Guitar Lessons & Masterclasses
In addition to being a performer, Alan is also an avid teacher.
Alan’s teaching incorporates both western and non-western training styles. Beginning his musical studies in China, Alan’s early education emphasised technical security through systematic development. After moving to North America, he developed a strong musical framework by working with renowned musicians and educators. Inspired by many contrasting methods, Alan’s multifaceted approach helps students establish a strong technical foundation, ensure practice efficacy and efficiency, as well as orient students towards continuous musical development.
With over a decade of competing experience, Alan includes competition-preparation practices as a part of his teaching. He helps students design informed strategies, drawing from experiences not only as a competitor, but also as an adjudicator and guest artist in international competitions and festivals. Areas of focus include repertoire selection, determining phasic priorities, and implementing plans leading up to competition day. With students entering competitions, Alan’s goal is to maximize the potential of success under competitive circumstances.
Student achievement highlights
YoungArts Award – winner
GFA International Youth Competition, Junior Division – 2nd Prize
Northwest Guitar Festival & Competition, Artist Division – 1st Prize
Chicago Guitar Festival & Competition, High School Division – 1st prize
Florida Guitar Festival & Competition, Senior Division – 1st and 3rd prizes
Houston Classical Guitar Festival and Competition, High School Division – 1st and 2nd prizes
Long Island National High School Classical Guitar Competition – 1st and 2nd prizes
Philadelphia Classical Guitar National Competition, Junior Division – 2nd and 3rd prizes
Southern Guitar Festival & Competition, Senior Division – 2nd prize
GuitarFest WEST Competition – 1st Prize
Denver International Guitar Festival & Competition, Youth Division – 1st Place
University of Louisville Guitar Festival and Competition, Senior Division – 1st prize; Collegiate Division – 2nd prize
University of Rhode Island Guitar Competition, High School Division – 2nd Place
Alan’s students have also received scholarship acceptances to leading conservatories and universities, including full-tuition scholarship offers to the Juilliard School, Berklee College of Music, and the Manhattan School of Music.
Alan Liu 