Huizi Z  
Instruments: Piano
Styles: Classical

I earned a doctoral degree in Piano Performance at Florida State University College of Music. My decision to pursue a post-graduate degree in this field was based on my desire to continue my artistic development, while taking next steps towards a career in education. This course of study has allowed me to do so by expanding the scope of my pedagogical acumen, primarily through teaching assistantships. I am teaching and coordinating private lessons for major and non-major students at Florida State University. I am an active collaborative pianist. I coach singers and play with guest or student instrumentalists for their recitals, juries every semester. I believe that I have a broad knowledge of vocal and instrumental repertoire and musical styles. I have also actively cultivated my written and verbal communication skills through extensive scholarship and research, and culminating presentations and lecture recitals. Throughout this time, I have also continued to pursue critical performance opportunities, including a recent recital that encompassed the premiere of several compositions, at Brooklyn’s National Sawdust, Opera Center America in New York City, and N’Namdi Center for Contemporary Art in Detroit. Upcoming world premiere piano solo concert at Carnegie Hall in September this year. Broadly speaking, my core principles and values align with that of your organization and its “belief in the intrinsic value of the arts and artists” and the transformative role of the arts and artists in the communities they serve. I am confident in my ability to successfully carry out the responsibilities and criteria outlined for this position, and am comfortable working with a variety of individuals and partner institutions across a wide range of constituencies.

When I need to give specific instructions, I experiment with different methods, such as exercises that heighten aural awareness, mental image examples, or physical movements. One goal is to bring awareness of as many different sounds as I help them hear. I believe in acknowledging improvement and mentioning specific positive feedback. I also try to adapt lesson plans to the goals of the student, while trying to push them further. If needed, I tell them what I expect for the next lesson to give them specific goals to achieve. To keep students engaged, I ask questions; such as how they think they could improve, how they would want to express a phrase, or how does the music make them feel. I encourage my students to incorporate their ideas into their playing, and if they do not have their own ideas, I work toward pushing them in a direction of independent thinking. My most important goal is to to find a way to connect the student with the music in a personal way, no matter what level their playing is at.