We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Angela Hu. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Angela below.
Hi Angela, thanks for joining us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was to wholeheartedly support my dream of pursuing music. Neither of them has a background in music, but they have always been my biggest supporters. When they learned about the opportunity for me to study abroad, they made enormous sacrifices to send me to the United States to continue chasing my musical aspirations. They never expected anything in return; they only hoped I could see more of the world and broaden my horizons.
Before coming to the U.S. for my undergraduate studies, I was hesitant and unsure if it was the right decision. At the time, I was already in my third year of college in China, just one year away from graduation. My parents, however, encouraged me to aim higher and pursue bigger dreams. Their unwavering support gave me the courage to leave behind my degree in China and take the entrance exams for U.S. undergraduate programs all over again.
Their belief in me not only shaped my career but also taught me the value of courage, determination, and seeing the world with an open heart.
Angela, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m a classical pianist, and my journey with the piano began at the age of six when my mom insisted I start learning. At first, I disliked it—spending 60 minutes at the piano every day felt like a chore. However, as I grew older, I began to understand and love the art of music. Playing the piano gradually became not just a skill, but a passion.
When I was 18 and started college, I worked part-time as a freelance piano teacher, traveling to students’ homes to give lessons. Back then, it was more about earning some extra pocket money. But after moving to the United States and settling down, I began teaching at a music academy, and my perspective shifted. Teaching became more than just a job—it became a way for me to share my passion for music with others.
I’ve taught students of all ages and with a variety of goals. I tailor my teaching methods to each student, whether they are beginners building foundational skills or advanced students preparing for competitions. Seeing their progress, achievements, and joy brings me immense pride. Beyond being a teacher, I see myself as a mentor. Many of my students share their daily challenges and school stories with me, and I love offering them encouragement and guidance.
Recently, I’ve started an exciting new venture: building an online music academy – Harmony Bridge Academy. This academy will connect students from all over the world with teachers globally, all through the convenience of the internet. My goal is to make top-tier music education accessible to anyone, no matter where they are.
In addition to lessons, our academy also offers guidance for students who want to apply to music conservatories in the United States. When I applied to schools in the U.S., my family invested significant time, effort, and money into the process. It was a complicated and expensive journey, especially coming from China, where resources for such applications were limited. At our academy, we aim to make this process easier and more affordable for families. By providing expert advice and support, we help students achieve their dreams while reducing the financial burden on their parents.
What sets me and this academy apart is our dedication to helping students not just succeed in music, but also grow as individuals. We are committed to making a meaningful impact by offering accessible, high-quality education and guiding students through their journeys. Whether it’s through piano lessons or helping a student secure admission to a top U.S. conservatory, I’m proud to share my passion for music and education with others.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
As a piano teacher and music educator, I believe the foundation of building a strong reputation lies in responsibility, integrity, and authenticity. For me, it’s not about making money for profit—it’s about earning an honest living that aligns with my values and allows me to make a meaningful impact on my students’ lives.
One key factor that has helped me gain trust and recognition is my unwavering commitment to my students’ growth and success. I treat every student as an individual, tailoring my teaching approach to their unique needs, goals, and learning styles. Families and students recognize that my primary focus is on their progress and well-being, which fosters a sense of trust and loyalty.
Responsibility plays a significant role in everything I do. I am dedicated to ensuring that my students not only learn to play the piano but also develop discipline, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for music. I view each lesson as an opportunity to inspire and guide my students, not just in music but in life.
I think what sets me apart is my genuine passion for music education and my dedication to doing the right thing—not just for myself but for my students, their families, and the broader community. This commitment has helped me earn the respect and trust of those I work with and continues to drive my growth in the industry.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
When I started Harmony Bridge Music Academy it was one of the toughest times in my life. I had to keep up with my daily expenses, so I was working three jobs, clocking nearly 12 hours a day. But at the same time, I was pouring every spare moment into building the academy—managing social media, making posts, handling promotions, scheduling lessons, updating the website, and replying to inquiries. Most of this had to be done after work, which meant a lot of late nights.
I remember lying in bed, exhausted, but instead of falling asleep, my mind was racing, thinking about what to post the next day. There were days when I felt completely drained, wondering if I could keep going. But the moment I reminded myself why I was doing this, the tiredness faded. I was turning my dream into reality, building something that could truly empower students and teachers around the world while also pushing myself to grow, overcome challenges, and create a future I truly believed in.
Looking back, all those sleepless nights, long hours, and struggles were worth it. Starting from scratch was tough, but knowing that I’ve built something meaningful makes me realize just how much resilience it took to get here.
Image Credits
Student Concert; faculty concert, Small group master class; Concert.