Expertise • Enthusiasm • Excellence

“Ali is a very talented player. When I first started lessons with her, I was a beginner. The violin sounded squeaky and miserable. I couldn't understand what I was doing wrong. Ali simply modified my hand angle, raised my elbow slightly, and made me stand up straighter. She said 'Try now', and the sound was beautiful - a huge difference! We both couldn't stop laughing. She really does know what she is doing and can teach really well. Not to mention, she is a really nice person. Thanks for everything Ali!"
– Adult Student

Zhiyue Ali You
Violin/Viola, Suzuki Violin/Viola

A native of China, Ali began studying violin at age 4 with her uncle, well-known teacher Dayu Su. She majored in violin performance as a student of Xiaowei Chen at the prestigious Renmin University in Beijing, graduating at the top of her class. She then completed a Masters Degree with Bayla Keyes at Boston University (where she won the Bach Prize) and Suzuki Training at the Hartt School of Music at Hartford University, CT.

After apprenticing with her uncle, Ali went on to teach at elementary and middle schools in Beijing, where several of her students won first prizes in violin competitions. She is group violin teacher for the Chelsea Public Schools, and also teaches private lessons at the Ip Piano School in Boston.

As a performer, Ali has played with the orchestras of the National Ballet of China and the National Grand Theater of Beijing; and in the US with the Cleveland Orchestra at the Blossom International Festival. She is also an active freelance player in the Boston area.

Meet Ali

1. How/what age did you start your instrument?
   I started from 4 years old.
2. Did you come from a musical family?
   My uncle and cousins are all violinists and my aunt is a singer. My uncle, as my first teacher, taught me until 18 years old.
3. Best or funniest (or even worst!) musical memory from childhood?
   I was always the fastest string learner and the slowest piano learner in my uncle’s music school.
4. A highlight or two from your performing career:
   Playing with the Cleveland Orchestra - it was fantastic!
5. What do you love about teaching?
   Seeing kid’s smiling face when they learn something from me!
6. What would you like your students to know about you?
   I’m very patient, and I can always find a better way to practice and learn. My students can learn fast and be very happy at the same time. I hope for my students to love the music instead of just playing the music!
7. Can you share a non-musical fun fact about you?
   I love food but can never cook well (still trying though!).