Pin Chen

Pin Chen began studying the violin with her father at the age of six and went on to earn her Bachelor of Music degree in music education with Department Honors from Northwestern University. She graduated at the top of her class with a Master of Music degree in Music/Music Education with a Conducting Specialization from Colorado State University, Fort Collins. Her extensive experience with teaching music in public schools, both in affluent communities and in the inner cities, led her to found CYMG as a way to use music to bring together students from any and all backgrounds. 

Ms. Chen has been teaching music in public schools as a credentialed music teacher since 2003. Since 2010, Pin Chen has been the Orchestra Director at Arcadia High School, which boasts one of the most prestigious school orchestra programs in the state. Chen has also been teaching private violin and viola lessons since she was 14 years old. She is a sought-after guest conductor, including the SCSBOA All-Southern Middle School Honor Orchestra and Beverly Hills Unified Honor Orchestra, as well as an adjudicator for festivals and competitions, including SCSBOA Festivals, Riverside City College Orchestra Festival, and Image International Music Festival.  

Ms. Chen is the Sinfonia Orchestra Conductor for the Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestras and has been a part of the PYSO artistic staff since 2010. Chen is a former Vice President of Orchestra Education of the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association (SCSBOA) and an active member of the Music Teachers Association of California.