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Photo of Elliot Barenthin (B.Mus. Candidate)
Elliot Barenthin, (B.Mus. Candidate)
Piano, Theory

Elliott has been playing piano since he was 4 years old. He has had a love for jazz even in his early years studying the Royal Conservatory of Music program.

During his high school years, he shared his love for jazz with audiences through various solo and ensemble performances. He was the pianist for the King City Secondary School Jazz Improv Combo Ensemble (invited in grade 8), a guest performer at Michelle Mele’s Inaugural Sunburst Festival, the Friday night pianist at Port Soire, Schomberg, ON and volunteered to play the piano at Hogan’s Inn Restaurant, King City, ON on Friday nights (grade 8).

Elliott never passes up the opportunity to play a piano, including airports and underground parking garages (yes, they can be found in Europe!).

Prior to the pandemic, Elliott provided weekly entertainment at a local retirement residence where he had a regular audience. Now that pandemic restrictions have lifted, he has returned and can be heard in the atrium every Sunday afternoon.

Elliott formed the 6 Feet Apart TRIO in the winter of 2020 and performed at the 2021 Toronto Undergraduate Jazz Festival and was the pianist in the Maddie Zeidenberg Jazz Band, also performers at the Toronto Undergraduate Jazz Festival in 2020. He was the pianist for the Toronto All Star Big Band in 2021-2022.

Elliott has studied under Amanda Tosoff, Richard Whiteman, Mark Eisenman, Adrean Farrugia. He is currently studying under Hannah Barstow in the Jazz Performance Program at the University of Toronto.

Photo of Hadara Jacoby (B.Ed.Mus.)
Hadara Jacoby, (B.Ed.Mus.)
Piano, Theory

Hadara started taking piano lessons at the age of 5, and went on to obtain a Bachelor of Education in Music from the Jerusalem Academy of Music. For 13 years, Hadara worked as a piano teacher at Forte Music School in Oak Ridges, where she enjoyed sharing her passion for music with students of all ages. Throughout the years, Hadara proudly watched her students grow and develop their musical skills, participate in recitals, and excel at RCM exams. Since 2010, Hadara has also been working as a piano accompanist for the Evergreen Choir in Aurora, under the direction of Dr. Richard Heinzle.

Photo of Svitlana Khruslova (B.Mus.)
Svitlana Khruslova, (B.Mus.)
Piano

Svitlana Khruslova is a classically trained pianist, teacher, and accompanist with over 25 years of musical expertise. Born and educated in Kharkiv, Ukraine, she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance, Pedagogy, and Concertmaster studies in 1994.

After beginning her teaching career in Ukraine, Svitlana immigrated to Canada with her husband in 1997. In Canada, she worked as an accompanist for renowned vocal teacher David Varjabed and the Armenian Choir, participating in numerous performances. Since 1998, Svitlana has shared her passion for music through teaching at various institutions, including Musical World in Scarborough, where she still teaches today, and Wonder Arts in Richmond Hill from 2018-2019.

Svitlana’s students have consistently achieved outstanding results, with a significant number earning Honours and Distinction in their exams.

Photo of Irina Kremer (M.Mus., B.Mus.)
Irina Kremer, (M.Mus., B.Mus.)
Piano

Irina received her Bachelor’s in Music with Honours in Piano pedagogy at Moscow College of Music with further graduate studies at Saratov State Conservatory, earning her Master’s degree in piano pedagogy.

Irina has been teaching piano for all ages and levels for over 25 years and very passionate about sharing her knowledge with her students. Irina’s teaching approach to motivate and inspire her students helping them to reach their potential and achieve an excellent results on RCM exams

Photo of Davina Lee (A.R.C.T., B.Comm.)
Davina Lee, (A.R.C.T., B.Comm.)
Music Adventure, Piano, Theory

Davina holds an ARCT in Piano Performance.  She also studied piano pedagogy with Mrs. Marina Geringas at the Royal Conservatory of Music, and the Orff Method with Mrs. Margaret Huggett.

Davina is a co-founder of the Music Clubhouse and Music Adventure programs.  She loves teaching children and puts great emphasis in making her lessons fun and enjoyable.  She also serves as organist at her local church.

Photo of Kristal Lee (B. Mus., A.R.C.T.)
Kristal Lee, (B. Mus., A.R.C.T.)
Clarinet, Piano

Kristal holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education with a major in clarinet at the University of Toronto. She studied clarinet with Stephen Pierre and now studies with Richard Thomson. Presently, she is also an ARCT piano performance candidate, studying under Glenn Gould School instructor, Lang-Ning Liu.

Kristal began her musical studies with piano lessons at the age of 5, and has since developed an appreciation for music. As a piano accompanist, she has played at churches, recitals and weddings. At the age of 11, she began to learn the clarinet and was a member of the 2017 and 2018 Ontario Provincial Honour Band.

In the summers of 2017 and 2018, Kristal was a teacher assistant at Pro Music’s summer camp. There, she was able to help many children discover music for the first time, such as playing their first notes on an instrument. It brings her so much joy to see children develop their passion and explore the world of music.

Kristal enjoys teaching a variety of musical styles, from classical to pop to contemporary Christian music. Furthermore, she uses many different approaches to teach students of all ages and backgrounds.

Photo of Abby Leung (A.R.C.T. candidate)
Abby Leung, (A.R.C.T. candidate)
Piano
Abby has been playing the piano since she was five years old. Trained by a musicologist who has obtained a PhD in music, Abby is currently trying to achieve her ARCT in piano performance. Abby’s teaching style combines classical technique and fundamentals with improvisation, and she is dedicated to making lessons interesting and engaging for new piano learners, and focuses mainly on basic techniques in the piano that can be used going forward to a higher level of piano playing. She can also help young children create a path of where their piano playing will take them in the future, and helps them develop musicality. Abby is an enthusiastic teacher who is passionate about sharing her knowledge of music with her students. She encourages her students to explore and develop their own unique musical styles and to have fun while doing so.
Photo of Tatyana Mirzoyan (M.A., B.A.)
Tatyana Mirzoyan, (M.A., B.A.)
Piano

Tatyana has 20 years of experience as a teacher and an accompanist. She possesses strong knowledge of classical, romantic and modern music that she has successfully instructed students of various age groups. Her professional studies started in the Sayat-Nova State Music School after which she was accepted in the Arno Babadjanian State Music College. She continued her studies in the Armenian State Pedagogical University and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Music with specialization as a Choir Director. In 1989, Tatyana received her Bachelor and Masters Degree in Yerevan State University with specialization in Piano Performance. She also received qualification to teach music at the college and university level. She remained teaching university students and conducting extensive research of Methods in Music Pedagogy for public school systems. She commuted to and from Gertzen’s University and St. Petersburg where she participated in conferences and gained extensive knowledge in various disciplines of Pedagogy. Currently, Tatyana works as a Piano Instructor and Accompanist as well as adjudicates at festivals and competitions. Tatyana is very passionate about working with students and sharing her knowledge of music. Many of her students achieved great results and have gone on to receive ARCT diplomas. Tatyana has worked at many churches where she has accompanied choirs and musical ensembles.

Photo of Jason Ng (M.Mus., A.R.C.T.)
Jason Ng, (M.Mus., A.R.C.T.)
Piano

Jason’s musical background consists of an ARCT in piano performance and a Master of Music specializing in music technology and digital media from the University of Toronto. He has a decade of experience teaching piano and music to students of all ages and of diverse backgrounds and special needs.

As a music teacher, he genuinely believes that the primary role is to inspire passion in students by exposing them to music’s expressive powers, how deeply entrenched music is within culture and the human psyche, and how emotionally and intellectually rewarding it can be to make music. With that as a foundation, he proceeds to teaching technical proficiency and exploring a repertoire of interest.

As a composer and audio engineer, his work focuses on the intersection of digital media, electronic synthesis, and acoustic sound recording. He has produced music and sound effects for a variety of projects, from indie films and video games to internet ads to web series. He has also produced and engineered a number of small-ensemble jazz and classical studio recordings.  Website: http://www.jasonhmng.ca

Photo of Dr. Hanna Noh (PhD.Mus., M.Mus)
Dr. Hanna Noh, (PhD.Mus., M.Mus)
Violin, Piano

Hanna is a professional violinist (Master’s and Doctoral degrees) and pianist (Diploma) from Muenster and Essen, Germany.

Hanna was born in South Korea, where she began playing classical piano at the age of 4 and violin at the age of 8. After years of studying at music and art schools in Germany, she discovered an entire world of musical creativity.

Hanna Noh is a versatile and accomplished pianist and violinist, having performed with esteemed ensembles such as the Muenster Kammer Orchestra, CTS Symphony Orchestra, and more.

She currently serves as Principal Second Violin with the Korean Canadian Symphony Orchestra, Guest Concertmaster with the North York Community Orchestra, and Second Violin with the Ontario Philharmonic Orchestra.

Hanna has over 15 years of teaching experience with students of all ages and levels (from age 4 and up). She looks forward to working with students to help them achieve their goals, whether it is obtaining an RCM certificate, preparing for a competition, or simply playing for fun as a hobby. She is keen to involve students in selecting repertoire, as she believes that students should be uniquely invested in their own practice and improvement.

As a passionate music educator, Hanna believes that foundational training in violin and piano, as well as building music appreciation, are important, as music helps to enrich one’s life.

 

Photo of Kelvin Ou (A.R.C.T., B.A.)
Kelvin Ou, (A.R.C.T., B.A.)
Piano

Kelvin started learning piano at the age of 4 and obtained his A.R.C.T in Piano Performance at the age of 16. He took a minor in music at York University studying music history, theory and pedagogical methods.

Kelvin is passionate about teaching and spreading his love for piano with his students. During lessons, his approach to teaching is about adapting to the students needs and goals all while making the lessons enjoyable. He plans currently to join a chamber, study more into piano accompaniment, and finishing his Bachelor of Education.

Photo of Maggie Pong (B.F.A.)
Maggie Pong, (B.F.A.)
Piano

Maggie graduated from the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours). Also, she holds ATCL level of the Trinity College London in Recital in Piano.

She has been teaching piano for over 20 years and had been successfully sent her students for the piano exams at the Royal Conservatory of Music. Most of her students have passed with merit and distinction in the examination.

Thanks for her passion, well-rounded approach of techniques and musicality, her students received outstanding awards in music competitions.

Photo of Adele Qian (B.Mus., A.R.C.T.)
Adele Qian, (B.Mus., A.R.C.T.)
Piano

Adele embarked on her musical endeavor when she acquired her ARCT in piano performance. With a Bachelor of Music in Piano at the University of Toronto, Adele sets out to establish herself as a piano teacher. “Curiosity is Key.” Adele has always believed that learning should be a balance between fun and discipline. Aside from teaching, Adele has had numerous collaborative experiences as a pianist, including accompanying for the Wind Ensemble at University of Toronto.

Photo of Edith Suen (A.T.C.L., B.SocSc.)
Edith Suen, (A.T.C.L., B.SocSc.)
Piano

Edith is passionate and dedicated in piano teaching and performance. Her performance was described by adjudicators as “captivating”, “sensational”, “musical”, “virtuosic”, “with terrific energy”, “fantastic brilliance”, “with wonderful dexterity” etc.

She had obtained awards in international and regional piano competitions such as the professional category at the Carles & Sofia International Piano Competition in 2024, the Eleventh Stockholm International Music Competition, the Chopin Avenue International Piano Competition in 2024, Provincials Finals of the Ontario Music Festivals Association in 2023, and the 10th Hong Kong Piano Open Competition organized by the Hong Kong Piano Music Association. In the 2000’s, Edith attained distinction in ATCL diploma recital piano by the Trinity College London as well as distinction in Grade 8 piano by the ABRSM examination board.

Edith had over 15 years of experience in teaching students ranging from children to adults with different personalities, capabilities and needs. She strives to support students in building holistic techniques and aesthetic senses so as to develop beautiful tone and dexterity, alongside with other important skills set. She excels in discovering the unique strength in each student so as to help them succeed in piano learning. She trains her students to reach their peak functioning in piano recital by sharing her own experience in how to effectively cope with stage anxiety. Her students obtained outstanding results in RCM examinations and piano competitions.

In April 2024, as a winner of the audition class at the Unionville Music Competition in Toronto, she collaborated as a guest pianist with the Bedford Trio (a professional trio which is currently the 2023/2024 Artist in Residence at the University of Toronto) in performing the Clara Schumann piano trio op. 17 in the Winners’ concert 2024 held at a prominent church in downtown Toronto.

Equipped with substantial work experience in other fields, Edith is proficient especially in interpersonal communication and leadership skills, which is crucial in inspiring students to persist in piano learning. She is a lawyer and was called to the bar of Hong Kong in 2022 and had substantial managerial work experience in the luxury watch and jewelry industry.

Photo of Cara Tors (M. Mus., B. Mus.)
Cara Tors, (M. Mus., B. Mus.)
Piano, Theory

Cara composed her first song at the age of 5 (Busy-Dizzy Day) and her first piano piece when she was 11 years old (Lunchtime). Since Lunchtime, she has further explored piano composition. In 2015, she completed a Bachelor of Music degree with a History/Theory specialization from the University of Toronto. Cara then completed a Master of Music degree in Music Technology and Digital Media at the same school, in 2019. Throughout these years, she wrote works for piano, voice, choir, violin, brass quintet, and more. Currently, she is working on her first musical, From Straw to Gold, based on the tale of Rumpelstiltskin. Cara enjoys teaching children, and has instructed them in piano, theory, history, vocal, and composition.

Website: https://caratorsmusic.com

Photo of Jillian Yang (PhD.Mus., M.Mus)
Jillian Yang, (PhD.Mus., M.Mus)
Violin, Piano, Theory

Dr. Jillian Yang completed her Doctor of Musical Arts at Western University.  She is a versatile and accomplished violinist, having performed with esteemed ensembles such as the London Symphonia, Windsor Symphony Orchestra, International Symphony Orchestra, and frequently with the Magisterra Soloists. She has collaborated with notable musicians including Andrew Wan in the New Orford Mozart String Quintet Project, and Jutta Puchammer and Marylène Gingras Roy in the Magisterra Museum series concerts. In 2021, Dr. Yang was a finalist in the Vancouver International Music Competition and secured third place at the JS Fest International Competition. She currently serves as Principal Second Violin with the Summerhill Orchestra.

Dr. Yang’s dedication to her craft extends beyond performance; she has participated in prestigious programs such as the National Academy Orchestra, where she was Associate Concertmaster, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestral Institute, the National Youth Orchestra of Canada, the Round Top Festival Institute, and the Marrowstone Music Festival. As a passionate music educator, Dr. Yang believes that foundational training in violin playing and building music appreciation are important, as music helps to enrich one’s life. Her students actively engaged in the local Kiwanis Festival, Ontario Music Festival Provincials, Royal Conservatory Music Exams, and recently, five of her students had the honor of performing at Carnegie Hall during their March Break.

Dr. Yang is a prize winner of the Maritsa Brookes Concerto Competition and the London Music Scholarship Competition. She holds a Master of Music in Performance and Literature from the University of Western Ontario, where she studied under Professor Annette-Barbara Vogel. During her undergraduate studies, she completed a dual program in music performance and financial modeling. Notably, she performed Paganini’s Violin Concerto with the Western Symphony Orchestra.

Photo of Carlie Yip (L.T.C.L, A.Mus.T.C.L., B.Mus., Cert. Ed.)
Carlie Yip, (L.T.C.L, A.Mus.T.C.L., B.Mus., Cert. Ed.)
Piano, Vocal

Carlie graduated from the Chinese University of Hong Kong with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music. She also holds the Licentiate Diploma in Recital in Voice (LTCL) and the Associate Diploma in Musical Theory, Criticism, and Literature (AMusTCL) from Trinity College London.

Over the years, Carlie has performed in numerous recitals and solo engagements, including notable roles such as the AIDS Virus Leader (Female) in the world premiere of Boys & Girls-Musical AIDS.  She also served as the soprano soloist in John Rutter’s Mass of the Children and in the oratorio The Kingdom of God, arranged by David Clydesdale.

With 25 years of experience, Carlie has worked as a choir conductor and music teacher in elementary schools. She spent 16 years to lead the school choir to multiple championships at the Hong Kong Schools Music Festival (HKSMF) and earned a Gold Award at the Hong Kong Joint School Music Competition.

Carlie is actively involved in the Hong Kong choral community as a member of various choirs, including the Music Office Youth Choir, City University Choir, Hong Kong Youth Choir, Opera Hong Kong, and Die Konzertisten. She is also a founding member of the Hong Kong Chamber Choir and Luster, an a cappella group, and has engaged in diverse musical genres, including classical, church, oratorio, opera, musical theater, a cappella, folk, pop, and jazz.