About
Hi, I'm Stephanie! My friends call me Steph, my students call me Ms. Chen or Ms. Stephanie, and my family calls me meimei ("妹妹", or little sister). I am a cellist and teacher in the Boston area. I was born in Los Angeles but grew up in Taipei, Taiwan. I attended the Taipei American School, came to the states for college up in Rochester, NY, and later came to Boston to pursue my Masters's degree in cello performance. I love Boston, so I decided to stay! My hobbies include cooking up a storm, painting with watercolors, anything arts and crafts, listening to podcasts, and taking care of my herb plants on my patio. I love making myself a glass of iced latte every morning (even during the cold winters) and enjoy trying out different restaurants in the city! Feel free to sign up for a free 15-minute trial lesson- I would love to get to know each other and teach you or your child the cello!
Professional Biography:
Stephanie Chen-a native of Taipei, Taiwan- is a cellist, performer, and educator. She is an active musician in both the Boston area and in Taiwan. Stephanie holds a B.M degree in cello performance from the Eastman School of Music (University of Rochester) and an M.M degree from the New England Conservatory. Stephanie began piano and cello lessons with her mother at an early age, then continued her cello studies with Professor Yi-Ching Cheng. At the age of 15, she made her solo debut with the Taipei Century Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Nian-Fu Liao.
As a avid chamber musician and orchestral performer, Stephanie regularly performs with non-profit organization, Fermata, in which is also serves as Artistic Coordinator. Fermata's vision 'is to produce unconventional concerts that challenge what classical music can be in modern society. By hosting free, or affordable community oriented events, we bring listeners and musicians closer together, creating meaningful experiences that foster new appreciation for classical music.' Stephanie has been principal cellist at the Eastman Symphony Orchestra, Taipei Century Youth Orchestra, Taipei American School Orchestra, and has performed in many renowned concert halls, including Boston’s Symphony Hall, Taipei’s National Concert Hall, Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center, Jordan Hall, and Kodak Hall.
Aside from her performance career, Stephanie is passionate about music education and is an educator in the Boston area. Stephanie serves as the cello specialist at the Boston Latin School, Co-Assistant Director of Chamber Orchestra and Cello Faculty at the Community Music Center of Boston. She currently runs her own private cello studio in Newton, MA. See teaching for more information.
My teaching style varies between each student because everyone has their own way of learning and musical growth. I have been teaching cello since high school, and with many years of teaching experience I find myself patient and communicative with my students. I try to make learning not only instructive but also fun! I listen to what my students would like to play in terms of repertoire and also guide them in what I think would be the most beneficial.
Please don't hesitate to reach out!
My teaching style is uniquely tailored to each student because everyone has a different way of learning and musical growth. I structure my lessons to match my students’ personality, learning style, as well as emphasizing on solid technical foundation. I believe that a fun and educational environment can foster a special relationship between the student and their instrument, thus allowing students to find joy in learning! The most important aspect of a one-on-one lesson is the teacher and student relationship and I believe in encouragement and positivity in my teaching studio.