The Hawaiʻi Music Teachers Association is proud to announce pianist Bichuan Li as the 2026 HMTA Teacher of the Year for her outstanding contributions to Hawaiʻi’s music and piano community as an educator. An extraordinarily dedicated and inspiring educator, Ms. Li has guided students with creativity, care, and excellence. Her contributions to Hawai‘i’s music community and lasting impact as a mentor and role model to her students are exceptional and admirable.
“She always puts her students first.”
“She devotes herself wholeheartedly to teaching piano; some of her students have attended Juilliard, others have performed at Carnegie Hall.”
We want to thank our judges Kei Fukuda (Director of Admissions, Curtis Institute of Music), Cathy Monseur (former Artist Representative, Young Concert Artists and Columbia Artists Management, Inc.), and Rachel Schutz (Soprano, Ithaca College) for their time and expertise.
Q&A with Ms. Li:
What was your reaction when you first found out you were Teacher of the Year?
I was both surprised and touched when I heard the news. I feel very fortunate to receive this recognition, especially knowing how many wonderful teachers and colleagues in our community give so much of themselves, often without recognition. I feel very fortunate and grateful to be part of such a wonderful music-teaching community.
What is unique or special about being a music teacher?
Music is a language. When I came from China, I could not speak English, but music helped me communicate with people, make friends, and eventually teach piano. I discovered that music could connect people even when we did not share the same spoken language.
As a music teacher, I also have the privilege of communicating through music and helping students discover their own musical voices. That connection between teacher, student, and music is something very special.
Many of your students have had successful musical careers and experiences, notably within the realm of competitions. How do you develop and nurture a love of music and motivation to succeed in your students?
I believe one of the most important things is finding repertoire that fits each student's personality, ability, and musical interests, while also providing an appropriate challenge. When students find a piece they truly love, they become much more motivated to practice, improve, and accept challenges.
Finding the right repertoire is not always easy. Honestly, there have been times when I have not found the perfect piece for a student. I am still learning, too. Every student is different, and teaching continues to teach me how to become a better teacher.
Competitions can be wonderful experiences, but I want my students to develop a lifelong love of music rather than measure their success only by prizes.
If you were not a music teacher, what would you have been instead?
When I was young, I dreamed of becoming a doctor. Because of the Cultural Revolution in China, I did not even finish middle school and never attended high school. Music was the one thing I continued to hold on to.
Looking back, I sometimes think that I actually became a kind of doctor—but a doctor in the music field!
When students are learning a piece, sometimes they know something is not right but don't know how to fix it. Other times, they know they are not playing well but cannot identify the problem. I see my role much like that of a doctor. A patient can describe how they feel, but the doctor has to diagnose the problem and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
As a music teacher, I listen, diagnose the musical problem, and then find the right way to help the student improve. So, in a way, I feel that my childhood dream did come true!
What does being named Teacher of the Year in Music mean to you personally and professionally?
This is actually the second time I have been named Teacher of the Year, and I feel especially honored and grateful. It reminds me how fortunate I am to be part of such a supportive and dedicated music community.
To me, this recognition is not only a personal honor. It also represents the many colleagues, teachers, students, and families who have been part of my musical journey. I am very thankful to the music community for giving me so many opportunities to teach, learn, serve, and grow.
How do you stay inspired and passionate about teaching music every day?
Seeing students come to their lessons with smiles, improve from one lesson to the next, and grow from complete beginners into young musicians is extremely rewarding.
I am also inspired because teaching is a two-way process. While I am teaching my students, I am constantly learning from them—about music, about teaching, and about each student's individual way of learning. After more than four decades of teaching, I am still learning, and that makes teaching a wonderful and continually exciting experience.
If you could say one thing to your students—past, present, or future—what would it be?
I often tell my students and their parents that winning a prize is wonderful, but it should not be the only measure of success.
I strongly agree with Dr. Thomas Yee, our previous Teacher of the Year, who reminded us that students do not need to participate in so many competitions because competitions can sometimes limit musical growth and repertoire.
Every student and every family may have different goals, and I respect those goals. But I encourage my students to develop strong reading skills, explore a wide variety of repertoire, and, most importantly, have fun and enjoy making music.
I often tell my students: You may not be a prize winner today, but imagine yourself 20 years from now. If you are still enjoying playing the piano, then you are the true winner.
BIOGRAPHY
Ms. Bichuan Li has been a dedicated piano educator, mentor, and leader in Hawaiʻi's music community for more than four decades. Since joining the faculty of the University of Hawaiʻi in 1986, she has taught applied piano, class piano, keyboard skills, and piano pedagogy, inspiring generations of students through her commitment to excellence in teaching. She has also served as Honorary Professor and Visiting Professor at Shanghai Teachers' University.
An MTNA member for nearly 30 years, Ms. Li holds the MTNA Permanent Professional Certification designation. She has served twice as President of the Honolulu Piano Teachers' Association and as President of the Hawaii Music Teachers Association. Throughout her career, she has organized conventions, workshops, competitions, festivals, master classes, concerts, and educational programs, and has served as a respected adjudicator for local, national, and international piano competitions.
In addition to her university teaching, Ms. Li maintains a private piano studio, where she teaches students of all ages and levels. Her students have received top honors in numerous competitions, and many have gone on to careers as performers, educators, and music teachers. She has also collaborated with University of Hawaiʻi Music Department faculty on concert tours in China and Lānaʻi and contributed to international outreach and recruitment of Chinese students to the UH Music Department.
Although she has enjoyed an extensive career as a concert pianist, Ms. Li considers teaching her greatest reward. Her lifelong commitment to music education, mentorship, professional leadership, and community service has made a profound impact on generations of students, teachers, and Hawaiʻi's musical community.