Something about me
I grew up in Hong Kong when it was still a British colony. I started piano lessons at the age of 8, and went through all the Royal School of Music exam levels by age of 16. After I decided to major in piano in college, I spent a year preparing for the Associate Performer's Diploma exam from Trinity College of Music, London. After I passed the diploma exam, the following year I came to United States to begin my college studies. I attended Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University - San Marcos) for my Bachelors Degree in piano performance, studying with Dr. Timothy Woolsey. For my Masters Degree in piano performance and pedagogy, I attended The University of Houston and studied with Ms. Nancy Weems. I am thankful I was offered scholarships for both my undergraduate and graduate degree, which allowed me to pay in-state tuition.
When I was 15, I accompanied the children's choir at my church, and occasionally I played for the church service as a substitute. I taught my first piano student at the age of 16, from then I was hooked on teaching piano. By the time I left Hong Kong, I was teaching about a dozen piano students. During my undergraduate studies, I taught 2 afternoons a week at a piano studio in Lockhart, Texas. I moved to Houston in 1992 and started my own studio in Northwest Houston while working on my masters degree. I also taught private piano lessons at Lone Star College, Tomball, between 2005 through 2014.
I have been teaching piano lessons over 30 years, and I still love to teach. Teaching each student is a challenge, because each student is different. I try to adjust my approach according to each student's need, to make sure I am motivating and stimulating each one. I never get bored because there are so much piano repertoire to pick from. Of course there is the standard repertoire I work with, but I always look for new pieces to teach and this keeps me excited. I also love teaching piano because I get to work with the students for a long time from beginner through advanced level. Some of my students studied with me for 10 to 14 years until they graduated from high school. I get to see these students grow physically as well as musically into advanced pianists. Although this makes me feel old sometimes, I would not trade this experience.
I am an active member of the National Music Teachers Association, Texas Music Teachers Association, and Cypress Creek Music Teacher Association (CCMTA). My students participate in the Texas State Theory Test, and CCMTA activities like Festivals, Original Composition Contest, Piano Contest, Performance Contest, and Young Artist Competition. I also have an active membership with the National Guild of Piano Teachers, and I have been on their Hall of Frame since 2005. My students participate in the annual Piano Guild Audition. I volunteer my time, and have held different positions with these organizations. Currently I chair CCMTA Young Artist Competition. I also co-chair Willowbrook Piano Guild Audition Center.