As a passionate educator, Hongyi has made significant contributions to violin pedagogy. He has previously taught at the University of Michigan School of Music and has been a guest artist and masterclass instructor at the Interlochen Arts Academy Summer Festival, Beijing Capital Normal University, and the National Conservatory of Music in the Dominican Republic. He currently serves as a lecturer for Lin Yaoji’s Teaching Method Promotion Platform (林耀基教学法推广平台). His students have earned top prizes in national-level competitions in the US, gained acceptance into prestigious programs and schools like the Manhattan School of Music’s Orchestral Program, the University of Michigan School of Music, and secured positions in internationally renowned ensembles, including the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.
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Beginning Level
Target: Build foundational technique, posture, ear training, and musical interest.
Teaching Content:
Posture & Setup: Proper violin and bow hold, natural and comfortable left hand posture, balanced body alignment.
Basic Technique: simple bow strokes, détaché, legato.
Rhythm & Note Reading: Introduction to quarter, half, eighth notes; reading in treble clef.
Ear Training: Simple singing, echo exercises, tonal memory.
Repertoire: Folk songs, Suzuki Book 1-3, or equivalent
Goals: Play with accurate pitch, steady rhythm, and musical expression in simple pieces.
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Intermediate Level
Target: Strengthen intonation, introduce shifting and vibrato, develop bow control and musical phrasing.
Teaching Content:
Left Hand Technique: Introduction to 3rd and 5th position, basic shifting, beginning vibrato.
Right Hand Technique: Martelé, spiccato, dynamics, bow division awareness.
Scales & Etudes: 1–3 octave scales, arpeggios, basic études (e.g., Wohlfahrt, Kayser).
Musical Expression: Phrasing, contrast, tone colors.
Repertoire: Suzuki Books 3–5, Seitz concerti, Vivaldi A minor/G minor concertos.
Goals: Play in tune across positions, control dynamics, understand basic musical structure.
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Advanced Level
Target: Develop technical fluency, interpretive depth, and audition/competition readiness.
Teaching Content:
Advanced Techniques: All positions, advanced vibrato, double stops, chromatic and modal scales, chords.
Bow Articulation: Sautillé, collé, ricochet, controlled spiccato, bow strokes for stylistic variety.
Etudes: Kreutzer, Rode, Dont, and Paganini Caprices (selected).
Repertoire: Core concerti (Mendelssohn, Bruch, Mozart), unaccompanied Bach, sonatas (Handel, Beethoven).
Musical Skills: Score reading, stylistic awareness (Baroque to 20th century), chamber music.
Goals: Master concert-level repertoire, interpret a range of styles with individuality and precision, and prepare for pre-professional auditions, including those for the nation’s top music conservatories and academies
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Target: Refine artistry and stage presence, prepare for performance careers, auditions, and teaching roles.
Teaching Content:
Technique Refinement: Tone production at all dynamics, micro-control of vibrato, bow pressure, finger preparation.
Orchestral Excerpts: Standard audition repertoire (Beethoven, Brahms, Debussy, Mozart, Mendelssohn, Strauss, Mahler, Shostakovich).
Solo & Recital Works: Major concertos (Tchaikovsky, Sibelius, Brahms), sonatas (Franck, Prokofiev), modern repertoire.
Pedagogy: Teaching observations, lesson planning, methods (Suzuki, Galamian, Lin Yaoji, etc.).
Performance Practice: Stage presence, mock auditions, recording sessions, masterclass etiquette.
Professional Skills: Career planning, networking, artistic statement writing, grant/fellowship prep.
Goals: Audition-ready, expressive and communicative performer, independent musical thinker.