All About Me

Chinese cellist Regena Zhang is a passionate musician and dedicated cello instructor based in Richmond, BC. Born into a musical family, Regena's journey with the cello began at an early age when her aunt, an amateur cellist in China, introduced her to the instrument. Recognizing her potential, Regena's family brought her to Yingrong Lin, the esteemed cello professor at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, to further nurture her budding talent.

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Regena holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance from the Zhejiang Conservatory of Music and a Master’s degree in Music Performance from the John J. Cali School of Music. During her master's studies, she had the privilege of working with Nicholas Tzavaras and the world-renowned Shanghai String Quartet. Regena has enriched her musical education through participation in master classes with esteemed artists such as David Geber, Martti Roussie, Ulf Prelle, Jian Wang, and Silvio Righini.

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As a soloist and chamber cellist, Regena has graced the stages of Leshowitz Hall in Montclair, NJ, City Music Hall in Hangzhou, China, Dollimiti Music Foundation in Italy, and more. Her chamber music performances have included collaborations with members of the Rutgers University School of Music string faculty and fellow cellists from the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra during her time in NJ and NYC. Beyond classical performances, Regena has showcased her versatility by collaborating with dance companies, The Metropolitan Opera, theater organizations, jazz bands, and singer-songwriters.

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My Teaching Experience

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I bring over 11 years of experience to my role as a cello instructor, having worked with more than 100 students across different age ranges and backgrounds. Through careful observation, I've come to understand that the key to successful cello learning lies in the establishment of robust foundations and the cultivation of healthy and scientific practice habits.

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In my teaching philosophy, I emphasize that playing music goes beyond hitting the correct notes. It's a holistic experience that incorporates various musical elements—melody, harmony, rhythm, and dynamics—to convey emotions, tell stories, and create an enjoyable listening experience. Therefore, my lessons are more than just about playing the notes; they focus on cultivating musicality. The crucial premise for this cultivation is a strong foundation, both technically and musically.

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I guide my students on their journey by implementing the right cello playing methods. This includes introducing them to scientifically grounded fundamental cello techniques, teaching music theory rudiments, and providing efficient practice methods. My goal is to give my students the confidence and joy they deserve while playing the cello.

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