Today, we’d like to introduce you to Anqi Liu.
Hi Anqi, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Life continues on its track, and amid this, we experienced the pandemic. I spent much time in reflection during that long period of stagnation. After the pandemic, I decided to take a gap year from my PhD studies and move to a new metropolitan city where I know few people.
I started a new project: to empower people with music. I teach piano and composition lessons in Los Angeles, where I work with each student to find an individual and personal path. I design and revise college-level course curriculum and teach music production, songwriting, and instrumental building remotely for a young, established music department associated with a small art and design college in Denver.
These are worlds apart from my previous life, where lofty theories and esoteric ideas dominated our discussions, works, and lives—concepts that often felt detached from everyday existence. These new paths have taught me to remain grounded, bringing music and innovation into tangible, everyday experiences; and establishing a deep bond with real people and the community.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s challenging to start a project in a metropolitan city like Los Angeles, especially if you don’t know any locals. My friends who lived in LA supported me through the transition. I am very thankful and deeply appreciative of their unwavering support.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Music education is about creating, sharing, collaborating, listening, and love. I listen carefully to each student and work with them to find an individual and personal path. In return, I am constantly inspired by my students—their passion, creativity, love, and commitment.
One of the inspirations I’ve gained from many years of immersing in prestigious institutions and working with world-leading musicians is the importance of caring and connecting deeply with each individual. It is the humanity that makes great art and music. I hope the music journey takes my students to a broader and more profound world, where they can explore the depths of their creativity and harmonize with others on a deeper level.
In our Summer Recital on June 9th, our students Jeremy Trinidad Alconcel, Oliver Sebastian Alconcel, Nellie Jordan Fiffer, Rose Frances Fiffer, Brooklyn Itonia Lord, Dae Hyun Marquez, Lee Hyun Marquez, and Tobie Eleanor Reid each performed four musical pieces at the beautiful Unitarian Universalist Church of the Verdugo Hills in La Crescenta. Some of the music was original compositions by the students themselves. It was a lovely Sunday afternoon when families and friends gathered together, sharing and listening to the thoughtful performances and original compositions.
Having performed worldwide, there is nothing quite like the live experience of my students’ recital—their enthusiasm, dedication, and heartfelt expression are touching and unparalleled. Through music, I witness them experiencing the beauty of shared human experiences, the joy of collaboration, and the transformative power of artistic expression.
What does success mean to you?
Eventually, we will fade, along with things we own from this material world.
We become a part of each other, woven into the fabric of our shared experiences. The truth of our lives is not measured by material possessions, fame, or recognition but by the relationships we nurture and the love we share.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.anqiliu.com/edu
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anqiliumusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@anqiliumusic
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/anqiliu
Image Credits
Edream Wang (Yijun Wang) and Anqi Liu Music Education
