Dr. Tong Mu performs as a chamber musician, harpsichordist, and concert pianist. She won the Northern Illinois University concerto competition at 2009 and performed the Piano Concerto No. 1 in e minor, op. 11 by Frederic Chopin with the university philharmonic orchestra. A 2016 winner of the International Music Competition Vienna Grand Prize Virtuoso, Dr. Mu current residents in Frisco TX, she works as an experienced private piano instructor. She is an active member of the Music Teachers National Association.

Dr. Mu began studying piano at the age of four in her home town of Harbin, China. She received a Bachelor’s degree in piano performance from Shenyang Conservatory of Music. She later attained a Master of Music degree and Performance Certificate from Northern Illinois University, in DeKalb, Illinois, after studying under the mentorship of Dr. William Goldenberg. She earned her DMA (Doctor of Musical Arts) degree from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, under instruction of Dr. Timothy Ehlen. Tong also holds an Artist Diploma in harpsichord after studying with Dr. Charlotte Mattax Moersch.

 Teaching Philosophy:

“Teaching is observing changes.” This is my favorite quote from my professor and renowned music educator Dr. Reid Alexander. I began teaching during college in my spare time. There, I immediately realized that teaching is more than just disseminating knowledge; it is also instilling in students how to think like musicians. I believe every person has musical talent. The teacher’s role is inspiring students to discover their innate talent and to make musical decisions on their own rather than simply imitating what other people do.

Musical learning is not an easy process. Hard work is required from both the student and the teacher. I continually explore new repertoires for early piano education by introducing new musical styles to the student.