2016-now: Absolute Piano Tuning and Restoration, Lowell MA. Pianos in need of restoration come from schools, venues, and homes. Led by the shop owner Mr. Jude Reveley, upon request, we change everything from soundboard, strings, keyboard, to action parts; polish and resurface hardware; refinish the piano case and plate. The shop owner refines the piano action ratio, string scale, and more to achieve a desired sound, power, and touch. On weekends and days off, I service pianos in Massachusetts, Maine and New Hampshire.
2014-2016: Piano Technology at North Bennet Street School, Boston MA. We learned how to tune, repair, and rebuild pianos from our beloved Mentors David Betts, Debbie Cyr, Emily Townsend, and Jack Stebbins. Whenever there are problems in pianos that are beyond my ability to solve, they are always there supporting me with information and hands on instructions. Their knowledge, tips, smiles, encouragements, and kindness are my everyday energy source and light of hope during deep down times. They guide me to service each piano, big or small, just like my own.
2012-2020: Jim's Bagel & Bake Shoppe. This was my first job in the United States. Working with friends from many countries widened my view of life and understanding of people in general. The shop owner Mr. Jim Santo kindly let us do any task we were willing to accomplish, from making sandwiches to filling and dusting donuts, making Italian pastries, even making bagels. Here we, mostly immigrants, improved our English by servicing customers and trying to communicate with each other. Here I received the first ever paycheck. Now Jim's son Jamie is running the shop continuing the family tradition.
2011-2013: Master’s Degree in Teaching English as Second Language at Salem State University. The education here is efficient and professors knowledgeable. However I found standing in front of a whole class is not what I feel comfortable. On a usual study day, I was sitting near the Music Department writing homework. Piano technician Doug Tybor was tuning studio pianos. He allowed me to observe behind him. He gave me the information of North Bennet Street School, Boston MA. Here one can be trained to tune, regulate, repair, and rebuild pianos.
2008-2011: English-Mandarin Translator for Sino-American 1+2+1 Program. The Chinese participating universities send students to U.S. to study for year 2&3, they study at home school for year 1&4. Students receive dual degrees from both institutes. We translated letters between Chinese and U.S. universities. It was our be loved boss, Mr. Jianning Hua, who sent his employees to Salem State University, Salem MA. He insisted that we go out to see the world. Unfortunately he passed away 3 months after we left China in 2011. Gratitude to him for the rest of my life.
2008-2011: English-Mandarin Translator for Sino-American 1+2+1 Program. The Chinese participating universities send students to U.S. to study for year 2&3, they study at home school for year 1&4. Students receive dual degrees from both institutes. We translated letters between Chinese and U.S. universities. It was our be loved boss, Mr. Jianning Hua, who sent his employees to Salem State University, Salem MA. He insisted that we go out to see the world. Unfortunately he passed away 3 months after we left China in 2011. Gratitude to him for the rest of my life.
2004-2008: Bachelor’s Degree in English in Xi’an International Studies University, Xi’an, Shaanxi province, China. Every morning at 5-7am, we would spread around campus and read out loud from English textbooks or practice speaking with radios such as VOA and BBC. This was the foundation of future life and career.
1986-2004: Grew up in Beijing, China, I was one of the few trouble makers in the class from elementary school all the way to high school. I remember our music teacher read my Christmas card then refused to teach our class for at least a year. Mom sold tickets on busses. Dad worked in a factory. Life was very simple. Now my parents are retired, both living in Beijing. Well, mom travels everywhere. Her next destination may be somewhere not in the solar system.
1986-2004: Grew up in Beijing, China, I was one of the few trouble makers in the class from elementary school all the way to high school. I remember our music teacher read my Christmas card then refused to teach our class for at least a year. Mom sold tickets on busses. Dad worked in a factory. Life was very simple. Now my parents are retired, both living in Beijing. Well, mom travels everywhere. Her next destination may be somewhere not in the solar system.
