The guzheng 古筝, or Chinese zither is a string instrument with more than 2,500 years of history! Since the 1950's, standard guzhengs are 163 centimeters long and have 21 strings. Typically, guzhengs are tuned in the pentatonic scale which is common among East Asian instruments.

The guzheng has excellent expressive power and versatility. Due to the numerous playing techniques, guzheng music can accurately express any mood or scenery. Guzheng musicians can play both the melody and harmony simultaneously, making the guzheng a great solo instrument. The resonant base notes and unique sound profile also make it a great addition to orchestras and bands.

Kendall blends Chinese culture and music with cutting-edge American educational practices. Kendall Received her Master of Education (in special education and Chinese language education) from Portland State University in 2023, and holds a Preliminary Teaching License.

Kendall strives to build strong relationships with her students and uses positive reinforcement, games, and guided practice opportunities to help students learn.

As an American, Kendall has worked hard to deeply understand Chinese music and culture. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Chinese Language and Culture in 2019, and has lived in China for five years. In 2021, Kendall was named the World Champion in the Chinese Bridge Language Competition out of more than seventy thousand contestants from around the world.

Kendall has been learning Guzheng for 5 years, in that time she has passed all 10 levels of the guzheng exam system, signifying her mastery of all guzheng performance skills. She has performed at the Qingdao International Tourism Expo, the San Francisco Consulate, and was featured with Old Unconscious on the album The Circular Ruins.

Pacific Northwest Guzheng Academy uses custom curriculum designed by Kendall Kracke and her teacher, professional guzheng performer, Coda Han. When following this curriculum, students will learn guzheng techniques that build on previous skills. Each skill is paired with 2-3 songs that specifically target the new technique. In this way, students can perform beautiful songs, while mastering new techniques.

The custom designed textbook is available in both natural, native English, and Simplified Mandarin Chinese. Small group lessons are taught in English, and private lessons can be taught in English or Mandarin based on the desires of the learner.

Kendall knows that no two learners are the same, and has incorporated opportunities for student choice in song selection. It's important that you play things you find interesting, so let Kendall know songs that you'd like to play and she will create a learning plan to help you reach those goals.