Back

Nan Ni

Teaching Philosophy

Influenced by my own mentors, my approach to teaching music revolves around guiding students to cultivate a holistic understanding of music, instead of simply dictating instructions. Thus I strive to foster a thought-provoking approach that equips students with the skills to perceive music profoundly and practice effectively.

I believe collaborative exploration between student and teacher during in-depth music studies can spark new discoveries. By incorporating imagery and encouraging connections to the broader world, students not only enhance their performance skills but also imbue music with deeper personal meaning.

Biography

Described by the Boston Musical Intelligencer as “a confident, accurate, powerful, and articulate interpreter,” she has captivated audiences with performances that combine both intellectual depth and genuine musical expression. As the first-prize winner of the 2022 Fou Ts’ong International Concerto Competition in Boston, her performance of Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto with the Mercury Orchestra at Jordan Hall was praised for its “limpid refinement in the adagio” and “exquisitely vanishing pianissimos.”

Nan’s other accolades include first prize at the Los Angeles Young Musician International Piano Competition, third prize at the Conero International Piano Competition, and second prize at the Shenzhen Piano Open Competition. She is also a three-time winner of the Piano Department Honors Competition at the New England Conservatory (NEC). Her achievements have been recognized with prestigious awards such as the St.Botolph Club Foundation 2025 Emerging Artist Award, the Tan Family Grant Scholarship, the Shanghai Government Scholarship, the Niu Ende Piano Music Scholarship, and the Audience Award at the winners’ concert.

As a soloist and avid chamber musician, Nan has performed widely in Asia, America, and Europe, and has participated in renowned music festivals such as Music@Menlo, Ravinia Steans Institute, the Summer Academy Mozarteum in Salzburg, and the Music Academy of the West.

Nan’s musical journey began at the Music Middle School affiliated with the Shanghai Conservatory, where she studied for nine years under Natalia Filippova. She went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree in 2021 and her Master’s degree in 2023 from NEC. Currently, she is pursuing the highly competitive Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) degree in Piano Performance at NEC under the guidance of Bruce Brubaker and Alessio Bax.

In addition to her achievements as a pianist, Nan is an accomplished organist, studying with Thomas Handel at NEC. She has performed as a solo organist at the Church of the Covenant in Boston and collaborated with the NEC Concert Choir and Chamber Singers. 

She holds extensive teaching experiences ranging from beginners to highly advanced students who are preparing for competitions and auditions. During 2020-2022, she participated in Boston Hope Music Project, which offers one-on-one zoom piano lessons to medical workers at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Degrees

Doctor of Musical Arts, New England Conservatory of Music (in progress)

Master of Music, New England Conservatory of Music, 2023

Bachelor of Music, New England Conservatory of Music, 2021