About Melody Li
Melody started learning piano at age of 4. Beginning at elementary school, she started participating in competitions and soon became very competitive in the northeast region of China. Later, she went on to study with professor Kene Cao from Shandong University of Arts. She has won 1st Places in many competitions, including TOYAMA Asian Youth Competition and the Sylvia m. Ghiglieri International Competition. As the First Place winner, she was then invited to the U.S. for the final round and won 5th place internationally. After the competition, she decided to stay in the U.S., and graduated from UC Berkeley.
Melody started her teaching career as a music teacher for children with special needs. Her interaction with children of special need not only trained her as a patient and sensitive teacher but allowed her to realize her passion and love for music teaching. She also successfully completed research on the effect of music on the mental development of young kids.
Melody has been teaching at MAM for 8 years and her students have won numerous awards, including 5 First Places and 2 Grand Prizes in national and international competitions. Her students have also been invited to perform at Carnegie Hall.
