Emily Chen, studied piano and music from Mr.Soh for 13 years since she was 5 and now going to Harvard University Fall of 2011.
Dear Ken, Thank you so much for teaching me piano for 13 years! I still remember learning staccatos for the first time and our first recital and now my recording of my own CD and arranging my song! ...Thank you so much for sharing with me not only the skills but how to enjoy playing, interpreting the stories behind each piece, and show musicianship. For that, you have been much more than just a great piano teacher. Thanks again and I will definitely keep you updated on college. Emily Chen
Dear Ken,
Thank you for teaching me what music is really about. You not only
helped me pick out pieces, learn, practice, and play them, but you
definitely also taught me the ideas and musical meaning behind them. You
also helped me lay down a firm foundation so I could later on express
myself without worrying about the stability of the piece. New Bright
Future really helped me improve by setting higher goals for me and
helping me achieve my full potential. Thank you again for all of the
work that you have put in!
Cassie Huang
(1st Prize winner of MTNA Senior Competition)
Dear Mr.Soh,
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your family! I hope your holiday is a good one and you enjoy it!
As I was thinking about who I would write cards to this Christmas, I thought that you, out of almost everyone I thought of, deserved it most. This card is mostly going to be a thank you note-just so you know.
I remember when I first came to you for lessons, I really struggled. Your methods were very new to me as none of my previous teachers had ever been as careful or detailed. I had grown pretty much being average and feeling that I was fine right where I was. When I started doing 1234, LSL and SLS etc...it was challenging! My mom kept telling me to press on, but I couldn't really see the point of all the practice.
It wasn't until recently that I began to see what I've become with you as my teacher. A few things especially come to mind:
1. The other teachers I had never pushed me "through the ceiling". They didn't give me a vision for what I could become if I tried harder.
2. They didn't give good Godly advice and examples. More than ever I have learned from you that I play for an audience of ONE.
3. None of my other teachers ever asked questions about my personal life, or were willing to take enough time to answer mine. I really appreciate all the life lessons you've taught me-probably without even knowing it!
I can honestly say that you are the best teacher I have ever had. Thank you so much for being patient, kind and willing to work with me even when it's difficult! I deeply appreciate all your hard work. What I am today I owe first to God but secondly to you. I would have never made it otherwise.
Thank you so much again and Merry Christmas!
Julianna S ( winners of numerous prestigious awards such as Music Federation Club, Young Artist Competition, Lion Club National and others)
At my other piano lessons, I would play the songs,
then practice them. That was all there was to it. New Bright Future has really
made a difference. I've learned not only the music, but also techniques and
showmanship. When I joined New Bright Future, my playing immediately started
improving, and I can play much more complicated music now. My technique has
improved a lot. I'm really glad I joined New Bright Future.
Thanks for making me a better pianist, Ken!
Anne Wang (winner of Young Artist Competition)
You're the best piano teacher
ever!
Frank D (Classical Kid featured at KVNO)
New Bright Future has taught me so much; I learned the importance of
dynamics and the significance of rhythm. NBF has greatly
increased my skills as a pianist. It has also taught me lots of
useful methods from learning a song to memorizing it. I learned
how to use different ways to helped me secure my fingerings and my
memory....now my rhythm is steady and accurate. NBF has
made piano more enjoyable, by giving me fun and challenging songs to
play. NBF has made me a great pianist and can make you one
too. Lilly Gu (OMTA Young Artist 1st prize winner)
I am a homeschooler with two beautiful daughters
adopted from China.
For the longest time, I have desired that the girls and I study their
native language together. In our former home in CT, our only option for
studying Mandarin was to enroll the girls in Chinese language classes
that were invariably taught on Sundays, cutting into our church and
Sunday School time. This was something I could never see my
way clear to doing.
When we
moved to Omaha
recently, I stumbled upon New Bright Future, and was overjoyed to see
that, in addition to what looked like outstanding music lessons being
taught there, Beth was also teaching Mandarin! I enrolled immediately.
We have a small class of six students. Beth is a fantastic teacher. She
is very well prepared for each and every lesson, and takes us at a pace
which is appropriate for the cross-section of students in our class.
She makes our class a lot of fun, while still requiring that we stay on
task, complete assignments, and follow up with homework. She adds to
the language aspect by lending materials on Chinese history and
culture, broadening the experience as a whole. My girls love this, as
they are learning more about their own beginnings. And, we are truly
starting to be able to use the language (especially the girls!). All three of
us LOVE to come to class: we look forward to it as a highlight of our
week. The really amazing thing is that my 12 year old, whom I imagined
would balk at this, is enjoying every minute. That says it
all! Suzie Luchs, for Nora and Jia
New Bright Future has changed me as a pianist. For the first time, my playing has purpose. Everything about my playing improved, from dynamics to musicianship. Thank you, NBF and Mr.Soh. David Fu (Winner of OMTA Young Artist)
New Bright Future has helped me enjoy the piano. Before I joined
New Bright Future, I was sullen to the piano and I never wanted to
practice. After I joined, I have found time to practice and in all, I
now have better management skills. James Y
(winner of OMTA Young Artist)
I am so pleased with the lessons for the girls. They had a
small adjustment to make, as Rebecca is quite different from their
previous teacher. But, they are learning sooo much more and are
becoming much more proficient. We are excited to see where they
go from here. Sara E.
New Bright Future was what we needed for our children to enhance
their God-given abilities particularly in music, in addition, they are
taught to stay at task. We have thoroughly enjoyed the whole
process by the dedication, love and integrity of those involved at NBF
to train and instruct our children with utmost detail and high
standards. I know NBF is committed to providing the best training
and learning
experience. Amos
Y
Our family moved here a few months ago and we
were looking to continue taking Chinese lessons and we found New bright
Future. We found it to be a warm inviting friendly atmosphere. My
girls really are enjoying class and look forward to it each week.
The classes for me have been tailored to my needs and are lots of fun
at the same time.
Darlene E.
We are very impressed with the quality of the
New Bright Future lessons; Mr. Soh is particularly talented and is able
to share his expertise on a practical level that makes following his
direction easy, and
fun.
Jay and Emily Hammans
I have been learning piano from Ken
(Mr.Soh) for almost 8 years now and I really enjoy it. He
teaches me many different techniques and songs. He also helps me
attend and practice for concerts and competitions. Just recently,
I entered the OMTA Young Artist Competitions, and with Ken's hard work
and patience trying to help me memorize and perform the song well, I
won First Place
and the Most Musical Award. I really like piano and will definitely
remember that award. I will continue to play the piano and to enjoy it.
Emily Chen
(winner of several award includes the Young Artist Award from University of Nebraska in Lincoln and NMTA and MTNA.
We have two children learning to play pianos with Ken for years.
We are impressed by Ken's piano technique and skill, as well as
his knowledge in music. Our kids have had great progress with
Ken's help. My daughter, Emily Chen, even got the "First Place"
and the "Most Musical Award" in Omaha Young Artist
Competition this Spring. We thank Ken's hard work. He did a
great
job. Parents
of Emily Chen
Dear Mr.Soh,
I want to thank you for your teaching this semester. You have a
tremendous gift for both teaching and understanding music. I have
to admit that I was fearful of having a man teach me piano (I had only
women teachers before), but you have been very respectful and extremely
helpful in my pursuit of piano. God definitely work beyond my
unfounded fears! I can't tell you how your teaching me to learn
music not just to play it, has been a gift to me. Thanks you for
your hard work and your wonderful example of humility in your Christian
walk. Melani F. (a piano performance major who won the presidential award)
Mr.Soh,
I'm so thankful that I've had the chance to get to know you better this
year. You have been such an encouragement to me, not only in
music, but also in my spiritual walk. Your knowledge, wisdom, and
sense of humor add so much to my learning. My piano playing has
grown so much because of your guidance. I really hope I can
continue to take lessons from you through the next couple years.
Thanks for all that you
do! Laural W.( a highly in demand music teacher in her hometown)
Mr.Soh,
I just wanted to let you know how much I've appreciated and loved
having you as a piano professor and teacher! I've learned so much
in your classes and grown immensely in my musicianship because of
you. I also just really appreciate your humor in class and your
willingness to share things about your life and culture with us.
Thanks for being a great professor and friend!
Renea
W.
Mr.Soh,
Thanks for helping me improve my skills on the piano. You're a
great
teacher!
Leah.G. (A highly in demand piano teacher)
Thanks Bin. Jack's lessons are going very well -
Rachel seems an ideal fit for Jack, and he is progressing nicely. Yes,
we are very happy with Rachel and New Bright...
We will recommend your school to friends who are looking for music
teachers:) Jack's audition with OAYO Chamber strings went very well
yesterday. Jill
and Bruce
Dear Mr.Soh,
We greatly appreciate your teaching and encouraging of our daughter,
Tasha, as she grew in Christian character and in musician ability....We
all sure that your teaching in diligence, attention to detail, and
doing her best will be helpful to her in future experiences.
Tasha is teaching piano here in Atlantic,
and I'm sure this will be a rewarding time for her. We sincerely
thank you for your teaching.
Nora and Clayton B.
(Tasha is now a highly in demand piano teacher in her hometown)
FAQs
Q1. My children have been taking lessons
for years at another place. We realize that for the same amount
of effort and time, students at New Bright Future are way more
advanced, why is that?
A. Dear parents, I believe this is a very common phenomena we
observed. There are a few reasons:
1. The quality of instructors. At
New Bright Future, we ensure that our faculties are specialists in
their areas and are well trained. Many
students who stayed stagnant in their skills
elsewhere transferred to NBF and have experienced
breakthroughs in their playing since then.
2. We also believe in better learning and practice methods. Our faculty not only excel in one
particular method, but they are also familiar
with what are out there. Thus, they can custimoze their
lessons to meet your children's unique needs.
Q2. My children are just average students who have never won
any award. Can they still come to New Bright Future?
A. Dear parents, New Bright Future wants to give everyone an
opportunity. We encourage you to talk to our
director so that we can understand your needs and our
faculty would love to help you in whatever ways they
can.
Students come to NBF for different
purposes, such as enjoyment of music, academic
excellence, breakthrough of techniques, entertaining
others, serving as pianists at church.
Q3. I want my children to excel in music however I do not think
they have a lot of time to practice. Can they come to
New Bright Future?
A. At New Bright Future, we believe in practice
efficiency. We believe that with better methods
and pedagogy, we can save your chidlren time. For example,
if you practice the "efficient way" for half an
hour, it may equal to someone who do not know the way and practice for
a few hours. Ask our parents and students at New Bright Future
and you will find out how useful the "efficient
way" of practice are.
Q4. I prefer to study at a diversed environment.
What is the percentage of minority among your students?
Our students and teachers come from very diversed ethnic and racial
backgrounds. You will feel home right away.
