Biography

Biography


Dennis Ngai is a highly sought-after violin and viola teacher with over 18 years of teaching experience in Silicon Valley. His musical journey began at the age of five under the tutelage of his father, a former member of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. Throughout his career, Dennis has been mentored by many prestigious musicians, including Antoine van Dongen, Lin Li, and Wei He, which has honed his deep understanding of the art of music-making. 

As a certified Suzuki teacher, Dennis is dedicated to providing a nurturing and supportive learning environment for students of all ages and levels. He has trained extensively with Suzuki educators such as Joseph Kaminsky and Allen Lieb, and his teaching approach combines the Suzuki method with traditional pedagogy to provide a comprehensive and well-rounded music education.

Dennis's commitment to music education is reflected in his ability to work with students to help them achieve their musical goals. He instills in his students the technical skills and performance techniques they need to succeed, while also nurturing a love of music that will last a lifetime. 

Dennis's students have become members of prestigious local youth symphony organizations such as the California Youth Symphony, Peninsula Youth Orchestra, Golden State Youth Orchestra, Fremont Youth Symphony Orchestra, San Jose Youth Symphony,  and Silicon Valley Youth Symphony, showcasing the effectiveness of his teaching approach and dedication to musical excellence.

TEACHING PHILOSOPHY

My teaching philosophy centers around the belief that every student has the potential to excel in music with the right guidance and support. I am dedicated to creating a safe and positive learning environment where my students can explore their creativity, develop their technical skills, and discover their unique musical voice. With a patient and enthusiastic approach, I guide my students towards success while nurturing their passion for music. My goal is not only to help them become skilled violinists or violists, but also to instill a lifelong love of music that will enrich their lives for years to come.

Whether you're a beginner or an advanced student, I will work with you to develop your skills and reach your full potential as a musician. Join my studio today and discover the joy and fulfillment of making music.


Languages Spoken 

In addition to English, I am fluent in Mandarin (普通話), Shanghainese (上海話 ), and Cantonese (廣東話), allowing me to provide personalized instruction to students who speak these languages. I am committed to creating a comfortable and inclusive learning environment for all of my students