Hello, I’m Andrew! I am a fourth-year double majoring in Integrative Biology and Music. I am the President of TMC, and this is my 8th semester in TMC teaching piano. I have been learning piano and violin since I was a similar age as the students in TMC, and from my experience, exploring music collaboratively is one of the best ways to engage in musical learning. If not studying or rehearsing, you can catch me playing tennis, hiking, painting, or rock collecting!
Katherine Ma
External Vice President
Hi I’m Katherine! I’m a junior intending to major in Molecular and Cell Biology and Data Science. I joined TMC as a private tutor for cello. When I was in kindergarten, I started learning cello just because I wanted to play a bigger instrument than my brother, but I’ve been loving it ever since. I’m thankful for the super friendly TMC community and the opportunity to serve others through music. In my free time, I love cooking and making bread, painting shoes, and swimming.
Kendra Harpold
Internal Vice President
Hiya! I’m Kendra, and I’m a junior majoring in Integrative Biology. I’ve been playing the cello since I was 8 and I’ve been slowly trying to learn every string instrument possible. I joined TMC during my first semester as a private tutor, and it’s been my favorite part of Cal ever since. I love hiking, nature documentaries, and listening to podcasts. I also love plants and animals and currently have 11 houseplants, a snake, 4 cats, and 4 dogs.
Shannon Cheung
Private Tutoring Director
Hi, I’m Shannon! I’m a third-year intending to major in Molecular and Cell Biology. I joined TMC during the spring semester of my freshman year as a private tutor for piano. I love working with children, and I’m super excited to continue being involved in this music community. Outside of school, I love baking, skiing (as an amateur though), eating and drinking any matcha-related things, and spending time with friends and family.
Tommy Tran
Tutor Enrichment Director
Hi! I’m Tommy, and I’m a senior majoring in Molecular and Cell Biology with a minor in Public Health. I started learning piano in 3rd grade and saxophone in 5th grade. I joined TMC in my freshman year as a private tutor and love being able to engage with the community and continue working with music! In my free time, I’m probably playing tennis or golf, video games, or drinking coffee.
Michelle Chen
Publicity Director
Hello! I’m Michelle, and I’m a third-year double majoring in Economics and Music. I’ve been studying the violin and piano since I was 5 years old, so music has always been an integral part of my life. Being able to share this passion with kids who are eager to learn something entirely new is so fulfilling, and I’m incredibly grateful to The Music Connection for providing this kind of opportunity. Outside of creating graphics and sending weekly newsletters to our tutors, I also work in new student affairs, manage finances for my economics organization, and play violin in the UC Berkeley Symphony Orchestra!
Kevin Chen-Xiao
Events Director
Hi! I’m Kevin! I’m a junior majoring in Nutritional Sciences (Toxicology). I am the Events Director, and this is my 4th semester teaching piano in TMC. I started learning piano when I was six and have gone on to learn six different instruments. I love being able sharing my passion of music with others through this wonderful TMC community. In my free time, I enjoy producing beats, cooking new recipes, and engaging in outdoor sports like skiing and surfing.
Shannen Yang
Hello I’m Shannen! I’m a third-year EECS major and music minor. I’ve been teaching piano for TMC since freshman year. In my free time, I enjoy discovering music and spontaneously trying new things (currently trying out AFX, every Northside restaurant, and photography!). I’m appreciative of what TMC has given me and my community and hope I can help spread the same impact to others : )
Navya Ambavaram
Events Director Intern
Hi!! I’m Navya, and I’m a second-year Molecular and Cell Biology major and Music minor. I’ve been a vocal tutor for TMC for 3 semesters so far, and I’ve loved every second of it! I really love being a part of this community and can’t wait for what’s to come! Outside of TMC, I love desserts, tea, basketball, and I’ve been learning how to play the guitar! : D
Alyssa Fu
Tutor Enrichment Director
Hello, I’m Alyssa! I am a first-year student with an intended business administration major. I am the Tutor Enrichment Intern, and this is my second semester with TMC! I have been playing piano and singing since elementary school –– it’s definitely one of my favorite things to do in my free time. In addition, I also love watching fantasy and sci-fi movies, reading, working out, and hanging with friends!
