Dr. Sylvia Chien

Dr. Sylvia Chien 

Dr. Chien began her musical journey with piano at the age of 5 and started viola few years later. She has received several awards from regional piano and viola competitions in Taiwan since her early age. She obtained her Master degree of Music in viola performance from the University of Miami with full scholarship and was honored Academic Merit when graduating. She received her Doctor of Musical Arts in viola performance from Arizona State University. During the studies, she remained an active performer playing as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestra member in Miami Symphony Orchestra, Miami Bach Society, and Musica Nova Orchestra. 

Dr. Chien has over 15 years of music teaching experience. She specializes with students from age of 4 to adults for violin, viola, and piano. She has been the Teaching Assistant of the viola studio at Arizona State University. She also has taught at Arizona State University String Project, University of Miami String Academy, West Laboratory School Violin Program.

She finds teaching rewarding by positively encouraging and challenging her students’ potentials towards their limits. It is her belief that every student owns the capability to be nurtured if given them the appropriate instructions to play the instrument with a natural posture. She emphasizes developing good body alignment and coordination and ultimately motivates them to enjoy music with creativity. Currently, she teaches violin and viola at Poe Elementary, Seven Lakes High School, and Katy High School.