Jessie Gong-Senior Instructor

● M. A. in Piano Performance; National Kaohsiung Normal University

● P. D. in Piano Performance; Indiana University Bloomington- Jacobs School of Music.

● D. M. A. in Piano Performance and Pedagogy; Pennsylvania State University

In 2024, Jessie obtains a Doctorate in Piano Performance from Penn State University. In 2018, she graduated from the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University with a diploma in Piano Performance. In 2016, she received a master’sdegree in Piano Performance from the National Kaohsiung Normal University. 

During Jessie’s studies in the United States, she was awarded several honors, including the Graduate Student Fellowships from Penn State University 2 times in a row, the Artistic Excellence Fellowship, the Graduate Tuition Award, Supplemental Fellowships from the Jacobs School of Music, and the 2018 ILLO Fellowship. She worked as a piano teacher, an accompanist for school orchestras and local community choirs, and a church pianist/organist while studying in the United States. 

Jessie also has online teaching experience in ABRSM music theory exams. 

Teaching:

Jessie owns a C-PAD (Center for Pedagogy in Arts and Design) Graduate Certificate in Teaching. 

I believe that a student-oriented teaching approach is very important. For example, asking students to provide pieces of music they want to play, having students make a journal about the difficulties they encounter during their home practice sessions (which can be resolved in class),  and providing suitable learning approaches based on each student's unique learning styles. It is not effective to use the same teaching method for all children. 

Teaching involves actively listening to and valuing the perspectives of students. I hope to foster a studio culture where open sharing of ideas is encouraged. I am dedicated to creating a learning atmosphere that is both inclusive and supportive, ensuring that both students’ and my contributions are acknowledged and appreciated.