Teachers

Photo of Mike Bodnarczuk
Mike Bodnarczuk
Guitar, Ukulele

Mike studied classical guitar at the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) in Toronto and has been teaching at Pro-Music since the school opened in 1998. He has achieved Intermediate Specialist – Guitar Designation from the RCM.

He enjoys teaching classical style (nylon-string guitar), acoustic (steel string guitar) and fingerstyle guitar to children, teenagers, adults and seniors.

Mike’s students have obtained RCM National and Regional Gold Medals (formerly Silver Medals), RCM First Class Honours with Distinction, RCM First Class Honours, First Gold Festival Awards and various scholarships.

 

RCM National Gold Medalists:
(Students who obtained the highest marks in each level of RCM examination in Canada)
2021 – Level 2 Gold Medal in Guitar
2021 – Level 3 Gold Medal in Guitar

RCM Regional Gold & Silver Medalists:
(Students who obtained the highest marks in each level of RCM examination in Ontario)
2023 – Preparatory Exam Gold Medal in Guitar
2021 – Level 3 Gold Medal in Guitar
2021 – Level 2 Gold Medal in Guitar
2020 – Level 3 Gold Medal in Guitar
2017 – Grade 5 Gold Medal in Guitar
2017 – Grade 2 Gold Medal in Guitar
2017 – Grade 1 Gold Medal in Guitar
2016 – Preparatory Exam Gold Medal in Guitar
2015 – Grade 3 Gold Medal in Guitar
2015 – Preparatory Exam Gold Medal in Guitar
2013 – Grade 3 Gold Medal in Guitar
2013 – Grade 1 Gold Medal in Guitar
2013 – Preparatory Exam Gold Medal in Guitar
2011 – Grade 3 Gold Medal in Guitar
2011 – Grade 2 Gold Medal in Guitar
2011 – Grade 1 Gold Medal in Guitar
2010 – Grade 3 Silver Medal in Guitar
2010 – Grade 1 Silver Medal in Guitar
2009 – Grade 2 Silver Medal in Guitar
2008 – Grade 1 Silver Medal in Guitar

Credentials: RCM Elementary and Intermediate Specialist — Guitar

Photo of Wendy Chan
Wendy Chan
Piano

With years of piano teaching experience, Wendy holds an ATCL Teacher’s Diploma from the Trinity College of Music, London and a Certificate of Education from Sir Robert Black College of Education, Hong Kong, major in music education.

In Toronto, Wendy studied piano pedagogy with Mrs Marina Geringas, RCM where she learned the importance of note reading and the techniques in producing different tone colours on the piano. Wendy’s students actively participated in music festivals and RCM examinations with excellent results. Awards include RCM Silver Medal and First Honours with Distinction. Wendy also serves as a piano accompanist at church.

Credentials: ATCL, Cert. Ed.

Photo of David Chang
David Chang
Piano

David obtained his ARCT Performance diploma with first class honours and has won numerous Kiwanis Music Festival awards. He studied at the York University, specializing in Piano Performance, Piano Collaboration and Conducting. David is one of the official collaborative pianists of the York University, participating in recitals, classes, examinations and competitions. Every year, he collaborates with musicians of all ages for different regional, provincial and national competitions, such as the Canadian Music Competition, Kiwanis Music Festival, Markham Music Festival, and more.

David has been teaching piano for more than a decade. Thanks to his enthusiastic, positive and supportive character, David’s students display a passion for music and demonstrate great technical and musical achievements. He believes that a passion for learning is the greatest motivator towards success.

Credentials: ARCT, B.A.Math

Photo of Herman Chen
Herman Chen
French Horn, Trumpet

Herman graduated from the Xinghai Conservatory of Music in 1980 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Being regarded as a French Horn Player of the Highest Proficiency in China, Herman was appointed as the Principal Horn of the Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra.

After he arrived Canada in 2006, Herman participated in the Etobicoke Philharmonic Orchestra as a French Horn guest performer. Besides performing, he also teaches French Horn and Trumpet. His students frequently receive outstanding achievements, including ARCT, Gold Medal Awards and First Class Honours, from the Royal Conservatory of Music Examinations. Also, one of his students was accepted to the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra as a French Horn player.

 

RCM Gold Medalists:
(Students who obtained the highest marks in each level of RCM examination in Ontario)
2017 – Grade 10 Gold Medal in French Horn
2016 – Grade 8 Gold Medal in French Horn

Credentials: B.A.

Photo of Andrew Cheng
Andrew Cheng
(Piano & Adaptive Music Education) (Vocal & Adult Singing Group)

Andrew is acclaimed by his professional colleagues as an inspiring musician and a deep-and-far reaching coach for both professional and amateur choral and orchestral units. Andrew holds a Master Degree from University of Cincinnati in Choral Conducting and a Bachelor Degree from Hong Kong Baptist University in Music and Fine Arts.

Besides performing work, for the past two decades, Andrew has been facilitating a vocal care workshop “Rediscovering your lost voice” that includes resolving different vocalizing symptoms and issues, like cracks, monotone, limited range, breathy tone, sore throat, etc., through an orientation of personal expressivity, connectedness and interactivity with oneself and others.

As a music educator, Andrew is experienced in personal development programs for well being. He is currently the Music Education Consultant at Potential Development Association, responsible for developing music program for SEN learners that includes Music Education programs for Special Educational Need, Autistic and Developmental delayed Learners in particular.

From 1998 to present, he is engaged in a series of arts education, community and personal developmental programs, starting with a Baroque seminar with Dr. Angela Tam (1998), forming the Macau Anglican church choir (2000), developing conducting program at Universidad de Javeriana in Bogota, capital of Colombia, South America (2001), directing and overseeing the Yuen Long Children’s Choir of over 20 groups (2002-2006), involving in LCSD arts development programs at local schools (2005-2008), founding the Hong Kong Arts Academy for Children (2008-2012).

Credentials: M.M., B.A.

Photo of Nancy Cheung
Nancy Cheung
Piano, Theory

Nancy graduated from the Faculty of Music at the Chinese University of Hong Kong and holds First-class Honors in Theory Research and Piano Performance. She is a proficient piano teacher in both Hong Kong and Canada with over 15 years of experience. Her students have won competitions in major music festivals such as Kiwanis and Canadian Music Competition and achieved outstanding examination results. Nancy believes that music education adds value to one’s life and her teaching approach emphasizes the development of self-discipline, the ability to focus, and the appreciation of arts.

In addition to classical music, Nancy is also actively involved in contemporary church music, improvisation and accompaniment.

Nancy’s student obtained RCM Regional Gold Medal. Many of her students received excellent results in piano/theory exams and numerous awards from various music festivals.

RCM Regional Gold Medal:
2021 – Level 4 Gold Medal in piano

Music Festivals and RCM Exams:
Level 8 Theory – 2021 ~ 100% | 2020 ~ 100% | 2019 ~ 100% | 2018 ~ 100%
Level 9 History – 2021 ~ 99% | 2020 ~ 98% | 2019 ~ 98% | 2018 ~ 99%
Level 10 History – 2020 ~ 96% | 2019 ~ 100% | 2018 ~ 98% | 2017 ~ 100%
ARCT History – 2020 ~ 94% | 2019 ~ 96% | 2018 ~ 96%
2019 – Yip’s Music Festivals, Level 3 ~ 1st Place
2019 – North York Music Festival, Level 4 ~ 2nd & 3rd Place
2019 – First Class Honours with Distinction in RCM exam, Piano Level 7 ~ 90%
2019 – Unionville Music Academy Competition, Piano Level 8 ~ 1st & 2nd Place | Level 4 ~ 1st Place | Level 6 ~ 1st & 2nd Place
2018 – Yip’s Music Festivals, Level ARCT ~ 2nd & 3rd Place
2018 – Markham Music Festivals, Level 5 ~ 1st Place | Level 3 ~ 1st & 2nd Place |Level 7 ~ 1st & 3rd Place
2018 – North York Music Festival, Level 6 ~ 2nd Place
2011-2017 – see Pro-Music Newsletters

Credentials: B.Mus., LTCL.

Photo of Ron Cheung
Ron Cheung
Theory, Vocal

Ron graduated from the University of Toronto with a Masters Degree in Choral Conducting. He also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from the McMaster University. He was winner of the Elmer Iseler Conducting Fellowship Award and the Peter Sheehan Memorial Scholarship.

Ron is the Artistic Director and Founder of Voices and the Healey Willan Singers, as well as the Conductor of the Yip’s Children’s Senior Choir (Canada). From 2001 to 2005, he conducted the Toronto Mendelssohn Youth Choir.

Ron’s student attained excellent results in RCM examinations:
2017 – RCM Frist Class Honours with Distinction, Level 6 Voice ~ 91%
2017 – Level 5 Theory – 98%
2014 – Student was accepted to the Arts Unionville Program

 

To learn more about Ron’s career and updated news, you can visit his website at http://www.ronkmcheung.com

Credentials: M.Mus., B.Ed.

Photo of Yucca Chiu
Yucca Chiu
Piano

Yucca holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Performance and Pedagogy, and an ATCL Performer’s Diploma in Pianoforte from the Hong Kong Baptist University and Trinity College of Music in London respectively. She has privately taught piano for more than 20 years. Her students have achieved First Class Honours with Distinction in the Royal Conservatory of Music examinations.

Yucca’s performance experience includes conducting school and church choirs, accompanying ballet school examination classes, and performing as a soloist at various recitals and ceremonies. She has also taken masterclasses with notable pianists. Overall, Yucca is an experienced teacher well versed in both solo and collaborative performance.

Credentials: B.A.(Honours), ATCL

Photo of Bernadette Choy
Bernadette Choy
Theory

Bernadette possesses extensive experience in the realm of music education. She has been teaching piano for over two decades, while also delving into the intricacies of music theory, harmony and composition. Furthermore, Bernadette has served as a part-time lecturer at esteemed institutions including The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) and the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi), and several local community colleges and high schools. In recognition of her teaching, Bernadette was honored with a Certificate of Appreciation from the Medici International Music Competition in 2022.

Bernadette enjoys and learnt a lot while working with a variety of students, and takes great pleasure in guiding them to discover solutions and embark on a lifelong hobby through music lessons. She also believes students who learn music tend to develop more systematic thinking skills and foster more pleasant and confident personalities. Under her guidance, many of Bernadette’s students actively engage in school music performances, competitions, and achieve distinctions in ABRSM examinations. Meanwhile, most of her HKDSE Music students achieved attained impressive results, with some achieving the top-tier 5** result. Several of her students have successfully gained admission to music programme in renowned universities worldwide, including the University of Toronto and the Royal Academy of Music in London.

Bernadette is pursuing further studies at the University of Toronto currently, working towards a Master of Music degree, while working as a Teaching Assistant, she provides ear training and theory tutorials to music undergraduate students at UofT. Bernadette received her first Master’s degree in Composition of Music for Film and Television from the University of Bristol, U.K in 2007. She is also a holder of the Licentiate Diploma in piano recital (LTCL). Throughout her studies, Bernadette received guidance from distinguished pianists Francis Mo and Cui Shiiguang, as well as Prof. David Gwilt, Prof. Chan Wing Wah, and Prof. Chan Wai Kwong in areas such as orchestration, music composition, harmony, and theory.

Credentials: M.A., B.A.(Hons), LTCL.

Photo of Eva Chu
Eva Chu
Piano, Flute, Theory

Eva graduated from the York University with a Bachelor’s Degree, majoring in Flute and Piano. With more than a decade of teaching experience, Eva’s students received outstanding awards and achievements from the Royal Conservatory of Music examinations, Kiwanis Music Festival and Markham Music Festival.

RCM Examinations and Gold / Silver Medalists
Students who obtained the highest marks in each level of RCM examination in Ontario
2021 – RCM Level 6 Theory ~ First Class Honours with Distinction, 100%
2013 – Grade 2 Gold Medal in Flute
2011 – RCM Level 8 Piano ~ First Class Honours with Distinction, 91%
2009 – Grade 4 Silver Medal in Flute

Credentials: B.A., ARCT (in Flute), ARCT (in Piano)

Photo of Cecilia Deng
Cecilia Deng
Piano, Vocal

Cecilia has over 15 years of experience in teaching piano and singing to young children and adults. She began to learn piano at the age of 5 and vocal at 12. She holds a Master of Early Childhood Teaching from the University of South Australia, a Master of Translation and Interpreting from the Macquarie University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Vocal Performance from the Xinghai Conservatory of Music.

Cecilia comes from an extremely musical family and music has always been a prominent part of her family’s life. Having worked across Canada, Australia and China as a music teacher, she prepares students in classical and folk music, and her approach combines both classical and contemporary techniques. She ensures students find the incredible joy that comes with playing piano, singing and performing while learning excellent techniques that enable them to tackle any music piece of any genre. She tailors a unique plan for each student in order to achieve their goals.

Credentials: M. ECT., M.T&I., B. Mus.

Photo of Diana Goutkin
Diana Goutkin
Piano

Diana graduated from the Moscow State Music College and completed her Bachelor of Arts in the Moscow Pedagogical University. She developed her pedagogical approach in Canada through the study of various teaching methods such as Suzuki, Yamaha, and Carl Orff.

With over 15 years of teaching experience, Diana strives to help students build their technical ability and instil a variety of musical knowledge. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of creativity and passion in music playing.

Diana’s students received excellent results in various Music Festivals and RCM Exams:
2019 – North York Music Festival, Piano Level 2 ~ 3rd Place
2019 – RCM Piano Level Prep A ~ First Class Honours with Distinction, 94%
2019 – RCM Piano Level Prep B ~ First Class Honours with Distinction, 97%
2018 – North York Music Festival, PIano Level Prep B ~ 1st & 2nd place

Credentials: B.A.

Photo of Angel He
Angel He
Piano

Angel holds a Bachelor of Music degree with Honours from the Faculty of Music of the University of Toronto, specializing in the Music Education program, majoring in Piano. Angel’s interests in her undergraduate education remained in music education, especially piano pedagogy. Throughout her studies at the University of Toronto, Angel received several Faculty of Music In-Course Scholarships and Awards. She was the recipient of the Kenneth and Helen Bray Scholarship in Music Education in 2013, the Percy Faith Award in 2014, and the William Croombs Memorial Scholarship in 2015.

Angel is enthusiastic about providing music education to people of all ages. She strikes a balance between supportive and challenging tones in her teaching to engage her students. She wants to share her love for music with others by helping her students achieve artistic excellence, stimulating imagination and creativity, ultimately promoting a lifelong relationship with music and a culture of music appreciation in her students. Outside of lessons, Angel is an accompanist on the organ at the Chinese Martyrs Catholic Church.

Credentials: B.Mus.

Photo of Stephen Ho
Stephen Ho
Piano

Stephen is an experienced and well-rounded musician. He graduated from the Hong Kong Baptist University with a Bachelor of Arts in Theory/Composition, a Master of Arts in Music Education, and obtained the Licentiate Performer’s Diploma (LTCL) from the Trinity College of Music in London. A member of the Ontario Registered Music Teacher’s Association (ORMTA) and the Canadian Federation of Music Teachers’ Associations (CFMTA), Stephen has been involved in the music field for over 20 years and many of his students are now in the music profession. His philosophy is to teach according to each student’s individual strengths and weaknesses, recognizing that everyone has different abilities in different areas. Stephen helps his students develop and refine their strengths to aim at perfection, while encouraging and assisting them to overcome their weaknesses.

Apart from teaching private piano, Stephen was a full time professional teaching staff at the Music Office of the Hong Kong Government for years where he taught musicianship, aural and theory classes from elementary to advanced grades, and accompanied various musical instruments and choirs. He was the manager and accompanist of the Music Office Youth Choir and currently conducts the Music Office Children’s Choir.

Stephen’s students attained awards from various music festivals:
2015 – The Kiwanis Music Festival, Piano Grade 2 ~ 1st Award | Grade 9 ~ 1st Award | Grade 10 ~ 3rd Award | Grade 6 ~ 3rd Award
2014 – Piano Level 9 ~ 3rd Award | Piano Level 5 ~ 1st Award

Credentials: B.A., M.A., LTCL

Photo of Eiko Hosaka
Eiko Hosaka
Violin

Born in Japan, Eiko started playing the violin at the age of 3, and received her Master of Music and Bachelor of Music from the Tokyo College of Music. She was awarded fellowship and scholarships from the Mozarteum International Summer Academy, the Symphony Orchestra Academy of the Pacific and the Asian Youth Orchestra respectively, and being chosen as a student for master classes conducted by the concertmasters of world renowned orchestras. She also took part in many recording projects.

Eiko has been a violinist of the Hong Kong Sinfonietta for over a decade and performed across the world at prestigious concert halls, including Carnegie Hall, La Maison Symphonique (Montreal), Taipei National Concert Hall (Taiwan), Takemitsu Memorial Hall (Japan), etc.

Eiko has more than 10 years of experience in teaching the violin. She teaches beginners from 3-year-old to university students. She uses the Suzuki method to teach the very young kids. Her students received excellent results in examinations and music competitions.

Credentials: M.M., B.M.

Photo of Andrew Hsu
Andrew Hsu
Violin

Andrew holds a Master of Music and a Bachelor of Music (with High Honors) in Violin Performance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States. He played in various performing groups and was the concertmaster of the University of Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra.

After graduation, Andrew joined the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, the training orchestra of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. On the other hand, as a music educator, Andrew was a member of the MusiCorps program of the Civic Orchestra. The goal of the program was to perform music and introduce the stringed instruments to the students of elementary and high schools.

Before coming to Canada, Andrew taught the violin in various secondary and primary schools, and the Music Office in Hong Kong. He also played in several orchestras including the Pan Asia Symphony Orchestra, the Hong Kong Strings and the City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong.

Credentials: M.Mus., B.Mus.

Photo of Gladys Hung
Gladys Hung
Piano

Gladys studied music at the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) in Toronto. Her teacher was Clifford Poole, a British-Canadian music teacher, composer, conductor and contributor to music. Gladys also studied piano pedagogy with renowned music teacher, Mrs Marina Geringas, and was deeply influenced by her disciplinary and creative approaches.

Gladys started teaching piano at Pro-Music since 1999. With over 30 years of successful teaching experience, Gladys has developed a very systemic approach in teaching little kids to read music.

Gladys’s students have received excellent results in RCM examinations and awards from various music competitions.

 

(Silver Medal – Student who obtained the highest mark in each level of RCM exam in Ontario)
2020 – RCM Level 3 Piano ~ First Class Honours with Distinction, 90%
2016 – Yip’s Music Festival, Piano Grade 3 ~ 3rd Place
2015 – Newmarket Lions Music Festival, Grade 8 ~ 1st Place | Level 6 ~ 1st & 3rd Place
2015 – Arts Richmond Hill Music Festival, Grade 9 ~ 2nd & 3rd Place | Grade 7 ~ 3rd Place
2014 – RCM Level 4 Piano ~ First Class Honours with Distinction, 91%
2013 – Arts Richmond Hill Music Festival, Grade 8 ~ 1st & 2nd Place | Grade 9 ~ 3rd Place |
2013 – Markham Music Festival, Grade 9 ~ 3rd Place | Grade 3 ~ 1st & 3rd Place
2013 – Yip’s Music Festival – Grade 3 ~ 3rd Place
2012 – Markham Music Festival, Grade 2 ~ 3rd Place | Grade 4 ~ 3rd Place
2012 – Newmarket Lions Music Festival, Grade 2 ~ 1st Place | Grade 3 ~ 1st Place
2012 – North York Music Festival, Prep B ~ 2nd & 3rd Place | Grade 6 ~ 1st Place
2011 – Newmarket Lions Music Festival, Grade 4 ~ Gold Award
2003 – RCM Piano Grade 3 ~ *Silver Medal
2000 – 2010 (see Pro-Music’s Newsletters)

Photo of Lydia Ip
Lydia Ip
Piano

Lydia developed a strong passion for music at a young age and decided to pursue study and a career in music. She graduated from the McMaster University with an Honours Bachelor of Music Degree at First Class standing, majoring in History and Theory. She received numerous scholarships for her academic excellence in those years.

Lydia started accompanying the church choir at the age of 14. She has been actively participating in church as a choir member, choir accompanist, congregation pianist and choir conductor. She was once a high school music teacher. With the love of working with children and the eagerness to explore further in the art of music, Lydia began to develop her profession as a piano teacher.

Lydia is a member of the Ontario Registered Music Teachers’ Association and the Ontario Music Educators’ Association. She loves to sing, and this passion for singing has kept her an active participant at the Alata Harmonia Chorus since its first concert in 2002.

Music Competitions & RCM Silver Medalists:
(Students who obtained the highest marks in each level of RCM examination in Ontario)
2016 – RCM First Class Honours with Distinction, Piano Grade 3 ~ 91%
2016 – North York Music Festival, Grade 5 ~ 1st & 3rd Place
2015 – Wishing Well Lions Music Scarborough, Grade 2 ~ 1st & 3rd Place
2014 – Yip’s Music Festival, Grade 1 ~ 2nd & 3rd Place
2014 – North York Music Festival, Grade 1 ~ 1st Place
2014 – CCC Toronto Piano Competition, Grade 1 ~ 3rd Award | Grade 3 ~ 1st Award | Grade 4 ~ 3rd Award
2013 – Arts Richmond Hill Music Festival, Grade 2 ~ 2nd Place | Grade 7 ~ 1st Place
2010 – RCM First Class Honours with Distinction, Piano Grade 3 ~ 90%
2003 – Grade 7 Silver Medal in Piano

Credentials: Hons.B.Mus.

Photo of Sofia Ip
Sofia Ip
Piano

Sofia received her Bachelor of Arts (specialized Honours in Music) from the York University. She also studied Piano Pedagogy with Mrs. Marina Geringas at the Royal Conservatory of Music.

Sofia loves working with children of all ages. She believes that though every child is born with talents, it is the teacher’s job to bring them out. She likes to draw inspiration from different methods to make her music lessons interesting and fun for children. She has attended workshops including the Suzuki Piano Method summer program, Margaret Huggett’s Orff workshop and Forrest Kinney’s workshop on piano improvisation.

Sofia’s students scored excellent results in RCM Exams and various Music Festivals:
2015 – First Class Honours with Distinction in RCM, Grade 4 piano ~ 90%
2015 – Arts Richmond Hill Music Festival, Piano Grade 6 ~ 1st Place | Grade 4 ~ 1st Place
2014 – York Region Music Celebration Festival, Piano Grade 3, 2nd Award
2013 – York Region Music Celebration Festival, Piano Grade 1, 1st & 3rd Award
2012 – York Region Music Celebration Festival, Piano Introductory, 1st & 2nd Award

Credentials: B.A., Specialized Honours In Music

Photo of Mira Jung
Mira Jung
Piano, Vocal

Mira’s first memory of music-making is when she was five years old, playing the ‘Flea Waltz’ on her cousin’s piano. At the age of ten, she became an accompanist for her music classes at her school and for weekly masses at a local church. Her love of music grew as she learned to play other instruments, which led her to earn a Bachelor of Music degree with Honours from the University of Toronto in Music Education.

Being a member of several choirs, Mira had pleasures and honours to perform at venues such as Koerner Hall, Roy Thomson Hall, and Lincoln Center.

As an active performer of piano and voice, Mira is very enthusiastic about passing on the joy of music-making to students of all ages. She strives to find different approaches for each student so that the learning is effective and pleasant.

Credentials: B.Mus. (Honours)

Photo of Natalie Ko
Natalie Ko
Piano

Natalie Ko is passionate about teaching music. She holds a Bachelor of Education, a Teacher Certificate in Music, a Piano Advanced Certificate and a Flute Certificate from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. After teaching in a secondary school, she became Director of Music at an elementary school where she worked closely with music teachers to lead school choirs, recorder bands, African and Chinese drum bands, piano groups, music festivals and competitions. She has lead students and choirs to participate in and win several music festivals and competitions. In the past 10 years, she has served as worship pianist, choir accompanist and choir conductor in church. She is currently completing the Piano Pedagogy Program.

Natalie actively prepares students for piano and theory examinations. Her extensive experiences and teaching skills enhance her students’ interest in music performance. She participates in piano teaching seminars to gain new techniques in performance, composition and teaching, and applies them to both private and classroom settings.

 

Natalie’s students attained excellent results in RCM examinations:
2020 – RCM First Class Honours with Distinction, piano level 2 ~ 91%
2020 – RCM First Class Honours with Distinction, piano level 4 ~ 90%
2019 – RCM First Class Honours with Distinction, piano level 1 ~ 91%

Credentials: B.Ed., Teacher Cert in Music, Advanced Cert (ABRSM)

Photo of York Koo
York Koo
Drum

York received his Bachelor of Fine Arts Honours degree specializing in Drumkit Performance from the York University where he studied intensively with Barry Romberg in Jazz Performance. Additionally, under the direction of Rick Lazar, he gained extensive knowledge and experience in a large variety of genres such as Brazilian and Afro-Cuban, in addition to Pop and Rock.

As a teacher, York strives to help students build a strong musical foundation in which they can confidently apply to any genre. He values students’ musical interests, but also inspires them to widen their horizons, and helps them develop their own sense of musicality and style.

In addition to teaching, York is actively performing across the GTA and is truly passionate about his music.

Credentials: B.F.A. (Honours)

Photo of Wayne Lai
Wayne Lai
Keyboard , Piano

Wayne Lai won numerous awards in piano competitions in Hong Kong and performed in Hong Kong City Hall when he was 10. His students have achieved excellent results in RCM examinations and in various music festivals. He is currently working towards his Associate of the Royal Conservatory of Music (ARCT) diploma for Teachers. He also studied piano pedagogy with renowned piano teacher Mrs. Marina Geringas at the Royal Conservatory of Music.

Wayne serves as church pianist, choir conductor and band leader at church. He is proficient in contemporary music arrangement and improvisation.

Wayne enjoys teaching students of all ages, not only to help them reach their academic goals, but also to cultivate their interest and appreciation for music. With over 10 years teaching experience, Wayne’s students have achieved excellent results in RCM examinations and won awards in various music festivals:

2019 – Yip’s Music Festival, Piano Level 9 ~ 3rd Place
2017 – The Kiwanis Music Festival, Piano Level 7 ~ 1st & 2nd Place
2015 – North York Music Festival, Piano Level 5 ~ 3rd Place
2014 – North York Music Festival, Piano Level 1 ~ 3rd Place
2013 – York Region Music Celebration Festival, Piano Age 16 & under ~ 1st Award
2010 – RCM First Class Honours with Distinction, Grade 3 ~ 90%

Credentials: BBA., RCM Advanced Specialist – Piano

Photo of Jaime Lau (Theory Assistant Teacher)
Jaime Lau, (Theory Assistant Teacher)
Piano, Theory

Jaime began her piano studies at the age of 5 and was a student of Ms. Shuk Han Yu, an Examiner of the Royal Conservatory of Music. At the Queen’s University, Jaime studied piano with Mr. Michel Szczesniak, Continuing Adjunct Lecturer in Piano (Keyboard).

As a young musician, Jaime actively involves in a variety of music groups. She was a member of the Toronto Children’s Chorus and has participated in school concert band as the flautist and clarinettist. She has also served as a singer and pianist in the worship team at her church.

As a graduate from the Queen’s University with a Bachelor of Music, Jaime aims to use her knowledge in music theory and piano pedagogy to ignite the enthusiasm for music in her students.

Credentials: B.Mus.

Photo of Simon Lau
Simon Lau
Violin

Born and raised in Hong Kong, Simon first discovered the joy of playing the violin at the age of 9. Under the tutelage of maestro Thomas Wang, Simon was considered a late starter by many, but quickly mastered the necessary skills and became one of the youngest members of the Hong Kong Youth Symphony Orchestra at the time. He subsequently became Concertmaster for the same orchestra and other ones as well.

At the age of 16, Simon organized his own chamber group “Bachanini” and won many awards at the Hong Kong School Music and Speech Festival. He was also one of the youngest violinists to have obtained the LRSM certification from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music in England.

After arriving in Canada, he had studied under many master violinists, including the late professor Eugene Kash of the Royal Conservatory of Music. Simon has been a member of several music organizations in Canada, including the York Symphony Orchestra.

Simon’s students scored excellent results in RCM exams and music festivals:
(Students who obtained the highest marks in each level of RCM examination in Ontario)
2019 – RCM First Class Honours with Distinction, Grade 2 ~ 90%
2014 – North York Music Festival, Grade 2 ~ 2nd Place
2013 – *RCM Gold Medalist, Grade 1 Gold Medal in Violin ~ 97%
2009 – RCM First Class Honours with Distinction, Grade 1 ~ 90% | Grade 1 ~ 91%

Credentials: B.Sc.

Photo of Francis Law
Francis Law
Er-Hu, Guitar, Ukulele

Francis studied classical and electric guitars at the age of 6 in Hong Kong and won the Hong Kong Schools Music Festival Classical Guitar Champion in 1984. He graduated from the Hong Kong Baptist University with Bachelor of Arts (Hons), major in Composition and Guitar.

In 1991, Francis joined the Hong Kong Television Broadcasts Ltd (TVB) as the Music Director that composed and arranged music theme songs and underscore for TV productions / drama episode series. Additionally, he has collaborated with various renowned singers / groups including Faye Wong, Leon Lai, Walkin Chau, Christopher Wong, Sammi Cheng, Hacken Lee, Shirley Kwan, Grasshopper, and Vivian Lai.

Francis is dedicated to music education. In Toronto, he was appointed by the Royal Conservatory of Music to give official review and comments for the launch of RCM 2004 & 2011 Guitar Syllabi – Grade 1-8 Repertoire and Studies Albums. He also participated in the Music Technology Research Project held by RCM at the Queen’s University and the Concordia University. Francis is also an active registered member of the Ontario Registered Music Teachers’ Association (ORMTA).

Francis’s students have won RCM Regional Silver/Gold Medals. Some of them had achieved full scholarship to study music in the University of Toronto and Humber College. Francis was awarded with RCM Teacher Certificate of Recognition for his student’s achievement as a Gold Medalist’s Teacher in Guitar.

Francis’ students scored excellent results in RCM exams and music festivals:
2022 – Grade 1 Gold Medal in Guitar
2021 – Charleston International Music Competition – Guitar (Champion)
2021 – Crescendo International Music Competition – Guitar (2nd place)
2021 – OMFA Ontario Music Festival Association Provincial Finals – Guitar (Champion)
2021 – Toronto Kiwanis Virtual Festival – Guitar (Champion-Gold)
2021 – Honours Award in 中央音樂學院 China Central Conservatory of Music Graded Exam (CCCM) – ErHu (2nd level)
2019 – Grade 2 Gold Medal in Guitar
2007 – Grade 7 Silver Medal in Guitar
2006 – Grade 6 Silver Medal in Guitar
2005 – Grade 5 Silver Medal in Guitar

Credentials: B.A.(Hons)
RCM Advanced Specialist — Guitar
RCM Intermediate Specialist — Guitar
RCM Elementary Specialist — Guitar

Photo of Joyce Lee
Joyce Lee
Violin

Joyce Lee is a violinist based in Toronto. She is a member of Sinfonia Toronto and Toronto Artist Symphony Orchestra (TASO). Before coming to Canada, she was a fellow and co-concertmaster in The Orchestra Now (TŌN) in New York. Joyce earned her Master’s Degree majoring in violin performance at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, where she studied with Austin Hartman. Born and raised in Hong Kong, she received her Bachelor of Arts in Music degree from The Chinese University of Hong Kong and her former teachers were Aimee Sung and Poon Ting Leung, Martin. As an orchestral musician, Joyce served as concertmaster for various orchestras in the past, including the Chung Chi Orchestra of CUHK; the Pro Arte Orchestra of Hong Kong; and the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of Hong Kong. She also performed internationally at the Pacific Music Festival and Asian Youth Orchestra. In year 2014, she got first place in the 7th Hong Kong Students Open Music Competition under the group of western instrument scholarship and she also won the golden prize under violin open class in the Hong Kong Bauhinia Cup String Competition. In the same year, she was awarded the Dr T H Yip Memorial Scholarship of E and R foundation. Joyce also obtained Trinity College London FTCL in violin performance a year after.

Apart from violin playing, Joyce is also interested in orchestral conducting. Her former teacher was Choi Ho Man and she gave her debut with the CUHK Student Orchestra in 2015. She also conducted the APSKT Alumni Symphony Orchestra in the same year. Outside of music, Joyce enjoys cooking and making desserts. She is also a fan of Korean television dramas.

Credentials: M.A, B.A., FTCL

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Luri Lee
Violin

Luri Lee (violin) has been praised for her “sensitive tone” and “emotionally powerful tuning” (The Calgary Herald). Appearing as soloist with the Royal Conservatory Orchestra and the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, Lee has performed throughout North America, Europe, and Asia as a soloist and chamber musician. At the Royal Conservatory in Toronto, Lee completed the prestigious Rebanks Family Fellowship and International Performance Residency. She joined pianist Stewart Goodyear in a Beethoven violin sonata cycle alongside world famous violinists Isabelle Faust and Leonidas Kavakos, and has also been featured on CBC Radio 2’s In Concert as a “Next! Artist”.

As a founding member of the Rolston String Quartet, she was awarded First Prize at the 12th Banff International String Quartet Competition, Grand Prize at the 31st Chamber Music Yellow Springs Competition, as well as the Astral Artists National Auditions. The quartet has performed at some of the most prestigious concert venues on the globe, including Carnegie Hall, the Louvre, Kennedy Center, Koerner Hall and Wigmore Hall.

Her diverse chamber music career has led to collaborations with many world-renowned artists such as Gil Kalish, Gary Hoffman, Cho-Liang Lin, Miguel Da Silva, and Jon Kimura Parker. Lee holds degrees from the University of Toronto, Glenn Gould School, Peabody Conservatory and Rice University. She plays on a Carlo Tononi violin kindly loaned to her through the Rolston family.

Credentials: M.M., B.M.

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Felicia Leo
Piano

Felicia obtained LTCL Teacher’s Diploma from the Trinity College of Music (London) in 1986. She is also a Certified Teacher of Yamaha Music Education. She taught at the Yamaha Music School for the Junior Music Course (JMC) with a focus on building interest towards music for young children.

Felicia is a dedicated music teacher who motivates children to find interest and fun in music. She is experienced in preparing students for the Royal Conservatory of Music (Canada), Trinity College of Music (London), Royal Schools of Music (London) and AMED Australian Board Examinations.

 

 

Felicia’s students scored excellent results in RCM exams and music festivals:
2020 – RCM First Class Honours with Distinction, Level 10 ~ 90%
2020 – Unionville Music Competition, Level 8 ~ 1st Place | Level 10 ~ 1st & 2nd Place
2019 – North York Music Festival, Level 2 ~ 2nd Place | Level 9 ~ 2nd Place | Level 8 ~ 2nd Place
2019 – The Kiwanis Music Festival, Level 3 ~ 2nd Place | Level 9 ~ 2nd & 3rd Place
2019 – Newmarket Lions Music Festival, Level 9 ~ 1st Place
2019 – Unionville Music Competition, Level 7 ~ 1st & 3rd Place | Level 8 ~ 2nd Place |Level 9, 2nd & 3rd Place | ARCT ~ 2nd Place | Level 10 ~ 3rd Place
2018 – The Kiwanis Music Festival, Level 8 ~ 1st Place | Level 8 ~ 1st & 2nd Place
2018 – Markham Music Festival, Level 8 ~ 3rd Place
2018 – North York Music Festival, Level 7 ~ 2nd Place | ARCT ~ 2nd & 3rd Place | Level 8 ~ 1st & 2nd Place
2017 – RCM First Class Honours with Distinction, Level 10 ~ 90%
2017 – North York Music Festival, Grade 5 ~ 1st Place | Grade 9 ~ 1st Place
2017 – Markham Music Festival, Grade 7 ~ 2nd Place | Grade 9 ~ 2nd Place | Grade 10 ~ 2nd Place | Grade 7 ~ 3rd Place
2017 – The Kiwanis Music Festival, Grade 8 ~ 3rd Place | Grade 7 ~ 1st & 2nd Place
2010-2016 – see more results from Pro-Music

Credentials: LTCL, ATCL.

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Susan Lin
Violin

As a nationally-recognized violinist, Susan holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from the Xinghai Conservatory of Music. She graduated with high standing and joined the Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra as a violinist. She participated in several important performances, winning critical acclaim.

Susan has over 30 years of teaching experience. Her students have received excellent results in the Royal Conservatory of Music examinations. Some of them were admitted to various youth orchestras in Toronto. Besides teaching, Susan is still actively participating in orchestral performances.

Credentials: B.A.

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Athena Lu
Piano

Athena Lu has been teaching the piano since the early 1980s. Formerly, she was a Yamaha music instructor and piano teacher at the Yamaha Music Foundation in Hong Kong. After moving to Toronto, she taught a variety of levels in different music schools.

Athena holds LTCL, the Piano Performer’s Certificate from the Trinity College of Music, London; Teacher Diploma of the Yamaha Teacher Grade Examination; and Diploma of JMC Teacher from Yamaha Canada. She graduated from the Ryerson Polytechnic University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Science.

Athena’s students scored excellent results in RCM Exams and various Music Festival: 
2019 – North York Music Festival, Level 6 ~ 2nd Place | Level 7 ~ 2nd Place | Level 8 ~ 3rd Place
2018 – North York Music Festival, Level 2 ~ 3rd Place | Level 6 ~ 3rd Place
2015 – North York Music Festival, Grade 1 ~ 2nd Place
2015 – Arts Richmond Hill Music Festival, Grade 2 ~ 2nd Place | Grade 8 ~ 3rd Place
2014 – Yip’s Music Festival, Grade 1 ~ 2nd Place

Credentials: B.Sc, LTCL, RCM Advanced Specialist – Piano

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Cindy Lu
Piano

Graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, Cindy joined the Pro-Music family in 2005. From beginner’s level to ARCT, Cindy is equipped to teach students of all ages with the promise of cultivating and enriching their lives with music. With over 30 years of teaching experience, a lot of students have achieved excellent and gratifying results under her guidance.

 

 

 
 

Cindy’s students scored excellent results in RCM Exams and various Music Festivals: 
2019 – Yip’s Music Festival, Level 7 ~ 3rd Place
2019 – North York Music Festival, Level 7 ~ 2nd Place
2018 – RCM First Class Honours with Distinction, Level 8 ~ 91%
2018 – North York Music Festival, Level 4 ~ 1st Place | Level 5 ~ 2nd Place | Level 6 ~ 1st Place
2017 – North York Music Festival, Level 4 ~ 3rd Place
2015 – North York Music Festival, Level 7 ~ 3rd Place
2015 – The Kiwanis Music Festival, Level 5 ~ 1st Award | Piano Solo – Chopin ~ 2nd Award
2014 – CCC Toronto Piano Competition, Grade 3 ~ 3rd Award
2014 – North York Music Competition, Grade 10 ~ 2nd & 3rd Place
2014 – York Region Music Celebration Festival, Grade 9 ~ 1st Award | Grade 4 ~ 2nd Award | Grade 8 ~ 2nd & 3rd Award | Grade 10 ~ 2nd Award
2013 – Markham Music Festival, Grade 3 ~ 3rd Place | Grade 7 ~ 1st & 2nd Place |
2013 – RCM First Class Honours with Distinction, Level 5 ~ 91%
2005-2012 – see more results from Pro-Music Newsletters

Credentials: B.A.

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Jennia Lutov
Piano

Jennia received the Bachelor of Music Degree, majoring in Piano Performance, from the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance. She also holds a Diploma for Teacher of Music and Education from the Pedagogical College of St. Petersburg, Russia.

Since her arrival in Canada in 2000, Jennia has been teaching piano to students of all grades. Her students have received First Class Honours in the Royal Conservatory of Music Examinations, and been awarded in lots of competitions.

 

 

Jennia’s students scored excellent results in RCM Exams and various Music Festivals:
2020 – RCM First Class Honours with Distinction, Level 9 Keyboard Harmony ~ 99%
2020 – OMFA 2020 Virtual Provincial Festival, Piano Level 6 ~ Honourable Mentioned
2020 – Unionville Music Academy Competition, Level 6 ~ 2nd Place
2019 – Yip’s Music Festival, Level 4 ~ 3rd Place | Level 1 ~ 3rd Place
2019 – The Kiwanis Music Festival, Level 5 ~ 2nd & 3rd Award
2018 – Unionville Music Academy Competition, Level 1 ~ 1st Place
2018 – North York Music Festival, Level 3 ~ 3rd Place
2017 – Pickering GTA Music Festival, ARCT ~ 2nd Place | Grade 8 Chopin ~ 2nd Place
2017 – North York Music Festival, Prep Level ~ 2nd Place
2017 – Newmarket Lions Music Festival, Prep Duet ~ 1st Place | Trios Level 2 ~ 1st Place | Duet Level 6 ~ 3rd Place
2016 – Yip’s Music Festival, Grade 1 ~ 1st, 2nd & 3rd Place | Grade 8 ~ 3rd Place | Grade 9 ~ 3rd Place
2013-2015 – see Pro-Music Newsletter for more results

Credentials: B.Mus. Teacher’s Dip.

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James Mak
Guitar, Ukulele

James holds a Bachelor of Arts from York University. He also studied the Jazz Music Program in Humber College. For years, he has performed guitar live with numerous renowned artists. Beside, he had also collaborated with famous music producers, like Tony-A and Andrew Tuason, in concerts throughout Canada and U.S.A. James has over 20 years of experience in teaching guitar.

James was designated as the adjudicator of various music competitions:
~ The 3rd and 5th Canadian Chinese Songwriting Contests
~ 2010 to 2012 – Toronto New Talent Singing Awards

His students achieved excellent results in the RCM exams and music competitions:
2019 – North York Music Festival, Guitar Level 5 ~ 1st Place

RCM National Gold Medalists:
(Students who obtained the highest marks in each level of RCM examination in Canada)
2021-22 – Level 5 Gold Medal in Guitar

RCM Regional Gold Medalists:
(Students who obtained the highest marks in each level of RCM examination in Ontario)
2021-22 – Level 5 Gold Medal in Guitar

Credentials: B.A.

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Karin Mak
Piano

Karin graduated from the Hong Kong Baptist University, majored in Music Education. She holds the Licentiate Diploma (LTCL) in Piano Performance and Associate Diploma (ATCL) in Vocal Performance from the Trinity College of Music, London. She taught music in day school, and conducted children’s choir and chamber group. She has also performed in piano recitals presented by the Urban Council of Hong Kong.

With over 30 years of experience in piano teaching in Hong Kong and Canada, Karin takes students of all ages from beginner to advanced levels. She prepares her students for the Royal Conservatory of Music examinations.

 

 

Karin’s students achieved excellent results in the examinations and outstanding awards in various competitions:
2018 – North York Music Festival, Level 5 ~ 2nd & 3rd Place
2017 – The Kiwanis Music Festival, Level 2 ~ 2nd Place
2015 – The Kiwanis Music Festival, Grade 6 ~ 3rd Place | Grade 1 ~ 1st & 2nd Award
2015 – York Region Music Celebration Festival, Grade 1 ~ 1st Place
2014 – The Kiwanis Music Festival, Grade 8 ~ 3rd Award
2013 – Arts Richmond Hill Music Festival, Grade 8 ~ 1st Place

Credentials: B.Ed., LTCL, ATCL.

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Cherry Ng
Piano

Cherry holds an Honors Bachelor degree of Arts (Music) from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, the LTCL Performer’s Diploma in Piano from Trinity College of London, and the Certificate of teaching from the Royal Schools of Music, UK. She also holds a Bachelor degree of Science, specializing in Actuarial Science from the University of Toronto.

Having over 20 years of teaching experience, Cherry is passionate in all kinds of music ranging from Classical to modern Jazz. Cherry is an active church pianist, giving music services in some mega churches in Hong Kong. Cherry persists in balancing between music enjoyment and technique, and believes a good foundation enables students to sustain their lifelong music journey. Her strength is to teach students according to their ages, abilities and characters, recognizing their strengths and weaknesses, exploring their possibilities and open their mind to the world of music.

Credentials: B.Sc., B.A.(Hons), LTCL

2021 Hong Kong Music Festival, Grade 3 – 3rd place
2021 Hong Kong Asia-Pacific Youth Piano Competition, Grade 2 – 3rd place
2021 ABRSM Theory Grade 5 – Distinction
2021 ABRSM Grade 8 – Merit
2021 ABRSM Grade 7 – Merit
2021 ABRSM Grade 4 – Distinction, Merit

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Laura Pashanov
Piano

Laura received her Masters Degree and Bachelor’s Degree from the Niznyi Novgorod State Conservatory, Moscow Pedagogical Institute and Moscow Gnessin School of Music in Russia. When studying her Masters Degree in the Central Music School of Moscow State Conservatory, Laura had a good opportunity to be the Assistant of Anna Danilovna Artobolevskaja, from whom she learned the outstanding and unique method of teaching young musicians.

Laura was also the co-writer of the Treatise of Piano Instruction “Pervaya Vstrechas Musikoy” (First Meet with Music). This instruction book is still widely used and published today.

With over 25 years of teaching experience, Laura’s students received Top Prize at the International World Piano Competition in Cincinnati; First Prize at the Cresendo International Music Competition with performance at the Carnegie Hall, New York; First Prize at the National Finals of the Canadian Music Competition; Silver Tray Intermediate Piano Trophy Final Winner and Rose Bowl Senior Piano Trophy at the Toronto Kiwanis Music Festival; Best Festival Trophy at the Yip’s and Markham Music Festivals as well as the CCC Music Competition.

2020 – Unionville Music Academy Competition, Provincial Piano Inter Concerto ~ 2nd Place
2019 – Markham Music Festival, Level 8 ~ 3rd Place
2019 – Yip’s Music Festival, Level 9 ~ 3rd Place
2019 – Unionville Music Academy Competition, Level 3 ~ 1st Place | Level 10 ~ 3rd Place | Level 7 ~ 2nd Place
2018 – The Kiwanis Music Festival, Level 9 ~ 3rd Place
2018 – Markham Music Festival, Level 3 ~ 1st Place
2018 – North York Music Festival, Level 4 ~ 3rd Place

Credentials: M.A.,B.A.

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Abigail Poon
Music Adventure, Music Development, Piano

Abigail is an enthusiastic young musician with an ARCT both in piano and violin. She graduated from the Arts Unionville at Unionville High School with the Melody Adams Award, and earned The Most Valuable Performer Award for the Arts Unionville Strings Orchestra in which she served as the concertmaster. She is now studying at Toronto Metropolitan University in pursuit of her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Professional Music (Hons.), the very first program of its kind in Canada which focuses on the modern music industry.

Abigail began learning the piano at the age of 6 under Ms. Shuk Han Yu, and the violin sib after under Ms. Emily Hau. She has had various experiences accompanying for her church’s choir and worship team, as well as composing, producing and recording original music.

Abigail is excited about helping students find satisfaction in learning and creating music. She believes that music can enrich the lives of budding musicians when they experience music in a fun and engaging way, without lacking the equal importance of discipline and diligence.

Credentials: ARCT

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Kenneth Sin
Flute, Theory

Kenneth is an experienced orchestra player, chamber musician and teacher. He has played in various orchestras during his years of study, including Amadeus Summer Orchestra, Welsh Chamber Chorus and Orchestra, New Hong Kong Philharmonia, Viva Chamber Orchestra and the Inheritage Philharmonic. He has formed the Odyssey Trio with Kenny Lim and Meiyi Yip from Malaysia in 2019 to give chamber recitals. In 2020, Kenneth founded FulooFuloo Flute Quartet with other three local flautists.

After graduating from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, under the tutelage of Ms Ivy Chuang, Kenneth furthered his study at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, where he studied with MsSarah Newbold, Mr Matthew Featherstone, Ms Elizabeth Ma and Mr Andrew Lane. He attained his Master Degree in Music in Flute Performance with Merits in 2019.

Treasuring every opportunity to learn from famous flautists worldwide, Kenneth has been admitted to international flute summer schools and festivals. He has complemented his studies with master-classes from world-class flautists including DnisBouriakov, Seiya Ueno, Loic Schneider, Philippa Davies, Paul Edmund-Davis, Aldo Baerten and Sebastian Jacot. Kenneth furthers his flute study with Mr. Brian Chan.

As a devoted educator, Kenneth was one of the flute instructors at Hong Kong Harmonious Wind Ensemble and Hong Kong Wind Ensemble Summer Camp.During his study in Cardiff, Kenneth volunteered to take part as a tutor in the outreach program organized by BBC National Orchestra of Wales.

Credentials: M.Mus., B.S.Sc, ATCL

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Daniel Smith
Clarinet, Flute, Recorder, Saxophone

Daniel studied under Robert Riseling of the University of Western Ontario during his high school years. After winning the Golden Reed Award in 1992 at Music Fest Canada (as the top clarinet player in the high school ranking), he received a full scholarship to attend the Arizona State University and study under Robert Spring for a Bachelor of Music in Clarinet Performance.

After then, Daniel worked at the University of Memphis as a Teaching Assistant and completed his Masters in Clarinet Performance. While at Memphis, he opened his own clarinet studio and played regularly in the professional musical community. Since leaving Memphis and returning to Canada in 1999, Daniel has played professionally and taught woodwinds at Pro-Music, helping students progress from making their first sounds to receiving scholarships at universities.

Daniel is an accomplished player on clarinet, flute, and saxophone. His students succeed in many endeavours including the Royal Conservatory of Music examinations, Arts York auditions and university entrances.

2017 – Ontario Provincial Honour Band ~ Clarinet
2016 – Ontario Provincial Honour Band ~ First Clarinet | ~ Bass Clarinet
2015 – Denis Wick Canadian Wind Orchestra | York Region Enrichment Band
2014 – York University ~ Music Education, major in flute
2013 – Received $3000 scholarship from York University for Music Education
2013 – Principal Chair in Ontario Provincial Honour Band
2012 – Arts Unionville ~ Clarinet | University of Ottawa ~ Clarinet & Music Education
2011 – Received $2400 scholarship from University of Toronto for Music Education |York University ~ Music Composition | University of Toronto |Laurentian University
2010 – Ontario Provincial Honour Band ~ Clarinet
2010 – University of Western Ontario ~ Clarinet
2008 – Arts York ~ Clarinet
2007 – University of Toronto, Music Department

Credentials: M.Mus., B.Mus.

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Loo Tsai
Violin

Loo Tsai began his musical studies, taking up the violin at the age of six. In 1990, he was admitted to The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts as a violin major. He graduated with a Bachelor of Music and Professional Diploma in Performing Arts. During his studies, he was awarded the Ruggiero Ricci Violin Performance Merit-Award and the Exxon Energy Student Foundation Scholarships.

Tsai has given recitals and concerts as a solo performer as well as chamber musician, and joined various orchestras in concert tours. He has been a violin player of the Hong Kong Sinfonietta for more than 20 years and served as the Assistant Second Violin Principal.

As a teacher, Tsai has over 30 years of experience teaching both private lessons and in-school group instrumental classes. His students had very good results at violin examinations and music competitions. Besides teaching, Tsai also conducts strings ensemble and orchestra.

Credentials: Prof. Dip., B.M.

Students’ Achievements:
2022 – RCM Exams – Level 9 (Honour with Distinction) – 91%
2022 – Trinity College London – Student attained LTCL Diploma
2022 – Student was accepted to Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra

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Dr. Nancy Tye
Piano

Nancy holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy with top honours from the University of Oklahoma, one of the prestigiousfull-fledged pedagogy institutions in the United States. She studied under the tutelage of internationally-renowned pedagogues including Dr. E. L. Lancaster, Dr. Jane Magrath and Dr. Andrew Cooperstock. Nancy has a diverse background as a performer, teacher, accompanist, adjudicator and workshop clinician in Canada, United States and Asia.

As a prominent pedagogue, Nancy’s vast teaching experience spans over 25 years, having taught students of all ages and levels privately and at various colleges and institutions. Her students have frequently won scholarships and awards in music festivals and competitions and have been invited to perform in the Winners Gala Concerts. They have coveted exceptional results including First Class Honours with Distinction and Gold & Silver Medals in the RCM piano and theory examinations.

Nancy is a member of the College of Examiners at the Royal Conservatory of Music, and Elementary, Intermediate andAdvanced Specialist in Piano, Music Theory and History. She was awarded the 2016 Steinway & Sons Top Music Teacher Award and Steinway Piano Gallery of Toronto Certificate of Appreciation.

Nancy teaches in various genres comprising classical, light classical, popular, contemporary, jazz, religious and improvisational styles. She is also a versatile performer in improvisation. She teaches comprehensive RCM theoretical subjects as well as general musicianship, music appreciation and piano literature.

Credentials: D.Mus.A., M.Mus., B.Mus., LRSM

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Joe Varga
Cello, Flute, Recorder, Trumpet, Violin

Joe began studying the violin in 1970 and trumpet in 1972. He also studied the piano. He has more than 45 years of teaching experience. He prepares students for the Royal Conservatory of Music examinations, university entrance and auditions.

Besides teaching, Joe has been in the musical products industry for nearly 40 years. His main field of interest in this area is repairs and restoration of the stringed instruments.

In all aspects of his musical career, Joe has held high standards of quality and professionalism, and endeavoured to impart such attitudes to his students so that they may excel at their own pursuits.

RCM Gold Medalist
(Students who obtained the highest marks in each level of RCM examination in Ontario)
2017 – Level 3 Gold Medal in Violin ~ 93%

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Karen Wong
Music Adventure, Music Development, Piano

Karen Wong holds a Master of Music in Piano Performance and Pedagogy, and an Honors Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from the University of Toronto. She was the recipient of the Ann D. Sutton scholarship award in 2019. Karen received her ARCT Diploma with First Class Honor under the tutelage of the highly respected pedagogue Aster Lai. Karen was the recipient of multiple top awards from competitions, include the Asian Pacific Piano Competition and Toronto Kiwanis Music Festival.

Following her passion in music, Karen has thoroughly enjoyed teaching music in private and group setting over the past years. She believes that students learn best when they enjoy what they do, and her goal is to share with them the music charm as well as develop creative power and individuality in their musical journeys.

Credentials: M.Mus., B.Mus., ARCT

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Marco Wong
Clarinet, Saxophone

Marco is currently studying Saxophone Performance at the University of Toronto with Dr. Wallace Halladay. Growing up listening to classical albums, Marco has always had an ear for music. His first encounter with a musical instrument was at the age of 5, when he started the violin, later picking up the saxophone at the age of 12 and the guitar at 15.

Marco had previously studied with teachers at Pro-Music, Daniel Smith and Joe Varga. He has played in several groups such as the Toronto Youth Wind Orchestra, the Ontario Provincial Honour Band, and the Canadian Wind Orchestra. He has also worked with many notable musicians including Maestro Colin Clarke, Robert Sheldon, Carolyn Barber, and John Mackey, to name a few. Some of his musical appearances include Orchestra Hall in Chicago, New York’s prestigious Carnegie Hall, and Massey Hall and the CBC’s Glenn Gould Studio, both in Toronto. He has also performed solos in various events such as political charity dinners, fundraisers, recitals, weddings, and even street performances a few times.

Marco enjoys spending time giving back to the community by volunteering for many charities and not-for-profit organizations. He has served once a week every winter for the last 5 years volunteering at Out of the Cold, a program for the homeless, with an aim to keep homeless people off the freezing streets of the Greater Toronto Area.

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Rachel Wu
Piano

Rachel is both a solo pianist and an accompanist for singer, choir and chamber groups. She received a diploma from the National Taiwan Academy of Arts (majoring in piano), ARCT Associate Diplomas for Piano Teaching and Performance in Toronto, and a Certificate of Piano Superieur and Professional study in Performance and Chamber Music from Paris, France. She has also obtained certificates for the Kodaly, Orff, and Dalcroze pedagogical trainings in Toronto.

Rachel has been teaching piano and theory in Taiwan, France and Canada for over 20 years. Students received numerous prizes in music competitions:

2020 – The Best of Scarborough Music Festival
2019 – Chopin Trophy from Unionville Music Festival
2019 – OMFA Final Diploma, Third Place
2018 – OMFA Final Grade 10, First Place

RCM Gold Medalist:
(Students who obtained the highest marks in each level of RCM examination in Ontario)
2017 – Level 8 Gold Medal in Piano (student received $150 scholarship from RCM)

Credentials: B.Mus., ARCT (Piano Pedagogy), ARCT (Piano Performance)

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Jonathan Yuen
Violin

Jonathan started learning the violin at the age of six under Chu-Tung Lo in the Junior Associate Program of The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. As a teenager player, he won numerous prizes in music competitions, including the Sandra Wagstaff String Concerto Competition of the Hong Kong Schools Music Festival.

After receiving his Bachelor Degree in Violin Performance from the University of Michigan under Andrew Jennings, he was awarded a scholarship to study violin performance in the Graduate School of the Northwestern University, where he was guided by Blair Milton, a violin player at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and received his Master of Music. During his years in the United States, Jonathan has played in some of the best training orchestras in North America, including the National Repertory Orchestra and the Civic Orchestra of Chicago.

Jonathan started his music career as a Tutti Violin at the Hong Kong Sinfonietta. He was appointed the Founding Concertmaster of the Hong Kong String Orchestra in 2013, and has played in the City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong, where he acted as the Associate Concertmaster and Second Principal for multiple times. In addition, he has involved in many pop concerts, recording sessions and commercial gigs.

Jonathan has been teaching the violin for more than 15 years. He taught private lessons, as well as primary and secondary school group classes. Most of his students got distinctions or merits in the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) Violin examinations. His students also won numerous prizes in violin competitions in Hong Kong and other places.

Credentials: M.M., B.M.

Photo of Jennifer Yung
Jennifer Yung
Piano

Jennifer started teaching piano at Pro-Music since 2001. With extensive experience, her students have received excellent results in the Royal Conservatory of Music Examinations with First Class Honours with Distinction, and First Class Honours. Also, her students have won awards in various music festivals, including the Arts Richmond Hill Music Festival and York Region Music Celebration Music Festival.

Jennifer studied Piano Pedagogy with renowned piano teacher, Mrs Marina Geringas. In order to engage students’ mind and body while playing music, she also learned the Orff Approach from Mrs Margaret Huggett. Jennifer is also active in participating different piano workshops and master classes.

Jennifer’s student attained excellent results in RCM examinations:
2023 – RCM First Class Honours with Distinction, Level 4 ~ 92%
2023 – RCM First Class Honours with Distinction, Level 2 ~ 91%

Credentials: B.A.

Photo of Mandy Zhao
Mandy Zhao
Violin

Mandy received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from the Xinghai Conservatory of Music in Guangzhou, China, majoring in Violin Performance. After graduation, she was appointed as the Associate Concertmaster of the Pearl River Film Orchestra.

After Mandy moved to Canada, she joined the National Academy Orchestra of Canada based in Hamilton. Besides performing, she is also an experienced violin teacher. Her students, ranging from beginner to ARCT levels, not only excel in the Royal Conservatory of Music Examinations but also appreciate music very much.

Mandy’s student attained excellent results in RCM examinations:
2013 – RCM First Class Honours, ARCT ~ 86%
2013 – Student was accepted to Arts Unionville
2013 – Student was accepted to University of Toronto, major in Violin Performance
2012 – RCM First Class Honours, ARCT ~ 88%
2008 – RCM First Class Honours with Distinction, ARCT ~ 91%

Credentials: B.A.