Yu-Cheng Dai
About
Holding a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in Bassoon Performance, I am a dynamic and energetic Bassoon & Piano teaching artist, appearing as a soloist, chamber musician, orchestra musician, and educator. I am classically trained and started my music journey with the piano and flute at the age of 5. I started playing bassoon when I was 11 years old. Between grades 3 and 12, I studied in a music-gifted program. I have attended the following schools earning the following degrees:
• Rutgers University, Mason Gross School of the Arts, New Jersey (Doctor of Musical Arts)
• Mannes School of Music, The New School, New York (Master of Music)
• University of Taipei, Taiwan (Bachelor of Music)
As a music teacher, I believe that all students, regardless of socioeconomic background, physical or intellectual capacity, should be given the chance to discover and develop their intrinsic musical potential, as well as to enhance these natural abilities via formal music education. The purpose of music education, in my opinion, is to enable students to build their own distinctive musical identity via academic study and performing opportunities, and to form an appreciation of other people's music. I feel that musicianship and instrument technique both are equally important. I believe in a comprehensive approach to music, as well as music appreciation and listening. My primary purpose in teaching is to assist the student in learning, exploring, and growing in love with music and the instrument. To encourage musicianship, I believe in playing together with the student in classes. In addition to taking into account students' technical abilities and assisting them in understanding how to interpret the standards and aesthetics of each piece for play, in my music classes, I aim to assist learners acquire an aesthetic and academic knowledge of music as well as practical music skills. As a result, my curriculum focuses on a goal based sequenced learning targets in all aspects of music performance, music literacy and fine arts integration. Overall, my teaching objective is to assist students enhance their lives via music by providing them with enjoyment and great playing experiences that are a priceless gift.
I have 6+ years of teaching experience in elementary and junior high school music instruction. I am an excellent communicator and time manager. I am a highly motivated educator of music and performance arts adept in creating exciting and entertaining learning environments. I have played in the below orchestras:
- CN Philharmonic, New Jersey, USA
- Rutgers Symphony Orchestra, New Jersey, USA
- The Mannes Orchestra, New York, USA
- Taipei Century Symphony Orchestra, Taipei, Taiwan
I have received various accolades. Some of them are the following:
- Rutgers University, Music Scholarship (2015)
- Mannes College the New School for Music, Music Scholarship (2013)
- Second prize in Concerto Competition at Taipei Wind Orchestra & Symphonic Band (2009)
- Award of Excellence in Bassoon, College Group A, Taiwan Music Contest (2007)
• Doctor of Musical Arts in Bassoon Performance (Rutgers University, Mason Gross School of the Arts, New Jersey, 2015-2022)
• Master of Music in Bassoon (Mannes School of Music, The New School, New York, 2013-2015)
• Bachelor of Music in Bassoon (University of Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan, 2005-2009)
In general, I will select resources based on the student's level and age. I usually recommend the following:
For piano beginners: Royal Conservatory of Music and any other method books presently being studied (i.e. in a school ensemble, etc)
For bassoon: Frank Morelli's The first complete Weissenborn method, Milde Scale studies
Students will also focus on solo repertoire, chamber pieces, and extracts that have been offered.