Bio

I am a pianist, collaborative pianist, and music educator living and teaching in Vancouver, British Columbia.  I am a Registered Music Teacher (RMT) under the British Columbia Registered Music Teachers’ Association, and a member of the Canadian Federation of Music Teachers’ Association.

I have been involved in the Classical music scene for more than 30 years, with over 20 years of teaching experience.  As a pianist, I strive to understand the musical element, nuance, and context of every piece I play, and as a piano teacher, I encourage my students to grow the same appreciation and understanding for the music they play.

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​The majority of my music education was completed through the Royal Conservatory of Music, where I had the privilege of studying under an instructor from the Associated Board of the Royal School of Music whose teaching reflected intense and comprehensive Classical methodologies that are typical of traditional European training.  Learning from someone who was a part of one of the world’s leading music exam boards, I began early in my piano career to focus on technical precision and dexterity, and recognized that skill development is closely tied to kinesthetic awareness between the pianist and the instrument.  As a performer and a teacher, I also continue to focus on using creative listening to enhance and achieve the highest standards in performance artistry.

Upon receiving my Associate Diploma of Royal Conservatory in Piano Performance, I continued to study under England’s London examination board.  Through this, I have also completed advanced training in professional performance, receiving an Associate Diploma in Pianoforte Performance, an Associate Diploma in Pianoforte Pedagogy, and a Licentiate Diploma in Pianoforte Performance from the London College of Music at the University of West London.

In 2015, I was invited by the Royal Conservatory of Music to become, and subsequently designated as, an Advanced Specialist in Piano, with senior-level expertise in piano education. I was also awarded the distinction of Advanced Specialist in Music Theory, for my years of experience teaching advanced harmony, composition, music analysis, and music history.

Throughout my career, I have performed in many concerts and recitals, and have won top awards in music competitions such as the Kiwanis Music Festival, the Collage Festival, Performer’s Guild Association Festival, Burnaby Clef Music Festival, and more. Since stepping away from performances and competitions, I have dedicated myself to teaching privately in my two studios.

In addition to maintaining active piano studios, I am a professional collaborative pianist, an accompanist for the Vancouver Kiwanis Music Festival, and I also work with various professional musicians around the world.

I am a current and founding member of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra’s Stradivarious Legacy Circle, which was established in 2013 to recognize individuals who have made arrangements to leave a planned gift to the Vancouver Symphony Foundation.

I also hold a Masters Degree from the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom.  When I am not teaching or playing music, I enjoy running, exercising, baking, reading fiction novels, DIY projects, and spending time with all my nephew and nieces.

Teaching Info

STUDIOS & TERMS

Piano lessons are held in either one of my two studios, and students are welcome to learn in the location closest to them.  My studios are located in Vancouver and Coquitlam.

I have three terms set up throughout the year:
·       Fall Term – September to January
·       Spring Term – February to June
·       Summer Term – July & August (Optional)

Summer and winter breaks are scheduled into the Fall and Summer Terms, each between two to five weeks long.  Students who wish to continue lessons through the breaks for special circumstances are welcome to upon discussion and mutual agreement.

TEACHING METHODS

I welcome beginner, intermediate, and advanced level students to my studios, and meet potential new students for an initial interview and audition.  I tailor each lesson plan based on the Royal Conservatory of Music and the London College of Music curricula, the goals of the student, and their musical interests.

My teaching methods are centred on helping students achieve technical excellence, as well as artistic development.  During lessons, I help students focus on:
·       playing with clear musical intonation and intention
·       learning to control the touch, pressure, and tone of each note
·       helping students listen to their own music to self-correct errors and recognize areas for improvement
·       emphasizing sight reading and musicianship
·       pursuing, challenging, and expanding skills to achieve the next level of technical playing

As a piano teacher, I aim to help students not only acquire a strong basic foundation for playing proficiently, but to also understand the musical elements and context of every piece they learn.  Above all, I encourage students to appreciate and enjoy the music they play.

New students are currently being accepted.  Contact me to schedule an interview and audition.