BIO

Dr. Chia-Shan Hsu is a highly accomplished musician with a passion for both violin and piano. She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) degree from Louisiana State University, where she studied under the esteemed guidance of Professor Espen Lilleslåtten for violin and Professor Ana Maria Otamendi for piano, earning her degree in May 2020. Prior to that, she completed her Master of Music Degree at the renowned Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University, studying with Professor Herbert Greenberg, and obtained her Bachelor Degree from Taipei National University of the Arts.

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During her time at LSU, Dr. Hsu demonstrated her exceptional musical talents as the concertmaster of the LSU Symphony Orchestra, the LSU Philharmonic, and the LSU Opera Orchestra. In addition to her outstanding academic achievements, she also dedicated herself to teaching, serving as a violin instructor at the Kid's Orchestra organization in Baton Rouge. Furthermore, as part of her graduate assistantship duties, she provided valuable assistance to her professor in teaching undergraduate violin students. In studio classes, Dr. Hsu frequently showcased her piano skills by accompanying her fellow students, offering them additional opportunities to perform with a pianist before their actual concerts.

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As a violin and piano instructor, Dr. Hsu's teaching approach is both passionate and energetic. She believes in analyzing challenging passages and techniques by assigning specific etudes and exercises to her students. Recognizing that every student is unique, she tailors her teaching method to suit individual needs and situations, providing a nurturing and supportive environment for their musical growth. Dr. Hsu has successfully guided her students through competitions and concerts, and she takes pride in conducting mock auditions and performances to prepare them thoroughly for these important events.

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Beyond her dedication to teaching, Dr. Hsu thrives on collaborative music-making and cherishes the experience of sharing the stage with fellow musicians. Her orchestral journey led her to participate in renowned music festivals such as the Aspen Music Festival, the Summit Music Festival, and the Orford Music Festival. Notably, she joined the Civic Orchestra of Chicago in 2020, affording her the privilege of working with members of the esteemed Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Dr. Hsu's profound passion for chamber music and ensembles is evident through her involvement in various groups during her academic years. She is currently a violinist of Hibiscus Trio. They have received the full scholarship to participate in the St. Lawrence String Quartet Seminar of Stanford University in 2023. In the future, they are planning to have their annual recital and bring the passion of chamber music to their students! Notably, one of her chamber music ensembles secured 2nd prize at the prestigious Nola Chamber Fest in 2020.

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With an impressive array of musical accomplishments and a genuine dedication to nurturing the musical talents of her students, Dr. Hsu continues to make a significant impact on the world of music education and performance.”