Ya-Li Chung-Pekowski

Lubbock’s Premier Piano Performer & Instructor

Ya-Li Chung-Pekowski is one of Lubbock’s most celebrated piano performers / instructors. Ya-Li’s vast repertoire and versatile skills will elevate your event or music education through the perfect combination of passion and professional excellence.

Resumé Testimonials Performance

Contact Ya-Li

Reserve Your Date on Ya-Li’s Event Calendar Now

Email:

info@lubbockpianist.com

About Ya-Li

Born in Taipei, Ya-Li Chung-Pekowski began her musical training at the age of seven and quickly emerged as one of Taiwan’s most talented piano student performers. After two decades of study with virtuoso pianists, Ya-Li accepted a scholarship and entered the Graduate program at the prestigious Texas Tech University School of Music. Upon earning her Master’s degree in Piano Performance and starting her PhD in Musical Arts, Ya-Li began raising a family and building her reputation as a performer and one of Lubbock’s most decorated piano Instructors. For more than 20 years, Ya-Li’s students have been winning awards and high honors in Texas, the Southwestern US, and internationally.

In addition to her renown as an award-winning music instructor, Ya-Li regularly delights the local community with her exceptional performance skills. From her position as pianist at a Parkway Drive Baptist Church to a favored performer for weddings, receptions, and Texas Tech and local business functions, Ya-Li brings an unforgettable measure of professionalism, passion, and grace to events throughout the greater Lubbock area.

Performance Library

Ya-Li has a vast and impressive performance library that includes classical music, church/religious pieces, and contemporary arrangements. Her repertoire spans centuries, from Baroque to modern compositions, showcasing her advanced technical prowess and artistic sensitivity. Adept at both solo and ensemble performances, Ya-Li excels in adapting styles to fit diverse settings. Her remarkable ability to learn any piece of music quickly, ensures she can meet your specific musical demands, making her a versatile and sought-after musician.

Most performance clients depend upon Ya-Li to select the perfect pieces for their specific event, while others provide a few specific pieces they would like her to perform, and leave the rest to her.

For weddings, Ya-Li typically draws favorites from such time-honored compilations as Wedding Treasures for Advanced Piano (Bober), and The Wedding Collection for Solo Piano (Brown).

Here is an example song list from a recent Lubbock wedding:

Wedding Prelude

Love Song
Traumei
Be Thou My Vision
A Maiden’s Prayer
Arabesque (Debussy)
Flower Song
Ariose
Dream-Like Wedding (Clayderman)
Tara’s Theme
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini
Ave Maria
Prelude in C (Bach)

Wedding Procession

Love Theme from Cinema Paradiso

Wedding Postlude

Through the Eyes of Love
Lovey Kristina (Clayderman)

Resumé

Education

2002 — Master of Music in Piano Performance (Texas Tech University)
2004 — Suzuki Association of the Americas Teacher Certification
2006 — Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance (Texas Tech University; unfinished)

Honors and Awards

1996-1999 — Outstanding Piano Teacher Award Taoyuan and Chungli, Taiwan
2004 — Two compositions, Four Seasonal Songs and Three Rhapsodies premiered by award-winning pianist Mitsopoulou Evangelina in Vienna, AT
2019 — Lubbock Music Teacher Association (LTMA) Teacher of the Year
2019-present — LMTA Piano Competition Chairman

Performance Experience

1986-1995 — In Taiwan, studied with Ung-Pong-Sum, winner of Bach and Chopin International Competitions
1998 — Traveled to Germany to study with Boris Lvov, winner of Moscow’s Beethoven Competition
1999-2006 — Accompaniment TA and Group Piano Instructor, Texas Tech University
1999-2006 — Studied with William Westney, Geneva International Piano Competition Winner
2000-present — Pianist for numerous Weddings and Receptions including TTU Engineering Convention
2000-present — Pianist at Parkway Drive Baptist Church
2014-present — Solo and Ensemble Accompanist for Lubbock HS, Lubbock Cooper HS
2022 — Collaborative Pianist for Lubbock Christian University Chamber Choir and Forte Choir
2022 — Accompanied LCU Choirs at Annual Christmas Dinner, Buddy Holly Music Hall
2023 — Judge for American Asian Fine Arts Association Piano Competition

Teaching Experience/ Student Honors and Awards

1985-1996 — First Place, all years, Tiawan Piano Competition
2006-present — First place, all years, Texas Federation of Music Clubs (TFMC), All-State Solo and Concerto Competitions
2021 — First Place and Second Place, New Mexico State Competition
2020 & 2022 — Finalist at Abilene Philharmonic Nelda Hodges Young Artist Competition
2019-2022 — First Place in UK Great Composer International Competition
2020-2022 — Winners at Wayland Baptist University Piano Competition
2023 — First Place in Texas Tech University PianoFest

Testimonials

A DELIGHTFUL WAY TO BEGIN THE NIGHT!

PERFORMANCE

Hub City Access has been fortunate enough to have Ya-Li perform at our Focus on Access Gala on several occasions, and each time, she has been nothing short of phenomenal. Her performances are diverse and deeply captivating, leaving a lasting impression on all our attendees. Beyond her undeniable talent at the piano, what truly sets Ya-Li apart is her graciousness and kindness. Her accommodating nature and professionalism make working with her an enjoyable experience.

Ya-Li’s talent and passion for music shine through in every note she plays. We are immensely grateful for the joy and elegance she brings to our events and highly recommend her for any occasion that calls for a touch of class and excellence.

Michelle Crain,

Executive Director, LIFE Inc.

EXCEPTIONAL PIANO INSTRUCTION!

PIANO INSTRUCTION

It is with great pleasure that I share our family’s extraordinary experience with Ya-Li as a piano instructor.

Over the past five years, Ya-Li has been a guiding force in our son Aaron Cong’s musical journey, commencing his piano education at the age of six. Ya-Li’s teaching approach is characterized by an enduring patience that resonates with Aaron. His joy in learning and practicing is a testament to Ya-Li’s ability to make every lesson engaging and enjoyable.

Beyond the piano keys, Ya-Li has seamlessly woven music theory into Aaron’s education, providing him with a comprehensive understanding that extends beyond the realm of piano. The impact of Ya-Li’s instruction reaches beyond the piano, as Aaron has effortlessly transitioned to learning the cello, saxophone, and flute. According to Aaron, the solid foundation laid through piano lessons has made embracing new instruments an incredibly smooth and early endeavor.

My other son, Ray Cong, is also learning Piano from Ya-Li. Our home is now graced with the beautiful strains of piano music daily, and we are grateful for Ya-Li’s talent in imparting not just technical proficiency but a deep appreciation for the art. Ya-Li’s influence extends to our entire family, enriching our lives with the joy of music.

Aaron’s achievements, securing first place in the Texas All-State Piano competition multiple times, underscore the caliber of Ya-Li’s teaching. It is a testament to the dedication, guidance, and inspiration Ya-Li provides, shaping young musicians like Aaron into accomplished performers.

In addition to her role as a piano teacher, I have had the pleasure of observing Ya-Li accompany other instruments at school. Her melodic tone and vibrant energy significantly enhance the musical experience, demonstrating her exceptional skill and artistry.

In conclusion, Ya-Li’s piano instruction is a transformative journey that extends beyond mere technical proficiency. Her passion, dedication, and ability to ignite a love for music have left an indelible mark on our family. We wholeheartedly recommend Ya-Li to those seeking a musical education that transcends the ordinary.

The Cong Family