Our Team — VINEYARD ARTSTS

Ms. Angela

founder / piano / french horn

Angela Schmitt is a piano and French horn performer and educator, she also likes to compose music for short films and plays. After completing her Bachelor Degree in Music Performance at the University of Toronto, Angela relocated to Boston, Massachusetts to pursue and complete her Master of Music degree in Brass Performance at Boston University in 2017.

Angela serves as a freelancer in many orchestras, chamber ensembles and pit orchestra musicians in the Greater Boston area such as New England Film Orchestra and Mystic Brass Ensemble. She also composed soundtracks for multiple independent film projects.

Angela founded Vineyard Artists in 2019, since then she has been devoting her time to inspire young children in music and art. In her piano lessons, Angela encourages students to focus on fundamental techniques in a step-by-step manner while introducing them to different ways to practice. At the same time, Angela makes sure that the students are exposed to all kinds of musical styles, providing them with a safe and open environment to enjoy and create music.

Ms. Connie

piano / vocal

“I love motivating students to try to learn new things! I believe by incorporating various interactive exercises and creating a positive environment, the students will experience the joy in the music world.”

15+ years of piano and vocal teaching experience

Professional piano accompaniment, excellent at sight-reading music, specialized in the interpretation of historical music

Experience in leading chorus, band, chamber music

Incorporating teaching philosophy and methods from music education scholars such as Orff, Kodaly, Dalcroze

Lesson plan including music theory, music history, sight reading and singing, ear training, technique and musicality. Applied the teaching strategy with children’s interests in the learning process.

Ms. Xinyu

piano

Xinyu Hu is a concert pianist, teacher, and an active chamber ensemble performer. Xinyu Hu has studied with several successful pianist such as Brian Moll, Hong Xu, Dahao Guo. She has performed recitals at several major concert halls and participated in prestiges music festivals. Passionate about sharing classical music and her experience, Ms. Hu has given many performance of different music genres and lessons. She started her career as a mentor and teacher to other musicians in 2016. Ms. Hu has been enjoying teaching throughout numerous states such New York, Rode Island and Massachusetts. Ms. Hu is passionate about teaching all levels of experience, from beginning amateur to college preparation.

Mater of Music in Piano performance from Longy School of Music of Bard College Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance From Longy School of Music of Bard College

Ms. Priscilla

piano

Priscilla Chen, a remarkable classical pianist, is celebrated for her deep emotions, interesting music choices, and unique way of playing, creating an exciting and artistic concert that gives the audience fascinating insights to enjoy.

Priscilla is also committed to music education and piano accompaniment. imparts her expertise at esteemed institutions such as Berklee College of Music, Boston Conservatory, and serves as a staff accompanist at the University of Hartford. Furthermore, her musical talents extend far beyond classical music, embracing a diverse spectrum of genres, including Jazz. pop, Music Theater, Opera, Broadway, and Ballet.

Priscilla earned recognition as a finalist in the 2022 The Churchill Scholarship Competition and secured the prestigious 2019 PIARA Piano Competition in Japan. She holds a Master of Music degree from the University of Hartford and Graduate Performance Diploma from Boston Conservatory at Berklee.

Mr. Stephen

violin

Violinist Stephen, an American Korean-born and raised from Queens, New York City, embarked on his classical music odyssey at an early age. His journey began with attendance at Juilliard School of Music Pre-College, and later, he honed his skills at the New England Conservatory under world-respected violinist James Buswell. He further enriched his musical education with an Undergraduate Performance Diploma from the Longy School of Bard College with full scholarship enrollment.

Currently, Stephen is pursuing a Master of Music in Performance at the Boston Conservatory of Berklee College. Actively engaged in the vibrant music scene of the New England region, he is actively member with the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra and various larger chamber ensembles across the USA.

Stephen's commitment to excellence extends beyond his academic pursuits. He has participated in enriching masterclasses led by esteemed musicians from the renowned Juilliard School of Music, New England Conservatory and other music schools.

Ms. Yizhen

cello/double bass

Yizhen Wang, a prominent figure in the Boston music scene and former faculty member at the New England Conservatory Preparatory School. Yizhen's pursuit of excellence led her to graduate with a Bachelor's degree in double bass performance from the prestigious New England Conservatory in 2016. Under the guidance of Lawrence Wolfe, the Assistant Principal Double Bassist, she honed her skills and showcased exceptional talent. Continuing her commitment to musical mastery, Yizhen pursued further education, earning a Master's degree from Boston University in 2018, studying under the tutelage of Todd Seeber, further solidifying her expertise and musical proficiency.

Throughout her career, Yizhen has collaborated with esteemed ensembles including the Boston Civic Symphony, Apollo Ensemble, New England Film Orchestra, and Symphony Pro Musica. Her inspiring journey from a late beginner to an accomplished musician highlights her dedication, talent, and unwavering passion for the double bass, shaping her into a respected figure within the Boston music community.

Ms. Amy

mixed-media art

Amy, also known as Gao Gao Lao Shi, is an artist and educator currently living in Newton, MA. She was born and raised in Taipei, Taiwan. Amy received her bachelor’s degree in Visual Design from National Kaohsiung Normal University in 2015. She earned her M.Ed. in Art Education (PreK-8) from Lesley University in 2021. She was an elementary art teacher for two years in Taiwan and taught many Art classes in the Boston area since 2020. Amy is an EEC qualified preschool lead teacher as well, she worked with preschoolers since 2021 till now. During her time as an educator, she believes in providing children with rich opportunities to freely explore their curiosity in a loved, supportive, and fun environment with a teacher who can challenge them, they can grow into amazing people.

Ms. Muriel

Muriel has worked in marketing and e-commerce for year. She soon chased her passion in art and design, got into the field of illustration. She graduated from the Illustration Practice (MFA) of Maryland Institute College of Art. Muriel deeply believe that creativity is not only related to art; creativity has a strong influence to the way we learn, think, and live. She hope to integrate creative thinking into art education, enabling every child to cultivate their own unique sensibility and independent thinking skills for their lifetime.

mixed-media art / illustrator/ drama

VYA Teachers