At 亚博体育app, two pianists are making a big impact, both in the classroom and on stage. Feifei Jiang and her husband Peter, piano faculty members at the University, are not just colleagues but also an inspiring musical duo, blending their shared love for music and education.
Feifei, who joined NWU in 2013 after completing her doctorate at UNL, first came to the university through an invitation to play opera. Peter joined her a few years later after earning his doctorate. Together, they鈥檝e been nurturing the next generation of musicians ever since.
"Teaching as a husband and wife is wonderful," Feifei says. "We share the same passion for music, though we each bring unique approaches to teaching. My students are mainly piano majors, while Peter focuses on piano minors and others interested in learning. We coordinate our teaching to ensure that students, whether they鈥檙e pursuing music degrees or just love the piano, get the most out of their lessons."
The couple鈥檚 journey to the piano began long before Nebraska Wesleyan. Both Feifei and Peter grew up in China where they started playing piano at the age of five. "We met as classmates in college, and spent countless hours practicing," Feifei says. "Our friends joked that we were like 'devils' for practicing so much, but it only made us closer."
Their bond grew stronger when Feifei arrived in the U.S. in 2006 to pursue her studies, and Peter followed two years later. "We kept in touch while I was here," she says, "and I encouraged him to study in the States too. We both completed our master鈥檚 and doctorate degrees here."
While their paths to the piano may have started in childhood, it鈥檚 clear that their passion for the instrument continues to shape their careers. Feifei has received numerous accolades. Peter, who shares her love for teaching, emphasizes the universal power of music: "Music connects people. It鈥檚 a universal language, whether on stage or in the classroom."
The couple鈥檚 students aren鈥檛 just learning how to play the piano鈥攖hey鈥檙e gaining confidence, developing stage presence, and building the skills they need to succeed in life. Feifei adds, "Piano teaches more than just music. It helps kids develop both sides of their brain, and it gives them the confidence to perform, whether on stage or in front of an audience."
For Feifei and Peter, the joy of teaching is matched only by the joy of seeing their students excel. "Some of my students have even made it to top universities like Yale." Feifei says. "It鈥檚 incredibly rewarding to see them succeed."
With their combined expertise, passion, and love for music, Feifei and Peter Jiang continue to inspire their students and colleagues alike at 亚博体育app, proving that the power of music truly is a shared journey.