Mrs. Tsengelmaa “Tessa” Hoch

 is a prize-winning professional pianist and instructor with a genuine desire to develop & nurture her students’ highest musical potential. Tessa started studying piano at eight years old and received her Master's with Honors in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Arts and Culture in Mongolia. Her Master’s thesis on Robert Schumann’s Carnaval Op. 9 is now part of the curriculum in music conservatories in Mongolia. 

From 1994-2007 she took both 1st and 2nd place at the J. Chuluun Young Pianist Competition, as well as 2nd place at the N. Jantsannorov Concert Masters Competition. In 2007 she was awarded Best Accompanist, at the 17th Annual International Competition, Traditional Musical Instruments in Ulan-Ude, Russia.

She has over 10 years of experience teaching a wide range of students from beginner to the most advanced, from children to professional musicians. Her experience also includes working as a full-time staff accompanist and musical coach at the University of Arts and Culture in Mongolia.

Tessa has a long history of international performances, as well as accompanying work for professional musicians and orchestras, having performed in Russia, Mongolia, Thailand, and the USA. Recently she accompanied members of the Thailand Philharmonic.

She has a particular love for the younger students, and as a mother herself, she understands their needs, concerns, and abilities to learn. She believes children are very precious beings, and we have to deal with them very carefully - with love and understanding but with a clear method and direction for imparting excellence. She wants to instill the same love for piano that her teachers instilled in her.