Ashley Liu
Teaching Philosophy
Music should bring joy — not only to the listener, but to the performer as well. Ashley believes that music goes beyond words, creating moments of shared emotion and reflection. Her teaching focuses on helping students build a personal and meaningful connection with music, regardless of their background, pace, or goals. Patience is central to her approach, and she encourages persistence, curiosity, and emotional openness in every lesson.
Rather than focusing solely on technical accuracy, Ashley emphasizes musical expression and personal growth. As Ludwig van Beethoven said, “To play a wrong note is insignificant; to play without passion is inexcusable.” Mistakes are a natural part of learning and never a sign of failure. Genuine engagement with the music is what allows a pianist to thrive.
Ashley aims to create a supportive and inspiring environment where students feel confident exploring and expressing themselves. Whether for personal enjoyment or performance, she hopes students carry their love of music far beyond the lesson.
Biography
Praised for her expressive depth and refined artistry, Taiwanese pianist Ashley Liu is a passionate performer and educator with extensive experience in solo, chamber, and collaborative performances across North America and Asia.
Ashley earned her Master of Music in Piano Performance from the Boston University College of Fine Arts, where she studied with Andrius Žlabys. During her graduate studies, she served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, working closely with non-piano majors in private instruction. She holds a Bachelor of Music from Taipei National University of the Arts (TNUA), where she studied under Evan Wong.
Her diverse performance background reflects both versatility and a strong commitment to musical storytelling. Ashley has appeared in numerous solo recitals, chamber concerts, concerto performances, and collaborative projects with vocalists and instrumentalists. She was invited to perform at the Toronto Multicultural Festival organized by the Asian Canadian Cultural Centre, and has participated in events such as the TNUA New Music Workshop Concerts, the Ashley Liu Concerto Concert, and multiple mandolin and studio concerts as a collaborative pianist. She has also accompanied ensembles including the TNUA Female Choir.
Ashley’s artistic interests extend to cross-cultural and interdisciplinary projects. Notable performances include the Okinawa Classic Music: Uta-Sanshin Concert, Steel Pan Concert, and the Nanguan Opera “Ju-Bien” project featuring traditional Chinese instruments.
Her musical development has been shaped by mentorship from distinguished musicians including Edwin Barker, Grace Chung, Linda Jiorle-Nagy, Nicholas Stovall, Ning An, Peter Zazofsky, Robert Sheena, Stephany Cheng, Thomas Van Dyck, Tzu-Yu Kuo, and Victor Cayres. Whether performing or collaborating, Ashley seeks to create meaningful musical experiences that foster reflection, connection, and shared emotion.
Degrees
Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance, Taipei National University of the Arts (2023) with Evan Wong
Master of Music in Piano Performance, Boston University (2025) with Andrius žlabys
