We are proud to be working alongside some of the best music and language teachers in the city! Our instructors cover a wide array of subjects with deep knowledge and ample experience to draw upon in service of your education.
Omar Herrera Belloso
Qualifications
Bachelor of Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering (Universidad Gran Mariscal de Ayacucho, Venezuela, 2012)
About the Instructor
As an Environmental Engineer with experience in the energy industry and primary food production, I use music to inspire myself in planning and executing every project I work on, making every moment I live professionally or personally marked by the music that inspires me and manages to cover the objectives that I set for myself successfully. I’m a native Hispanic speaker. Thanks to my line of work, I have travelled and worked in different countries in Latin America, using my knowledge of the language successfully to communicate with others and understand their ideas. And allow me to get to know new cultures as well as the different natural beauties, customs, religions and beliefs in different regions and countries.
To date, I live in Canada, and I am starting a new adventure with my family; I am looking forward to making this place my forever home and, more importantly, contributing to this country’s society.
Subjects Taught
Spanish
Languages
Fluent in Spanish and English
Age Groups
Grade schoolers, Teenagers, Adults, Retirees
Strengths or Special Skills
Able to customize lessons for each students level and ability. Capable of using normal, professional, specific topics and examples in colloquial Spanish to teach the language.
Other Facts
- Hobbies and Interests: hiking, photography, farming, go to the gym, learning about new scientific research on these topics.
Benjamin Black
Qualifications
- Bachelor in Music Composition (Western Washington University, Bellingham, Washington, 2012)
About the Instructor
Born in Willingboro, New Jersey to two musicians, Benjamin moved regularly around the United States in his youth until career opportunities brought his family to Okinawa, Japan in Summer of 2002. Through middle school and high school, Benjamin fervently studied and spoke Japanese with the local students, and participated in first chair positions at the Far East Honor Choir and Band Festivals for four years, and the Drama equivalent for two.
Benjamin returned to America to study Music Composition under Bruce Hamilton and Roger Briggs. Testing out of all first and second year requirements for a Music degree, Benjamin accelerated quickly, becoming a grader in Upper Division Music Theory and Orchestration courses. Likewise, having an affinity for singing, Benjamin participated in the WWU production of Le Nozze do Figaro in the role of Basilio, led as a section leader in two high level ensembles during his tenure, and travelled to South America on a two week choir tour performing in Uruguay and Argentina.
Benjamin moved to Canada in 2020 to be with his wife. He has two children. Benjamin aspires to eventually become an integral part of the Vancouver Opera and the musical community at large in B.C.
Subjects Taught
Voice, Music Theory, Aural Skills/Sight Reading, Music Composition, Saxophone
Languages
Fluent in English. Conversational in Japanese
Age Groups
School-aged Children, Adults, Seniors
Strengths or Special Skills
I pride myself on my ability to meet students at all skill-levels, catering seamlessly to their different learning styles and personalities. I emphasize discipline matched equally with massive levels of encouragement. Both are necessary to ensure a balanced student ethic.
Other Facts
- Secondary instrument: Saxophone
- Hobbies and Interests: powerlifting, portrait photography, fiction writing, and human psychology
Corey Bryant
Qualifications
- Diploma, Jazz Percussion (Vancouver Community College, 2015)
About the Instructor
Music has been a large part of Corey’s life since he was a young child. In 2011, Corey started studying at Vancouver Community College in Vancouver and received his jazz percussion diploma in 2015. In 2014, Corey started teaching music at Deep Cove Music in North Vancouver. There he taught drums, guitar, piano and was program coordinator of their band program. Corey also has extensive experience as a recording artist, having recorded four full records and several unreleased demos.
In 2016, Corey moved to China to seize an opportunity to both travel and teach English abroad. He lived there for almost six years, where he learned to speak Mandarin Chinese and expand his teaching experience. In addition to teaching English, he also taught music classes in the classroom and privately.
In September of 2021, Corey returned to Canada. He looks forward to meeting new ambitious music enthusiasts who share a similar love for life, language, and music as he does. He hopes to join a great community where he can share his experiences and passions with others.
Subjects Taught
Drums, Guitar and Bass, Band, English (Oral and Written Test Preparation)
Languages
Fluent in English. Conversational in Mandarin.
Age Groups
Preschoolers, Grade Schoolers, Teenagers, Adults
Strengths or Special Skills
Creating a comfortable, fun and safe learning environment. Explaining difficult concepts in a clear way for everyone to understand. Getting along with others and contributing to a positive and productive environment.
Other Facts
- Hobbies and interests: hockey, baseball, golf, playing music with friends & family, learning new languages, woodworking, philosophy, psychology, politics
Lucy Chan
Qualifications
LRSM (Associated Board of Royal Schools of Music, 1977)
About the Instructor
Lucy is a Chinese piano teacher born and raised in Hong Kong. At six years old, she had her first music lessons at Saint Clare’s Girls’ School with the residing nuns where she found her initial interests in music appreciation. At the age of eight, she pursued higher level music and piano lessons with Ms. Katherine Huang until she reached twenty-one years old when she attained the LRSM in Piano Teaching with the British syllabus ABRSM. During this period, she also studied music at Sir Robert Black College of Education for two years, and subsequently completed an extra year in their Specialized Music Program where she learned the needs and psychology of impaired children.
Lucy started her music education career in Hong Kong where she extensively taught children choral singing at Wesley College under the Methodist Church group. She had also taken charge of the Methodist Church Choir on Sundays where adults were the major participants who wanted to experience choral singing. Her students from all these years had achieved Distinction and Honors in many examinations.
Lucy immigrated to Canada in 1993 and taught music locally under the Canadian syllabus RCM. She hopes that through her long life experience in music education to help students who wholeheartedly love music and inspire them to excel their musicianship in all-rounded situations.
Subjects Taught
Piano, Voice, Music Theory
Languages
Fluent in Cantonese, Mandarin and English
Age Groups
Preschoolers, Teenagers, Adults
Strengths or Special Skills
Strong understanding in music particularly in mixed voice singing. Customized lessons to accommodate special needs of students. High interpersonal skills to deal with difficult situations where special attention to children of very young age such as toddlers are required.
Other Facts
Hobbies and Interests: cooking
Matthew Chan
Qualifications
- Diploma in Music Program (Capilano University, 2018)
- Early Childhood Educator Assistant, B.C. (Burnaby School Board, 2018)
- BC Registered Music Teachers Association Member (2017—present)
- RCM ARCT in Voice Performance (2017)
- Certificate in Music Conducting (Capilano University, 2015)
- DipABRSM in Piano Teaching (2013)
- Bachelor of Business Administration, double major in Accounting & Japanese (University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1994)
About the Instructor
Born and raised in Hong Kong, Matthew immigrated to Richmond, B.C. in 1990. Since a small child, he practised playing piano in Hong Kong under the instruction of Ms. Chu Pui Ying and completed his DipABRSM in Piano Teaching under the teaching and guidance of Ms. Trudy Morse in Canada. He also studied voice as a baritone with Mr. Geordie Roberts at Capilano University and obtained his ARCT in Voice Performance in Honor standing.
As a proprietor, Matthew started his first print music wholesale company in Canada and managed it for six years. While teaching music through his own connections and via Groupon campaigns, he also attended the Certificate in Music Conducting Program at Capilano University with Mr. Lars Kaario, and attended University of British Columbia for Italian and German studies, as well as orchestration studies with Professor Stephen Chatman.
Matthew has a dream and passion to teach singing, music theory and harmony, as well as piano ensembles to the younger generation. His background in choral activities sprung from his childhood years with the Hong Kong Children’s Choir and Yip’s Children’s Choir where he performed internationally under the leadership of Dr. Yip Wai Hong.
Subjects Taught
Voice, Piano, Music Theory, Music History, Choral Conducting, Cantonese
Languages
Fluent in English, Cantonese, Mandarin and Japanese. Conversational in French. Reading Knowledge in Italian and German.
Age Groups
Toddlers, Preschoolers, Teenagers, Retirees
Strengths or Special Skills
Big heart in music teaching and passion in guiding young children to develop all-rounded musicianship skills as well as an overall positive personality and character.
Other Facts
- Secondary instruments: violin, oboe
- Currently acting as the Provincial Treasurer of the BC Registered Music Teachers Association since 2017
- Hobbies and interests: swimming, occasional movie-going, massages, cooking, dining out, smaller financial investments in stocks and securities, continuing education in computer and business studies
Peter Chan
Qualifications
- Ohio PreK–12 Grade Music Teaching License (2020–Present)
- Nevada PreK–12 Grade Music Teaching License (2020–Present)
- Bachelor of Music, double major in Cello Performance and Music Education (University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music, Ohio, 2019)
- Nevada Registered Music Teachers Association Member (2016–Present)
- Ohio Registered Music Teachers Association Member (2016–Present)
- ATCL Diploma, Cello Performance (Trinity College London, 2013)
About the Instructor
Growing up in a Chinese traditional musician family in Hong Kong, Wang Cho (Peter) Chan was largely influenced by his father Barry Chan, a teacher and professional Erhu player. At the young age of six, Peter developed an interest in learning the piano and cello. His main teacher was Patrick Sohn, a former cellist in the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. Peter received his B.M. in Cello Performance and Music Education at the University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music in 2019 with cum laude, where he studied cello with Professor Alan Rafferty. From June 2020 through September 2021, Peter was recruited as the Director of Orchestras at Durango High School in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Peter’s solo debut with the Haydn Cello Concerto in C Major was in the Hong Kong Cultural Center Concert Hall in January of 2013. Peter is also an active orchestral musician. He was the Cello principal of his school orchestra from 2012-2015 and a core member of Pro Arte Orchestra of Hong Kong since 2011. Currently, Peter is pursuing his Master of Music Education (M.Ed.) at University of British Columbia studying under Professor Peter Gouzouasis. His specific area of academic interest involves Music Education Curriculum and integrating cultural music around the world with technologies to promote a more diverse learning teaching method in school systems. His research focuses on further developing, understanding, and differentiating the music curriculum and teaching methods in North America to bring back to his own teaching.
Subjects Taught
Cello, Music Theory, Music History, Cantonese
Languages
Fluent in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin.
Age Groups
Preschoolers, Grade Schoolers, Teenagers, Retirees
Strengths or Special Skills
Passionate in music teaching and hope to help evoke strings music appreciation in B.C. among all ages to develop an all-rounded music curriculum.
Other Facts
- Secondary instruments: violin, viola, double bass, voice
- Currently pursuing Master in Music Education Degree at University of British Columbia studying under Dr. Peter Gouzouasis
- Hobbies and interests: windsurfing, playing soccer
Alex Cheng
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Music, Jazz Studies Education (Capilano University, 2021)
- Diploma, Advanced Audio Engineering and Music Production (Nimbus School of Recording & Media, 2017)
About the Instructor
Pause! And imagine playing your favourite song — Alex will make it happen.
“To Create, Share and Express” is Alex’s teaching approach. His students can enjoy music and create something of their own. After getting a degree in Jazz education, he believes that music is a language of exploration. Alex can provide his students the greatest experience in learning new instruments and developing an ongoing interest in music by helping his students establish and achieve meaningful goals.
Since performing and working on stage since 2016, acquiring a diploma in “Music Production, Mixing, and Recording Engineering” and working with various artists encompassing different styles, Alex has gained the ability to adapt to any situation and shine on the stage. To be able to adapt and perform is a significant part of his teaching. Growing up between Hong Kong and Canada, the contribution of culture has shaped his personal musical direction, which leads him to recognize the importance of cultural aspects when teaching music.
Areas of Teaching
Guitar, Bass, Drums, Jazz Theory, Popular Music
Languages
Fluent in Cantonese, Mandarin, and English. Conversational in Korean.
Age Groups
Preschoolers, Teenagers, Adults
Strengths or Special Skills
Multi-instrument, adapt unique teaching style towards different types of learner, promote positive attitude and flexible thinking in music.
Other Facts
- Secondary instruments: clarinet, trombone
- Actively performing every week in Vancouver, and coaching vocalists for competition. Providing musicianship training for actively working musicians.
- Hobbies and Interests: tennis, table tennis, pickleball, badminton, skiing, board game, audio design, handy work, technology, DIY
Isaac Jiang
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Music (University of British Columbia, 2021)
- RCM ARCT in Piano Performance (2020)
About the Instructor
Chinese-Canadian Pianist Isaac Jiang graduated from the University of British Columbia (B.Mus) in which he studied under Professor Corey Hamm. Isaac also holds an ARCT Performance Diploma from the Royal Conservatory of Music. He is the recipient of many scholarships such as the Mildred Johnson and Maurice Taylor Scholarships in Music. While studying at UBC, Isaac experimented with composition in genres outside of classical such as contemporary and jazz.
Isaac has won 1st place in multiple festivals including the Kiwanis and Richmond Music Festivals. He has over five years of professional performance experience and has performed at venues such as the Chan Centre, the Orpheum, and the Roy Barnett recital hall.
Post-graduation, Isaac is currently focused on exploring different approaches to pedagogy and implementing them in his teaching. Isaac is experienced in teaching adults and children of all ages. He composes in his spare time and experiments with contemporary genres in hopes to find a new sound that is unique.
Areas of Teaching
Piano, Music Theory, Music History, Composition
Languages
Fluent in English. Conversational in Mandarin
Age Groups
Toddlers, Preschoolers, Teenagers, Adults, Retirees
Strengths or Special Skills
Creatively unique and stress-free approach to teaching.
Other Facts
- Secondary instruments: violin
- Hobbies and interests: piano and lyrical improvisation, cooking, films
Isaac Jiang
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Music (2021 – University of British Columbia)
About the Instructor
Chinese-Canadian Pianist Isaac Jiang graduated from the University of British Columbia (B.Mus) in which he studied under Professor Corey Hamm.
Isaac also holds an ARCT Performance diploma from the Royal Conservatory of Music. He is the recipient of many scholarships such as the Mildred Johnson and Maurice Taylor Scholarships in Music. While studying at UBC, Isaac experimented with composition in genres outside of classical such as contemporary and jazz.
Isaac has won 1st place in multiple festivals including the Kiwanis and Richmond Music
Festivals. He has over five years of professional performance experience and has performed at venues such as the Chan Centre, the Orpheum, and the Roy Barnett recital hall.
Post-graduation, Isaac is currently focused on exploring different approaches to pedagogy, and implementing them in his teaching. Isaac is experienced in teaching adults and children of all ages. He composes in his spare time and experiments with contemporary genres in hopes to find a new sound that is unique.
Subjects Taught
- Primary area(s) of teaching: Piano, Music Theory, Music History, Composition
- Secondary Instrument: Violin
Languages
Fluent English, conversational Mandarin.
Age Groups
Toddlers, preschoolers, teenagers, young adults and retirees
Strengths or Special Skills
Creatively unique and stress-free approach to teaching
Other Facts
RCM ARCT in Piano Performance (2020)
Chris Shomang Kim
Qualifications
- Early Childhood Educator Assistant, B.C. (2021)
- Master in Music Performance (University of Ottawa, 2016)
- Bachelor in Music Performance (Vancouver Academy of Music, 2012)
About the Instructor
Born and raised in Korea, Chris immigrated to Vancouver, British Columbia, in 2004. Since the age of three, he began to play the piano in Korea under the instruction of his mother who is also a pianist. He began his violin study at the age of nine.
As a graduate of the Vancouver Academy of Music, Chris studied with Robert Rozek on a full scholarship before he obtained his Bachelor’s degree in music performance. He has been a concertmaster as well as principals in Stradivari Ensemble and Vancouver Academy Symphony Orchestra. As a soloist, he has played difficult works such as concertos written by Mendelssohn, Vivaldi, Bach and many other famous composers. He has attended music camps and festivals on full scholarships in Europe where he also studied with Rudolf Koelman, the last student of Jascha Heifetz. He studied with Yehonatan Berick at the University of Ottawa for his master’s degree in music performance.
His career goal is to expose his students to music in general, and encourage them to practice using the correct methods so that they could improve their skills and techniques throughout their journey of learning music.
Subjects Taught
Violin, Piano, Viola, Korean
Languages
Fluent in English and Korean
Age Groups
Children, Adults, Seniors
Strengths or Special Skills
Flexibility in planning out customized lessons based on the needs of the students, but also has the capacity to teach students based on Emergent Curriculum where children will lead according to their interests and the teacher will guide them around throughout. Belief in learning from scratch all over again in violin techniques will lead the personal growth of students in virtuosic performance
Other Facts
- Secondary instrument: viola
- Music Teacher at Dreammakers in Toronto (2017-2020)
- Associate member of Ottawa Symphony Orchestra (2013-2016)
- Studied with Yehonatan Berick (2013-2016), Robert Rozek (2007-2012), Rudolf Koelman (2012), Derek Pang (2006), and Reginald Quiring (2004-2005)
- Hobbies and interests: playing with children
Yoel Kristian
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Music, Flute Performance (Thompson Rivers University affiliated with Vancouver Academy of Music, 2019)
About the Instructor
Born in Indonesia, Yoel Kristian’s interest in flute emerged after listening to a flute performance by Irish virtuoso flutist Sir James Galway, “The Man with the Golden Flute”. In his early studies, Yoel quickly achieved the High Scorer Award in The Associated Board of the Royal School of Music (ABRSM) for the 2nd grade in 2009. Since then, Yoel has been actively involved in a youth orchestra, such as Twilite Youth Orchestra in 2012 led by Eric Awuy. In 2012, Yoel studied flute under Marini Widyastari, a renowned Principal Flutist at Jakarta Simfonia Orchestra. Not only in flute, but Yoel’s passion for music is also found in his piano performance and composition.
In 2019, Yoel finished his Bachelor of Music Degree in Flute Performance at Vancouver Academy of Music, Canada, where he took more focused learning on Flute studies under the Principal Flutist at the Vancouver Opera, Brenda Fedoruk.
From 2019 to 2021, Yoel spent his time working with Jakarta Simfonia Orchestra as a Piccolo player under Rebecca Tong and had been involved deeply in music education at Gloriamus Music School and Sekolah Kristen Calvin in Jakarta, where he teaches junior high school students on music theory and conducts a music school program throughout the semesters.
Currently, Yoel is taking his Master Degree Program in Flute Performance at the University of British Columbia, Canada, under the guidance of Christie Reside, a Principal Flutist from the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.
Subjects Taught
Flute, Piccolo, Music Theory
Languages
Fluent in Bahasa Indonesian, and English
Age Groups
Teenagers (advanced), Adults
Strengths or Special Skills
Passion in teaching and guiding students to be an all-around musician who not only enjoys music, but also the ability to produce and deliver the music.
Other Facts
- Secondary instruments: piano
- Hobbies and interests: orchestral music, conducting, orchestration, badminton, soccer, meeting new people in various communities to share and learn new perspectives on daily events
Grace Li
Qualifications
- 2022-2023 Advanced Placement Authorized Teacher
- Heritage Chinese Authorized Teacher
- Certified Overseas Chinese Language Teacher
- Certified HSK Testing Administrator
- Early Childhood Certificate B.C. (2008)
About the Instructor
Grace has been teaching Chinese in Vancouver for over 20 years, specializing in preschool to Advanced Placement (AP) level Heritage Chinese. Her students have achieved an average score of 263 in HSK Level 4, 250 in HSK Level 5, and 241 in HSK Level 6 as of June 2020 in the new HSK Chinese proficiency test. Similarly, all her students have achieved excellent results with a perfect score of 5 in previous AP Chinese exams. The remarkable performance of her students reflected Grace’s strong Chinese background and her deep knowledge in the culture as a native Chinese raised speaker.
Grace received the Excellent Teacher Award from the Overseas Chinese Affairs Committee of the Republic of China, and she won 2nd place in British Columbia Provincial International Chinese Teacher Professional Competency Certification. She is also the Director of the “Root-Seeking Journey” summer camp of the Canadian Federation of Hometowns in British Columbia and she led the teaching affairs of the “Storytelling on the Chinese Overseas Chinese Network” project collaborated with the Association of Fellow Countrymen Chinese-Canadian Youth Chinese Culture Study Leading Tutor. Grace has organized summer camps in the past for many years in many Asian cities such as Beijing, Xi’an, Fuzhou, Harbin, Heihe, Hong Kong and Macau.
Subjects Taught
Mandarin
Languages
Fluent in Mandarin, Cantonese and English
Age Groups
Heritage Chinese students age 5 and above
Students of the Advanced Placement Chinese Language and Culture Exam
Strengths or Special Skills
Excellent at working with children as Grace has been managing her own private day care centre for many years in Vancouver. She understands very well how young children respond to different environments, and how they interact with other people under various situations.
Other Facts
- “Excellent Teacher Award” of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Committee of the Republic of China
- 2nd place in BC Provincial International Chinese Teacher Professional Competency Certification
- Hobbies and interests: travelling.
Janice Li
Qualifications
- ATCL Performance Diploma in Harp (Trinity College, London, 2021)
- RCM Level 10 Piano Certificate (2018)
- RCM Level 10 Harp Certificate (2019)
About the Instructor
Janice is an active local Canadian professional harpist who achieved the ATCL Harp Performance Diploma from Trinity College in London in 2021 At the age of eight, she studied harp with Ms. Miya Otake in Vancouver. She was awarded with the most honorable Regional Gold Medals from the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) for achieving the highest mark in the Province of British Columbia for four consecutive harp exams with the last one at Level 10 Harp BC Gold Medal in 2019.
In 2016, Janice was invited by the harp adjudicator, Patricia Wooster to perform at the Vancouver Kiwanis Music Festival Gala Concert and received the Medallion at the Norman Rothstein Theatre for her contemporary music performance.
Janice was also a winner of the Vancouver Kiwanis Music Festivals in four different years and was awarded with prestigious Gold Medal for being the best in the 2015 Classical Music Category, 2016 Gala Showcase Matinee Performer, 2018 Classical Music Category, 2019 Romantic Music Category and 2019 Orchestra Excerpts performance.
Besides musical studies, Janice is also an artist who has the passion in drawing and painting. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Arts degree at the Emily Carr University.
Areas of Teaching
Harp
Languages
Fluent in English and Cantonese
Age Groups
Preschoolers, Teenagers, Grade Schoolers
Strengths or Special Skills
Creative musician with over 10 years of harp performing experience, passionate about educating and inspiring the future generation of musicians.
Other Facts
Secondary instrument: Piano
Hobbies and interests:
Swimming, Dancing and Hiking
- Drawing, Painting and Digital Art Drawing, Music and Video Production, Animation
- Hobbies and interests: travelling.
Alvin Liao
Qualifications
● Bachelor of Music, concentration in saxophone (University of British Columbia, 2019)
About the Instructor
Alvin Liao, is a professional saxophonist and keyboardist based in Toronto, ON.
He graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor’s degree in Music 19′ (concentration in saxophone).
While obtaining his music degree at UBC, he studied jazz saxophone and piano with James Danderfer and Sharon Minemoto. He also played piano with the VCC Legacy Jazz Ensemble and the New Orleans Combo directed under James Danderfer.
He has over 10 years of musical expertise and is passionate about educating and inspiring the future generation of musicians.
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Subjects Taught
Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Music Theory (Classical and Jazz)
Languages
English
Age Groups
Toddlers, Preschoolers, Grade Schoolers, Teenagers, Adults, Retirees. All ages
Strengths or Special Skills
My lessons are easy, fun and effective. While teaching the music fundamentals, I provide flexibility for my students to learn what they desire.
Other Facts
Hobbies and interests: Cooking
Xhoglina Mustafai
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Economics of Tourism (University of Bologna, Italy, 2015)
About the Instructor
Being born and raised in northern Italy in an Albanian family, Xhoglina grew up bilingual in Italian and Albanian as her native tongues. Graduating in Economics of Tourism in Italy, Xhoglina also participated in an international exchange program with the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canara in Spain via the Erasmus University partnership program. Xhoglina has substantially increased her academic knowledge in the two languages.
With her fluency in Italian, English, Spanish and Albanian, she was accepted in a few internships in France and in the United States where she worked and studied at the same time, strengthening her communication skills in all the different languages.
In 2016, Xhoglina immigrated to Vancouver, Canada, and ever since her employment history has always been focusing in performing translation, interpretations and training in foreign languages. As a lover in learning different languages, Xhoglina’s main interest is enhancing the learning experience for non-native speakers by breaking the barriers that students face in each stage of the learning process, as well as promoting the learning atmosphere by supplying valuable resources and information related to culture and origins of the languages. Xhoglina led students to discover and realize their own unique path and method of learning which suit their own individual habits and personal interests in the topics.
Areas of Teaching
talian and Spanish language with a focus in diction and pronunciation
Languages
Fluent in English, Italian, Spanish and Albanian. Conversational in French
Age Groups
Toddlers, Preschoolers, Teenagers, Retirees
Strengths or Special Skills
Passionate about linguistics with a broad understanding of the learning process of a new language, focused on making the learning experience enjoyable yet rewarding, lead students to discover the origin and roots of the Italian language.
Other Facts
- Hobbies and interests: contemporary jazz dancing, hip hop, painting
Mouna Tambert
Qualifications
- PHD in Biology (University of Nice, France, 2013)
About the Instructor
Mouna was born and raised in Nice, France, where she also worked there for several years. Being raised in a Tunisian family, Mouna grew up bilingual in French and Arabic.
During her undergraduate studies, she studied sciences. Falling in love with teaching, Mouna has taught at multiple secondary schools and high schools before she felt deeply impressed by the Montessori teaching method. While her son attended the child care program in France, she wanted to deepen her understanding of the teaching method and in turn hope to grow in her career as an early childhood teacher.
In September 2021, she moved to Vancouver, Canada with her family to start a new adventure. She is currently working as a French Teacher in Montessori schools in the Lower Mainland of Vancouver as well as a French Tutor across Metro Vancouver.
She loves to travel and discover new cultures and new languages. She is thrilled to be a part of the team at Life Music Academy and contribute to the development of the organization. She is passionate and focused in creating positive environment where children can learn and grow healthily. She looks forward to sharing her passion in speaking French with her students.
Areas of Teaching
French
Languages
Fluent in English, French, Arabic and Italian
Age Groups
Toddlers, Preschoolers, Teenagers, Retirees
Strengths or Special Skills
Hard working and passionate in her career, Mouna has a strong background in teaching French to young children. She has strong communication skills such conveying complex information in a sample manner.
Other Facts
- Hobbies and interests: dancing, volunteering, organizing events, traveling, arts, cooking
Jeff Tobin
Qualifications
- 35 years of professional experience as drummer and drumming instructor (1987–Present)
- Diploma in Business Management (BCIT, 1991)
About the Instructor
Born in Montreal, Quebec and relocated with family to Vancouver in 1970, Jeff started learning the drum set at age 8 with a principal percussionist in Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. When Jeff was in Grade 10 at Eric Hamber High School, his music teacher Tom Koven realized his abilities and asked if he could teach the Grade 8 students how to drum. Falling in love with teaching, Jeff’s students increased, teaching at multiple high schools in his spare time while performing with various local bands. Playing with other people in a band setting can help you develop some very important skills: working within a team, patience, how your instrument blends with the others, performing in front of an audience, and endurance.
Presently, Jeff operates his own teaching studio and performs with three very diverse bands: Ardent Tribe (African-influenced dance music band with covers and original songs), Fusionstein (4-member Funk/Jazz/Fusion band), and Sam Rocha Trio (American Roots/Jazz & Funk band).
Jeff looks forward to performing again and bringing the exciting world of drums to new students.
Subjects Taught
Drums
Languages
Fluent in English. Conversational in French and Hebrew.
Age Groups
Preschoolers, Grade Schoolers, Teenagers, Adults
Strengths or Special Skills
Very supportive, patient and passionate; able to customize lessons to each student’s level and ability; understand that students learn in different ways.
Other Facts
- Owner of DrumRoom teaching studio in East Vancouver (12 years in operation)
- Hobbies and interests: performing in live events, swimming, working out, cycling, documentaries, recording music, cooking, music & video production, graphic design, web design
Lu Wang
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Finance (University of Applied Sciences / Hochschule der Sparkassen-Fiannzgruppe, Bonn, Germany, 2015)
About the Instructor
Being born in China and graduated from foreign language high school, Lu started her life as an exchange student in Gymnasium Kaiser-Friedrich-Ufer, Hamburg, Germany in 2008.
Lu developed her interests in the German language as well as teaching German after living with a local family of educators. In 2009, Lu taught classes at the A1 level in Qingdao, China to aspiring students who desired entry to German universities.
After one academic year at the language school in Bonn, she achieved level C2 and TestDaf, which are the highest level of German language certificates for foreigner speakers.
In 2015, Lu wrote her thesis in German and graduated as the first foreign student in Hochschule der Sparkassen-Finanzgruppen with a degree in Bachelor of Science. After graduation from university, Lu had worked in several cities in Germany before moving to Vancouver in 2017.
Subjects Taught
German
Languages
Fluent in English, Mandarin and German
Age Groups
Teenagers, Adults
Strengths or Special Skills
Passionate about teaching German to students through their perspectives in the journey of mastering the language, explore and develop unique teaching methods to achieve the best approach in language education.
Other Facts
- Achievement in the C2 level of European language certificate since 2009.
- Hobbies and interests: piano, singing, reading literature, Zumba
Jasmine Wong
Qualifications
- Performer Diploma (Trinity College of Music in London, 1990)
About the Instructor
Jasmine, a well-known piano and theory teacher, taught music for over 30 years in both Hong Kong and Vancouver, Canada. Many of her students have become music and piano teachers as their career.
Jasmine started to learn piano at the age of four under several famous masters from China, America, Russia and Europe. Jasmine was admitted into the Hong Kong Music Institute with a major in piano performance and a minor in vocal and music compositions. Jasmine has achieved distinction in Piano Performance and also obtained the Performer Diploma of the Trinity College of Music in London. During this period, Jasmine was awarded several scholarships in piano performance under the renowned professor Mr. Hung Chong; Yin Cheng Zong, the foremost pianist of China; and Frederick Choi, the founder of Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. Jasmine also won numerous prizes and awards including the Chau’s Award, the founder of Hong Kong Music Institute, as well as the Man Hok Shan’s scholarship, the highest score of the music academic level at the Hong Kong Music Institute.
Jasmine took an active part in many musical performances in Hong Kong. Jasmine was appointed as a piano soloist of the Lim Kek Hon Philharmonic Orchestra and held performances in the Hong Kong Cultural Center and the City Hall Theatre. Jasmine was also invited to give recitals for the Urban Council in Hong Kong.
Jasmine started to reside in Vancouver since 1992 and continued her music teaching career up to now.
Subjects Taught
Piano (Grade 9 or above), Music Theory, Composition
Languages
Fluent in Cantonese, Mandarin and English
Age Groups
Preschoolers, Teenagers, Adults
Strengths or Special Skills
Very knowledgeable in music theory and children psychology. Custom designed lessons have demonstrated my students excel faster and understand better.
Other Facts
- Hobbies and Interests: singing, dancing
Mike Xiao
Qualifications
- Music Diploma major in Contemporary Guitar (Douglas College, New Westminster, 2021)
About the Instructor
Born in Jang Xi and grew up in Beijing, Mike immigrated to Richmond in 2012. He participated in playing percussion since elementary school to end of high school.
Mike studied with the Canadian Fusion Guitarist, Dave Martone, at Douglas College, focus on contemporary guitar techniques, and genres. He also studied with jazz guitarist, Bill Coon, with a focus on jazz guitar techniques. He studied jazz drum with Dave Robbins as a secondary major instrument. He is currently studying at Capilano University with a major in jazz guitar and percussion (Indefinite Pitch) in the Jazz Diploma Program graduating in 2023.
Mike has wide knowledge in different aspects of music including techniques in playing multi-instruments, music theory, music history, music technology, string instrument repair and set up, music gear, and stage setup. He has had extensive stage performance experiences since high school in different kinds of ensembles such as concert band, jazz band and rock band being as a guitar, bass, and drum player.
Mike has strong interests and a focus in improvising contemporary music genres starting from the birth of electric guitar in the 1950s to the 21 century such as blues, jazz, rock, metal, and fusion.
Areas of Teaching
Guitar (Acoustic/Electric), Electric Bass, Drum Set, Ukulele, Music Theory.
Languages
Fluent in Mandarin. Conversational English and Japanese.
Age Groups
Teenagers, Adults
Strengths or Special Skills
Wide knowledge about general contemporary music. Encourage all-rounded musicianship through learning from different aspects of music.
Other Facts
- Secondary instrument: Classical Guitar, Upright Bass, Percussion (Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Timpani, Cajón), Keyboard
- Hobbies and Interests: biking and swimming
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