It was not easy at the beginning. She lived in an old dormitory that was scheduled for demolition in a matter of months. Anna hardly got any sleep, because she was combining her studies with a part-time job in a Chinese company, violin classes and a volunteer job as a vocals teacher for a Dalian folk choir. Her poor Chinese-language skills at the time meant everything she wanted to do took triple the time she expected.

The next thing she did was write a letter to Gao Tian, the director of the Institute of Music Therapy of the Central Conservatory of Music, expressing her wish to study with him.

Gao studied under the renowned US music therapist Dr Kenneth E. Bruscia and other leaders in the field. He graduated from Temple University and received his master's degree in 1994.

The Institute of Music Therapy of the Central Conservatory of Music was established in 1996, offering programs of teaching, academic research and clinical therapy. The only professional music therapy institute in China, according to the school's website, the institute currently enrolls 10 to 15 undergraduate students and about three graduate students every year.

"Anna impressed me with her persistence and passion for music therapy," says Gao. "She enjoys what she learns and always keeps a positive spirit. I can see a promising future for her."

Now a certified music therapist, she has worked with Chinese kids with cerebral palsy and she hopes to open her own clinic one day. She says music can help children, adolescents, adults and the elderly - people of any age - with mental-health needs or developmental and learning disabilities.

In 2012, she became the music director of Beijing Playhouse, the capital's oldest amateur English-language drama troupe. After months of rehearsing, they are bringing their latest Christmas musical comedy, The Wizard of Oz, to the stage through Dec 22.

"We rehearsed four times a week. Most of the actors are volunteers and they are happy with the show. I love creating something that brings joy to those who join in," Avdeeva says.

In her spare time, she is also the drummer of a band called Daily Prophet, which has members from five different countries.

The band has been performing bossa nova, folk and rock at live house venues in Beijing since last December.

Avdeeva says that her economics training, which helps her manage different jobs, complements her passion for music. She's getting training in filmmaking and directing, and has music-video projects scheduled for January next year. "Since I came to China, I love the Chinese phrase, kaixin, which means happy. Literally, kaixin means opening the heart, which is exactly what I experienced in China," she says.