Greenwich resident Felicia Feng Zhang has received the prodigious 2020 Teacher Distinction Award from The Royal Conservatory of Music. Ms. Zhang is the only one to receive this distinguished award in the northeastern region of the US.
Each year, many public school students begin to learn to play an instrument through their school's music program, if a music program even exists. Unfortunately, more than 50% of students quit shortly after, missing out on all that music education has to offer for the rest of their K-12 schooling, if not beyond, according to Music Parents Guide.
Felicia Feng has students as young as three years old learning to play the piano. It is all about how one is taught and the learning process. Felicia’s own unique, quick, sight-reading method makes students feel that they are capable of playing the piano well, which helps to build confidence and motivation from the very first lesson.
Ms. Zhang has been quite successful and accomplished in her own right as a pianist and teacher. Born in Qingdao, Shandong, and raised in a professional music educator’s family, her mother, Professor Wenju Sui, and her brother, Professor Jin Zhang, are both well-known piano educators in China. Felicia’s daughter, Clara, as well, has been successful, playing piano at Carnegie Hall and Madison Square Garden at the age of six. Felicia's young son, Alexander, has played at Carnegie Hall and other venues, as well.
In addition to being a piano instructor, Felicia is also the founder of the All Talent Academy, focused on teaching her students and providing a holistic education that goes far beyond what traditional music schools offer. Ms. Zhang believes in training the whole mind while developing multi-intelligent skills, building confidence, and fostering good habits.
“Education is not just for learning and knowledge, but for learning and thinking. Coming to learn piano is not just to know the notes and rhythms, but develop good habits of thinking and behavior through music notation, and further feel the beauty of music and its effect on the beauty and power of our lives,” says Ms. Zhang. Felicia's students learn to build important skills used in everyday life: creativity, attention to detail, observation, persistence, good manners, time management, listening skills, problem solving, and the ability to focus. By identifying and developing children's natural talents, and using the piano as a tool for life skill development, the academy helps individuals learn to remain poised and confident in all of life's situations, even from the very early stage in a child’s development.
One of Ms. Zhang's students, Xie, said of her experience with her, “The relationship started off innocently: a five-year-old fascinated by this giant instrument. But harsh criticism and terror at the hands of my first teacher meant that fascination was replaced by fear. I had dreamed about playing the piano, but then I never wanted to touch it again. But then, at fourteen, my mom convinced me to try again, though my bad memories still felt fresh. I am glad I finally agreed because my new teacher, Ms. Zhang, changed my life. “
As Ms. Zhang has passed on these many talents and disciplines to her own family, she is now helping students of all ages discover and have confidence in their own abilities, and helping shape their futures.
MORE About Felicia Feng Zhang
Felicia Feng Zhang studied at Beijing Normal University, receiving a bachelor’s degree with honors in Fine Arts in Music Education with a major in Piano Pedagogy. She was the first graduate student in China to receive a master’s degree in Music Education specializing in Piano Pedagogy and Performance. After graduating, Felicia became a full-time piano faculty member in Beijing Normal University, teaching applied piano to undergraduate students.
She received her second master’s degree with high honors in Piano Pedagogy and Performance, under Dr. Averill Summer. In 1999, Felicia Feng was awarded “Student Achievement Recognition Award” as a graduate student and teaching assistant from Music Teachers National Association for her excellence in academic achievement, successful teaching experiences, and leadership achievement.
Felicia has received special acknowledgement for her master classes, individual teaching, and outstanding work in developing the innovative, holistic curriculum “Piano Learning Mindset,” which she uses in All Talent Academy for students at all learning stages, teaching music through a natural, well-balanced, and positive method. She is currently President of Connecticut State Music Teachers Association.
Learn more about Felicia Feng Zhang:
Facebook: https://www.alltalentacademy.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feliciazhang.piano_educator/
Twitter: Felicia Zhang (@Felicia66194699) / Twitter