Dr. Tzu-Ching Tai is the Director of Orchestras at T.C. Williams High School in Alexandria, Virginia. During her tenure at T.C.Williams High School, the orchestras consistently earned superior ratings at the Virginia District Orchestra Assessments. In 2012, the TCW Chamber Orchestra in conjunction with Alexandria Symphony Orchestra was selected to be part of the Midori Orchestra Residencies Program. This award was truly highlighted by the community. Under the direction of Dr. Tai, the orchestra received multiple awards at the national competitions including Orlandofest in Florida 2012 and 2015, and Music Festival in NYC 2014, in South Carolina 2017, and in Chicago 2018. As a guest artist, Dr. Tai was invited to conduct the All-County Honor Orchestra for Washington County Public Schools. Dr. Tai has also adjudicated at district, regional, and state honors orchestra auditions in Virginia as well as State Orchestra Festival in Maryland. As a committed music educator, Dr. Tai has worked with students at various educational settings and served on the 2018-2020 ASTA K-12 Committee. Prior to the appointment at T.C. Williams High School, she was the cello instructor at the Hartt Suzuki Institute and the Holton-Arms School, and assistant teacher for string and instrumental methods courses at the University of Maryland. In addition to teaching at schools, Dr. Tai is an active performer. She has been a member of the Prince George’s Philharmonic Orchestra since 2013, and has performed with numerous chamber ensembles in the Washington D.C. region.

Dr. Tai is a graduate of the University of Maryland (Ph.D. in Music Education), University of Hartford, the Hartt School of Music (M.M. in Cello Performance and Suzuki Pedagogy), and Chinese Culture University (B.M. in Cello Performance). Her professional affiliations include American String Teachers Association, Virginia Music Educators Association, National Association for Music Education, and College Music Society