Why do I have a profound passion for the Chinese language and culture? As you read on, you’ll understand why.
Not textbook Mandarin. Not app Mandarin or street Mandarin. The Chinese language that the Chinese themselves hold in deep respect — standard, clear, and culturally rooted. The language that turns heads.
You might wonder how a non-native speaker gets there. The answer is simple, and it starts with Pinyin.
Broadcast professionals — coaches who trained me for TV and radio in China — shaped my language. That foundation — correct Pinyin sounds, crisp tones, and culturally precise vocabulary — is exactly what I teach.
Master the proper sounds and clean tones, then enjoy the colorful, playful world of code-switching across Chinese dialects and regional accents. The difference is in knowing the difference — and having the confidence to impress.
Most learners struggle because they were never given a proper foundation in pronunciation. We fix that first. Then we build.
My students stay with me for an average of 6 months to 5 years. That’s not a boast — it’s a reflection of what real progress feels like when the foundation is solid.
“This book is incredible. Todd makes things very clear and easy to understand — and focuses on the right things, including a foundational understanding of precise and proper pitch. The organization system makes it super easy to remember even though this should objectively be difficult. The clear, standard pronunciations give a clear idea of the right pronunciation and stick in your mind easily. I would recommend this book, its audio clips, and lessons with Todd to anyone who wants to improve at Mandarin in a fun and effective way — at any level, especially from absolute beginner to high level.”
“Chinese is such a different language to English and this book makes it easy. Tones are under-taught to foreigners — but I went to China and, trust me, it is much more important than you think. My pronunciation has gotten so much better using this book and the audios. Definitely use the audios!! Highly recommend.”
I started learning Mandarin in my mid-20s, already having studied several European languages — and I never once regretted my Journey to the East. Everything I learned, I learned in Greater China itself — through friends, colleagues, and professionals. The Chinese world was my classroom. The real thing, on the inside. 21 years in mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Inner Mongolia.
上海电视台 — 西部歌王 (1988)
Featured performer on Shanghai Television’s tribute program to 王洛宾 (wáng luò bīn) — “King of Western Chinese Folk Songs” — performing 《掀起你的盖头来》and 《达坂城的姑娘》in the presence of 王洛宾 himself
In 1995, I presented 王洛宾 with a Native American flute. He gave me a signed collection of his songs.
We spoke about music, culture, and the universal language that connects them.
We even discussed a shared dream — children of the world singing each other’s songs.
The following year I emceed the same competition again.
王洛宾 was scheduled to attend as a guest of honor, but was ill and could not come.
He passed away shortly after. Many say, from a broken heart.
BJTV — 歌从这方来 National Competition (1995 & 1999)
Emcee of Beijing Television’s national Foreigners Singing Chinese Songs Competition 1995 — returned four years later as a contestant, performed 德德玛’s signature song 《我的母亲》in Mongolian and Mandarin, and won First Place.
演唱德德玛的《我的母亲》，并将哈达献给德德玛本人。BJTV 歌从这方来，北京，1999。
Performing Dedem’s, 德德玛’s, 《我的母亲》in Mongolian and Mandarin, and presenting a hadik to 德德玛 herself. BJTV 歌从这方来, Beijing, 1999.
TV & Radio Programs
Inner Mongolia TV — Mini-Series Host (1999)
On-camera host for an Inner Mongolia Television documentary series introducing Mongolian culture to Chinese audiences — filmed on location across Inner Mongolia.
KAZN Chinese Radio, Pasadena, CA (2002)
Hosted a weekly call-in talk show in Mandarin for the local Chinese community.
Radio Guest — Taipei (2011)
Guest speaker on Mandarin-language talk radio in Taipei, Taiwan
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