Crafting Artistic Harmony
~Our Story
Discover Music
At HiNote Academy of Music, we believe that every student has the potential to express themselves through music. As a professional piano school, we offer tailor-made lessons designed to inspire, challenge, and nurture students of all ages and levels.
Whether your goal is to play for personal enjoyment, pass music exams, or compete at the highest level, our mission is to guide you through a meaningful and enriching musical journey. We encourage students to channel their emotions into music, interpreting each piece faithfully to the composer's original vision. Beyond playing the correct notes, we help students bring each piece to life with creativity and individuality—making the learning process both joyful and deeply fulfilling. Meanwhile, by maintaining a balanced focus on technique and music theory, students build a strong foundation and deepen their understanding of the music they play and the artistry behind their performances.
Each year, we host a formal recital at the Concert Hall of Drew University, giving every student the opportunity to perform on stage and build confidence in front of a large live audience. We also actively prepare students for major state and international piano competitions, helping them grow through high-level performance experiences.
At HiNote, we are proud to offer invaluable piano instruction in Livingston, New Jersey, and are committed to cultivating well-rounded, expressive, and accomplished pianists.
Join our supportive and passionate learning community—where music is more than a lesson; it’s a language of the heart.
Ms. Yujia Shen – Founder & Educator
Ms. Yujia Shen is a distinguished pianist and dedicated music educator, holding a Master of Music degree in Piano Performance from the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music. She studied under the mentorship of two eminent figures in the world of classical piano—Dr. Walter Ponce, a globally respected pianist and educator, and Professor Danwen Wei, Chairman of the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing and a notable protégé of the legendary Vladimir Horowitz.
Ms. Shen has been recognized with numerous accolades throughout her career, including first-place awards in the OMTA/Graves State Piano Solo and Duet Piano Competitions. Her musical expertise and artistry have led her to serve as a judge for esteemed international events such as the Ninth Hong Kong International Piano Invitation Competition and the Seventh International Liszt Ferenc Competition in Budapest, Hungary.
A Steinway Educational Partner and an active member of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), Ms. Shen plays a prominent role in advancing music education. In 2025, she chaired the New Jersey Music Teachers Association (NJMTA) Spring Recital Audition and directed five SRA Piano Winners' Recitals across North Jersey. Her exceptional contributions were honored with the Crescendo International Music Competition Top Teacher Award and the Steinway Top Teacher Award.
Ms. Shen’s students have consistently demonstrated exceptional achievement. In 2025, many were awarded High Honorand Honor distinctions in the NJMTA Spring Recital Auditions and secured top placements in the 2024 NJMTA Young Musician Competition, one of New Jersey’s most competitive state-level events. Between 2023 and 2024, sixteen of her students earned first and second prizes in various international piano competitions, performing at renowned venues such as Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. Her students also excel in ABRSM and RCM examinations, frequently attaining Merit and Distinction grades.
With over seven years of teaching experience, Ms. Shen has worked with students of all ages, from young beginners to adults, nurturing their technical and musical development. She currently teaches in Livingston, New Jersey, where her dedication to music education continues to inspire and empower the next generation of pianists.
