.png)
Our Teachers
Alec Li - Violin Teacher
Alec is a local to East Auckland, has a strong passion for both teaching and performing the Violin. He has completed his Bachelors of Music with First Class Honours in Violin Performance at The University of Auckland where he studied under Andrew Beer and Elizabeth Holowell. He was the recipient of scholarships such as Stanley Forbes Music Trust award, IRMTNZ Schubert and Lysaght awards and University of Auckland First in Course awards.
As an active performer, he regularly performs in chamber ensembles and also in orchestras. He has also performed internationally in music festivals and concerts such as the Eurochesteries International Music festival, Akaroa International Music festival,
China International Youth Arts festival and the Tianjin Art Season and recently a twelve city concert tour with University of Christchurch faculty members where he was the soloist of the New Baroque Generation ensemble. He is currently a member of the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra where he has been playing since 2020. He has played under the baton of notable conductors such as Giordano Bellincampi, Shi-Yeon Sung, James Feddeck and Gilbert Varga.
Alec has had the privilege of being invited to play in masterclasses from international artists such as, Charles Castleman, Clara Jumi Kang, Clio Gould, Johnathan Morton, Ioana Cristina Goicea, Hellen Weiss, Brodsky Quartet and has worked closely with esteemed University professors based in Europe such as Robin Willson, Sebastian Harman, Muriel Cantoreggi, Katrin Scholz. Beyond his performances, Alec finds great joy in teaching the violin to students of all ages and levels. He has served as a tutor in programs like the NZ International Young Artist festival and the APO Orchestral Summer School programmes sharing his expertise and nurturing young talents.
David - Piano Teacher
David has been working with WE Classical Music since 2020 both as a private piano tutor and accompanist. Graduated with a Bachelor of Music/Commerce degree from the University of Auckland, David has won various awards and was awarded the Swedlund Music Bursary Scholarship Award from the University of Auckland in 2021. David was also awarded 1st place in the IRMTNZ Scholarship Competitions in the DD O’Connor Instrumental and Piano Scholarship in 2021 and 2nd prize in the IRMTNZ Scholarship Competitions - Margaret Doone Sonata Competition in 2023. He has also received top three awards from other competitions such as the NSPAS.
David has a wide range of musical experiences and also received the Haydn Staples & Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra Piano Scholarship in 2024. David is also a passionate chamber pianist and collaborative pianist. His piano-percussion quartet was awarded first prize at the 2023 University of Auckland Chamber Competition.
Kate - Piano Teacher
Introducing Kate, a dedicated piano instructor with a rich musical journey. Starting piano at age 7, she pursued her passion through high school at Guangdong Arts Normal School, earning accolades in various music subjects. Graduating in 2008 from Xinghai Conservatory of Music with a major in piano education, Kate had the honor of performing alongside renowned pianist Lang Lang during her academic years.
Kate's teaching style blends flexibility with structure, emphasizing both enjoyable learning and a solid foundation in piano performance. With over a decade of teaching experience, she excels in understanding children's psychology, guiding them through the challenges of learning the piano. Her patient and meticulous approach, coupled with a deep knowledge of pedagogy, has consistently led her students to excel in ABRSM examinations. Join Kate for a journey where music
education meets enthusiasm and expertise.
James Wang - Piano Teacher
James Wang, classical piano teacher, graduated from Nanjing University of Art. Won the university scholarship for three consecutive years, from elementary (introductory) to advanced piano performance courses, teaching music knowledge from textbooks, teaching courses in demonstration performance, courses, teaching music knowledge from textbooks, teaching courses in demonstration performance, emotional processing, body language, music theory, etc. I am serious and responsible in work, patient in teaching, good professional level, enthusiastic and cheerful, with good psychological quality and strong coordination ability. I am currently pursuing a master's degree to further deepen his expertise and teaching practice.
Patti Li - Piano Teacher
Piano teacher, Patti earned her Diploma with Distinction from TRINITY College London in 2020 and has received scholarships from the Auckland Music Teachers' Association. Having completed her studies in piano at the University of Auckland, she has been recognized with scholarships and awards, including the Tauranga Opera Council Piano Award and the Richard Carey Piano Prize in 2021.
In her teaching practice, Patti Li demonstrates high standards of performance and possesses a unique approach to teaching methodology, reflected in the exceptional achievements of her students who consistently earn Distinction in ABRSM and TRINITY.
Christine Zhang
Piano Teacher
Christine is a classical piano teacher who graduated with a degree in Classical Piano Performance from the University of Auckland. Since she began teaching in 2021, she has taught students across a wide range of ages, from young beginners to adult learners, with lessons covering both piano performance, music theory and grade exams.
Her teaching style focuses on attentive listening and guided questioning, encouraging students to think independently and express their own musical ideas. Each student has different levels and goals, and Christine structures lessons to help them make steady progress in both technical skills and musical understanding.
The aim is for students not only to improve their playing but also to develop confidence, a sense of achievement, and to discover their own unique musical voice
Sarah Wang - Piano Teacher
Sarah has been playing piano since the age of 6 years old. She achieved her ABRSM Royal School of Music piano diploma in 2023 with Distinction and is currently pursuing further diplomas under the Trinity College of London while studying law and commerce at the University of Auckland. She has won various awards at competitions, such as first place in the IRMTNZ Schubert Scholarship and the IRMTNZ Piano Traders Scholarship, second place in the SAPACS Modern and Contemporary awards, and other such high-ranking placements. With experience playing and competing with various chamber music orchestras, eight-hands piano groups and modern rock bands, Sarah’s piano experience is not just purely classical.
As a fellow student herself, Sarah brings a more relatable teaching experience to kids and teens, using her own experiences in pursuing musical studies to better assist and connect with her students. She wishes to improve their techniques and piano abilities, while also fostering a genuine sense of enjoyment for their playing and excitement to continue to learn.
Dave Xiao – Violin Teacher
My name is Dave Xiao, and I have dedicated my life to both playing and teaching the violin.
With over 17 years of experience as a violinist, I bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to every lesson. My journey with the violin began at the age of four, and since then, I've had the privilege of performing in various orchestras, chamber ensembles, and solo recitals. These experiences have not only honed my technical skills but also deepened my understanding of music interpretation and expression. In addition to my professional experience, I am currently undertaking a Master’s degree to further enrich my musical expertise.
As a teacher, my approach is holistic, and student cantered. I believe in nurturing each student's unique musical voice while providing a solid foundation in technique, music theory, and ear training.
My teaching philosophy is rooted in fostering a supportive and encouraging environment where students feel empowered to explore and grow as musicians. I strive to inspire a lifelong love for music and the violin, instilling discipline, dedication, and a sense of artistic fulfilment along the way.
I'm excited to embark on this musical journey with you, guiding you through the intricacies of violin playing and helping you reach your full potential.
Louis Gasté is a classical violin Teacher studying a conjoint Bachelor of Music and Law. With over 15 years of violin playing, beginning with the Suzuki Method, and later pursuing formal qualifications, he has achieved ABRSM Grade 8 with Distinction through in-person examination. Alongside classical training, he has enjoyed exploring other styles of music, performing in school musical bands that won Best Live Music awards, and taking part in a wide range of solo, orchestral, and chamber performances.
In teaching, lessons are built on the foundation of the Suzuki Method, meaning students are encouraged to develop strong listening skills, confidence and musical expression from the beginning, while simultaneously building the technique and discipline needed for examinations. He aims to emphasise enjoyment, steady progress, and a supportive environment so students achieve their goals and develop a lifelong love for music
Louis Gaste– Violin Teacher
TianZuoQuan - Bamboo Flute Teacher
The deputy head and artistic director of the New Zealand Baihua Art Troupe, who has won the first prize in the Shanghai Traditional Music Solo Competition and also received an excellence award in the National Musical Instrument Competition organized by the Ministry of Culture. The works performed include: "Suona Solo: A Flower and a Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix", "Flute Solo: Hora Dance“ and more.
Leon Radojkovic
Guitar Teacher
Leon Radojkovic, is an award-winning composer and multi-instrumentalist. He has played guitar for 25 years and performed nationally and internationally. He has worked in stage and screen for over 15 years. Leon is the creator and composer behind Live Live Cinema and its stable of four productions, Carnival of Souls, Dementia 13 , Little Shop of Horrors and Night of the Living Dead. Some of Leon's other theatrical highlights include Peter and the Wolf, My Heart Goes Thadak Thadak, Scenes from the Climate Era, Amadeus, Taniwha and most recently Auckland Theatre Company's production Mary: The Birth of Frankenstein. Leon has also composed for Shortland Street, Filthy Rich, and Piki Productions feature Baby Done
Tanya Li - Erhu Teacher
Tanya started learning Er hu at the age of 10. By the age of 14 she was invited to do solo performances in various concerts.
In her music career she performed throughout the provinces and cities of China. In 2004 Tanya immigrated to New Zealand with her husband William Yu.
​
Music Experience:
-
Over 30 years of musical experience in Chinese Orchestra as full time musician.
-
2005 - performed at the banquet of Long Yong Tu the Chinese Commerce Minister visiting New Zealand.
- performed at International Jazz music festival in Wellington.
-
2006 - worked with Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra playing the music composed by German young composer and won the composition contest.
- ​recorded music and performance for Kiwi's short movie' Lan Hua Hua'.
-
2008 - performed for Hong Kong government in Wellington.
-
2009 till present - actively involved in Auckland Chinese musician association for their annual concert.
-
2009 till present - being featured as guest musician for the Asia Aware Programme for Auckland Girl's Grammar School annually.
All Tracks performed by New Fusion Orchestra
Recorded, mixed and mastered by Mikey Rockwell at the Kitchen Studio Auckland.
Patti Li - Guzheng Teacher
Patti Li is a guzheng teacher with a remarkable background in music education. She began her musical journey at the age of 7, studying the guzheng at a music academy in Taiwan, where she won numerous national music competitions. She has also collaborated with various orchestras, performing top-tier guzheng concertos.
In addition to her achievements in performance, Patti has received training from renowned guzheng masters in Fujian and Beijing, expanding her expertise. Her dedication to music education and passion for Chinese music contribute to her effectiveness as an instructor.
William Yu - Yangqin Teacher
William started to learn Yang Qin at 9 years old. He won the first place in the National Music Competition of youth group of nationwide of China when he was 15.
William was admitted to the Liao Ning Province Song and Dance troupe at the age of 16. After four years he transferred back to his hometown Ying Kou Song and Dance Troupe as a full time musician.
In 2004 William immigrated to New Zealand with his wife and son, in the same year he set up his music shop on Great South Road Epsom Auckland.
Music Experience:
-
Over 30 years of musical experience in Chinese Orchestra as full time musician.
-
2005 - performed at the banquet of Long Yong Tu the Chinese Commerce Minister visiting New Zealand.
- performed at International Jazz music festival in Wellington.
-
2006 - worked with Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra playing the music composed by German young composer and won the composition contest.
- ​recorded music and performance for Kiwi's short movie' Lan Hua Hua'.
-
2008 - performed for Hong Kong government in Wellington.
-
2009 till present - actively involved in Auckland Chinese musician association for their annual concert.
-
2009 till present - being featured as guest musician for the Asia Aware Programme for Auckland Girl's Grammar School annually.
​
