a decade of experience in cultivating musical talent and fostering artistic expression. With a profound love for music and a dedication to excellence, Alfonso has honed his craft as both a performer and educator.
Throughout his 12-year tenure as a piano coach, Alfonso has guided over 300 students on their musical journey, instilling in them not just technical proficiency but also a deep appreciation for the artistry of piano playing. His teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that music is not just about hitting the right notes but about conveying emotion and storytelling through sound.
As a performer, Alfonso's talent shines through in every note he plays. With several acclaimed presentations in South America and as an integral member of the Bacchus Duo, a professional violin-piano ensemble, he has captivated audiences with his virtuosity and musical sensitivity.
In his role as a piano instructor, Alfonso brings this same passion and artistry to his students, fostering creativity, nurturing individuality, and guiding them towards their full potential as musicians. His approach is characterized by a balance of fun and discipline, encouraging students to explore their musicality while instilling a strong foundation of technique and interpretation.
Alfonso's commitment to excellence and his unwavering dedication to his students make him a valuable asset to any aspiring pianist seeking to unlock their full musical potential.
Hannah Bao
Born and raised in the City of Huangshan, China, Hannah Bao's musical journey began at the tender age of 4 under the mentorship of Professor Zhou Xiaomei at Anhui Normal University. Her early training laid a solid foundation for her musical prowess, culminating in her notable achievement of ranking third in China's national professional and cultural course rankings in 2012. This accomplishment paved the way for her admission to the Music Middle School affiliated with the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, where she further honed her skills under the guidance of Professor Jiang Chen, head of the Piano Department.
During her high school years, Hannah continued to excel, demonstrating exceptional talent and commitment to music. Her journey took her to the renowned New England Conservatory of Music, where she had the privilege of studying under esteemed music educators such as Victor Rosenbaum and Randall Hodgkinson. At NEC, Hannah was the winner of the Honors Competition in 2019 and was awarded an academic scholarship, which she has held from 2019 to the present.
In 2023, Hannah decided to embark on a new chapter in her musical education by transferring to the School of Music at the University of Washington, where she currently studies with Dr. Cristina Veldas. This decision reflects her eagerness to explore new possibilities and expand her musical horizons. Hannah's musical achievements are also reflected in her competition successes, including winning 2nd prize in the piano division of the Steinway National Youth Piano Competition in 2018, 1st prize in the classical piano division of the Hong Kong "I MUSIC'' International Music Competition in 2019, and third prize in the Concerto Competition at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music in 2018. She has also performed at prestigious venues like Jordan Hall in Boston in 2019 and has had the privilege of participating in master classes with renowned artists such as Fou Ts’ong, Danwen Wei, Dang Thai Son, Jeffrey Cohen, and Garrick Ohlsson.
With such a rich background, exceptional talent, and a deep commitment to her craft, Hannah Bao's future in the world of music is promising and full of potential.
Madeline Gao
- passed highest level testing for China Conservatory of Music in piano with honor
- excel at basic piano playing skill training, sight-singing and ear training
- well trained in music theory and music history
- can teach adults based on their needs ——no matter you like classical music or just want to play a specific modern piece, we’ve got you covered
- good with small children, help kids build a lifelong love for piano
- 荣誉通过音乐学院最高等级钢琴和乐理测试
- 擅长视唱练耳,和弦分解
- 可根据需求定制成人教学方案,擅长古典曲目以及流行音乐编排
- 教学有耐心、亲和力强