Contact + Reviews & Accolades

I first met Ms. Emily Chiet when she served as the head of Oak Knoll Elementary School’s Suzuki music program, where both of my daughters were fortunate to enroll. From the very beginning, I was struck by the energy, passion, and dedication she brought to the program. For context, Oak Knoll is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious and high-performing elementary schools in the nation—so to stand out among such an exceptional faculty is no small feat. Yet Ms. Chiet did exactly that.

Her vitality and love for music were absolutely infectious. She didn’t just teach violin—she inspired a deep enthusiasm and joy for music in her students. The excitement was palpable, and the results spoke for themselves. Performances were filled with heart, energy, and precision, and if the parents' teary-eyed reactions were any indication, the experience was nothing short of transformative—for the children and their families alike.

Ms. Chiet's influence has a lasting legacy. Many of her former students have gone on to attend some of the most prestigious music programs in the country. Thanks to her expert guidance, both of my daughters earned placement at the top of their respective school orchestras (UIUC and MA [Concertmaster]). And what makes Ms. Chiet truly exceptional is not just the technical skill she imparts, but the way she teaches—with patience, compassion, and a deep reverence for the music. She nurtures her students with kindness, never with fear or pressure, and that authenticity shines through in every note they play.

To this day, I see her imprint on my daughters' musical journeys—and in the joy they still feel when they pick up their instruments. Ms. Chiet is, without question, one of those rare teachers who changes lives.

-Paul Chua

Do not hesitate to reach out to me personally (paulchua@alumni.harvard.edu) if you have any questions or would like to learn more about our experiences.