Teacher - Bernini Chan
Bernini Chan
Violinist | Teaching Artist | Arts Administrator
Nurturing music by uniting talents, building harmony & elevating performances
EDUCATION
- Doctor of Musical Arts – University of Houston (USA)
- Performance Certificate – DePaul University (USA)
- Master of Music (Distinction) – DePaul University (USA)
- Bachelor of Music (Honours) – The HK Academy for Performing Arts
ABOUT
"Her dedication to her current students and growing competence as a fine young teacher are to be commended. She is sought after by many families due to her skilled and patient approach to educating the whole child. As an Asian woman who speaks three languages fluently, she has been able to relate to a wide diversity of students in our program."
— Dr. Susanne Baker, Director, DePaul Community Music Division
"Bernini has been a fantastic teacher for my daughter and really helped her move through roadblocks on several pieces. She has been a very positive presence in my daughter's violin learning journey. If I had to summarize it in one statement, Bernini has great energy. Her overall mindset is positive, accepting, and encouraging for the child. And it is not fake or superficial but genuine. Her presence is centered and authentic."
— Mr. Talmers, Parent of Student
Born in New Zealand, raised in Hong Kong, and educated in America, Bernini brings an international perspective to her burgeoning career as a violinist and educator.
An uncommonly versatile violinist, Bernini performs with a wide array of ensembles, including symphony orchestras, baroque and contemporary music ensembles, and operatic productions. Her diversity allows her to collaborate with leading artists in contemporary classical music, including:
Itzhak Perlman, Ana Maria Martinez, Eric Whitacre, Richard O’Neill, Hans Graf, Mei-Ann Chen, Gerard Schwarz, Elim Chan, and the late Krzysztof Penderecki.
Since returning to New Zealand in 2024, Bernini has performed with the Auckland Philharmonia, Auckland Chamber Orchestra, and Bach Musica NZ.
Passionate about teaching and mentoring the next generation, Bernini has worked with young musicians for 15+ years across Houston, Chicago, Hong Kong, and Shenzhen. Trained in both traditional and Suzuki pedagogy (registered in Suzuki Books 1 to 6), she is experienced in teaching beginners through advanced-level students of all ages.
A strong advocate for the importance of music and the arts, Bernini is dedicated to helping each student develop their musical voice, while also fostering discipline, critical thinking, resilience, learning agility, and collaboration skills.
Appointed by the Houston Symphony Orchestra as a Community-Embedded Musician Fellow in 2023, Bernini has also been actively involved in sharing musical knowledge with diverse communities, including elderly homes, children’s hospitals, and homeless shelters.
In her free time, Bernini enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring nature, visiting museums, trying new restaurants, watching movies, or reading a good book under the sun.