Ms. Jiawei is a highly accomplished violist with an extensive academic and professional background. She is currently completing her Doctor of Music degree at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, where she serves as a Graduate Assistant in the String Department. Ms. Jiawei studied under renowned teachers such as Li-Kuo Chang and Atar Arad, and previously earned her Master of Music degree from The Juilliard School with Paul Neubauer as her principal teacher. She also holds a Bachelor of Music in Viola Performance and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Bard College, where she studied with Michael Tree and Ira Weller.

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In addition to her impressive academic credentials, Ms. Jiawei has a wealth of orchestral experience. She has held the position of Associate Principal Viola with the Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra and performed as a section violist with the Hartford Symphony Orchestra. Ms. Jiawei is currently a finalist and substitute viola for both the San Diego Symphony and Pacific Symphony. Her leadership roles include serving as Principal Viola for the Verbier Festival Orchestra and Lake George Festival Chamber Orchestra, as well as Guest Principal Viola for the New Jersey Festival Orchestra.

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Ms. Jiawei’s dedication to teaching is equally notable. She has taught as an adjunct faculty member for nonmajor violin and viola students at New York University and served as an orchestral viola coach for the Mannes School of Music Precollege program. In addition, she was the Chamber Music Director at the Thurnauer School of Music in New Jersey, where she shared her passion for chamber music with young musicians. Her varied teaching experience, coupled with her administrative work at Indiana University, showcases her commitment to nurturing the next generation of musicians.

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At WePlay Music, Ms. Jiawei brings her deep expertise in both performance and teaching to inspire and guide her students. With a career that spans prestigious orchestras and renowned music institutions, she provides a rich, well-rounded education to her viola students, helping them develop both technical skill and a profound appreciation for music.