Conversations with Peipei Zhao

Today we’d like to introduce you to Peipei Zhao.

Hi Peipei, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Many people ask me how I managed to complete my PhD while raising a child, and how I made it to where I am today. The truth is, my journey has never been glamorous. It has been full of persistence, sacrifice, and the unique blend of softness and strength that comes with being a mother.

During those years of doctoral study, I often revised papers with one hand while holding my child in the other. The quiet libraries late at night, the soft glow of lamps in the lab — they all witnessed the moments when my child and I worked through challenges together. To many, pursuing a PhD is already difficult enough, but I was constantly moving between academic responsibilities and motherhood. And yet, it was precisely because of my child that I understood my purpose more clearly. I wanted him to see that no matter what stage of life you’re in, pursuing your dreams is always worth giving your all.

Eventually, life brought me to Ontario. That’s where I met Ms. Zhang. We connected instantly through our shared passion for education. We spent countless afternoons in cafés discussing children’s futures and what kind of learning environment could truly help them discover their own light. These conversations gradually grew into a shared vision — we wanted to create something that could genuinely change the trajectory of children’s lives.

That is how Golden Echo Academy was born in Ontario. The word “Echo” reflects a belief we both hold deeply: education is an echo. When you give children knowledge, kindness, and strength, they will send back even more beautiful echoes into the world.

From writing my dissertation with a child in my arms to founding a school with Ms. Zhang, I have faced moments of vulnerability, but also discovered unexpected strength. And today, when I see the children at Golden Echo Academy growing, learning, and thriving, every late-night struggle and every tearful moment of perseverance has turned into a reward beyond measure.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Has it been a smooth road? Not at all. My journey has been filled with challenges — some expected, many surprising — and each one shaped who I am today.

One of the greatest struggles came during my PhD years. Balancing rigorous academic demands while raising a child often felt like walking on a tightrope. There were days when I had to choose between attending a seminar and taking my child to the doctor, nights when I revised chapters with my baby asleep on my lap, and countless moments when exhaustion almost convinced me to give up. I constantly battled the guilt of not giving enough — not enough time to my research, not enough energy to my child, not enough rest to myself.

Moving to Ontario brought another set of challenges. As an immigrant mother and researcher starting over in a new place, I had to rebuild my support system from scratch. I faced cultural adjustments, financial pressure, and the overwhelming task of carving out a new professional identity. There were times when it felt like every step forward came with two steps back.

Starting Golden Echo Academy with Ms. Zhang was also far from easy. Behind the excitement were months of uncertainty — navigating regulations, securing the right space, building trust with families, and creating a curriculum that truly reflected our vision. We faced doubts, setbacks, and plenty of sleepless nights wondering whether we were doing the right thing. But every challenge reminded us why we started: to build a place where children could grow with confidence, curiosity, and joy.

Looking back, the road has been anything but smooth, yet every hardship taught me resilience, patience, and purpose. And today, seeing the children at Golden Echo Academy thriving makes every struggle not only worthwhile, but deeply meaningful.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As a composer, I focus on writing works that blend expressive melodies with modern textures and narrative depth. My compositions often draw from personal experiences and cultural influences, allowing students to see how music can be both academically rigorous and emotionally honest. I want them to understand that every piece of music begins with a story — and that they, too, have stories worth telling.

As an educator, I’m committed to helping students learn music in a holistic and multi-dimensional way. This means encouraging them to go beyond notes and rhythms. We study music through creativity, analysis, history, improvisation, composition, and performance. I want students to feel music, understand music, and eventually create their own music with confidence.

I design lessons that combine listening, movement, storytelling, technology, and cross-disciplinary thinking. Students may explore how a piece is built, why it evokes certain emotions, or how it connects to cultural and social contexts. Many of them also experiment with writing their own short compositions — discovering that they have voices that deserve to be heard.

What I’m most proud of is seeing students develop not only strong musical skills, but also curiosity, imagination, and artistic courage. When a student tells me, “I didn’t know I could compose,” or “Music helps me understand myself better,” I know I’m doing the work that truly matters.

What sets me apart is the way I integrate my identity as a composer into my teaching. I don’t just teach music — I invite students into the creative process, showing them that music is alive, flexible, and deeply personal. By blending professional composition experience with a multi-dimensional educational approach, I help students discover their own musical voice and build a lifelong relationship with art.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I like best about Ontario is the unique balance it offers — a warm, family-friendly atmosphere within reach of the vibrant energy of the greater Los Angeles area. Ontario has a calm, spacious feeling that makes life comfortable, yet it’s also close enough to the cultural richness, arts, and diversity of LA. For someone working in music and education, it’s the perfect blend: a peaceful place to create and a dynamic region to stay inspired.

I love the sense of community here. People are welcoming, supportive, and genuinely invested in helping their neighbors thrive. Families often know one another, and students grow up in an environment where they feel seen and encouraged. This kind of warmth makes Ontario an ideal place to build Golden Echo Academy and support young musicians as they explore their creative potential.

I also appreciate the convenience of the city — from the Ontario International Airport to accessible shopping, parks, and family activities. Everything feels easy and livable, without the overwhelming pace of downtown LA.

What I like least about Ontario is the heat during peak summer months. The high temperatures can make outdoor activities challenging, especially for children. Additionally, like many cities in Southern California, traffic can be unpredictable, and distances between places sometimes feel longer than they look.

But even with these small challenges, Ontario remains a place I’m grateful to call home — a city with heart, opportunity, and a supportive environment for both families and creativity.

Pricing:

• music: $40 for 30min, $60 for 45min
• tutoring: $45 for 90min
• painting: $45 for 90min

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.goldenechoedu.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goldenechoacademy/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/golden-echo-academy-ontario