Wendi - Teacher #2116

Instruments:
- Piano

Services:
- Composition
- Ear Training
- Harmony
- Music Theory (Advanced)
- Music Theory (Beginner-Intermediate)
- RCM
- RCM - Advanced Rudiments
- RCM - Basic Rudiments
- RCM - Intermediate Rudiments

Languages:
- English
- Mandarin

Teaching Philosophy

I believe anyone can learn and share in the joys of music. My philosophy is to support students in cultivating a passion for music and their musical journey.

My approach is very student-centred. I work with each and every student on their individual needs, goals, and learning styles. I welcome students of all ages and backgrounds, and I teach all genres (e.g. classical, modern, improvisation), both practical or theory (including composition and song-writing).

To start, I establish a solid foundation for my students, highlighting proper techniques in order to improve tone and avoid injury. As we progress, I emphasize the feel of different styles of playing. Anyone can plunk a note on a piano, but few can make it sound good. My hope is to help you to sound like the recordings you so love!

I allow students to progress as quickly as they are able, particularly for those who wish to reach diploma level and/or are considering music school. Often students get bored or frustrated working on the same piece over and over, so finding the balance between challenge and ability to achieve a state of flow is an art.

Lastly, for students wishing to pursue more serious studies, I encourage following the RCM curriculum and engaging in different performance opportunities as practice. I offer preparation strategies and performance coaching as well, for those who may struggle with nerves or expression on stage. For students wishing for a relaxed instruction, we will focus on the pieces you want to play—no pressure. :)

***Please note: teaching delivery methods have been adapted for Covid-19 safety. Online instruction is strongly recommended. At-home instruction is assessed case by case if and only if certain criteria are met—please contact for protocol. In-studio instruction is suspended till further notice. Thank you for your understanding.

Musical Education

Royal Conservatory of Music ~ ARCT Diploma in piano performance;
University of Victoria ~ Bachelor of Music (pending; first graduated from University of Toronto ~ Hons. Bachelor of Science in psychology).

I started playing at age 5 (more seriously at age 8), and raced through the RCM curriculum to reach diploma level by age 13.

My teachers included internationally-renowned concert pianist Libby Yu and professor Bruce-Vogt.

Awards and Distinctions


2010:
Canadian Music Competition ~
Age <19 Category - Provincials Placement

2009:
Vancouver Kiwanis Music Festival ~
Chopin (Senior) - 1st Place (Distinction);
Romantic Composers (Senior) - 2nd Place (Distinction);
Complete Sonata (Senior) - 2nd Place (Distinction)

2008:
Richmond Music Festival ~
Whole Sonata (Diploma) - 3rd Place;
BC Conservatory of Music Festival ~
List B (Diploma) - (Bronze)

2006:
Richmond Music Festival ~
Romantic Composers (Diploma) - 3rd Place;
Vancouver Kiwanis Music Festival ~
J.S. Bach (Senior) - 2nd Place (Honours)

2005:
Kiwanis Fraser Valley International Music Festival ~
Romantic Composers (ARCT) - (Silver)

Special Skills and Training

I have been teaching piano and theory for over 10 years. I have extensive performing, accompanying, and ensemble experiences: piano: solo and group gigs; piano: choral, instrument, and dance accompaniment; violin: string ensemble; and flute: Surrey Youth Orchestra. My well-rounded music training and performing/competing experience aids me in offering my students exactly what they need for different types of music settings. I also have a degree in psychology—and experience in teaching sports such as swimming and ice skating—so can incorporate a variety of teaching methods to accommodate different learning styles. Lastly, I offer performance and musical expression coaching for those wishing to perform, film, and/or record!

Rates

30 Minutes: $39.00
45 Minutes: $49.00
60 Minutes: $59.00

There is a one-time registration fee of 25 $ charged with the first lessons. All Taxes are included in prices, if applicable

NOTE: Your Credit card will be charged ONLY when the first lesson is set up and confirmed with the teacher

Policies


1. Cancellation Policy

Lessons not cancelled or rescheduled with at least 24 hours notice are billable to the client and payable to the teacher. This does not of course apply to travel fees unless the notice is effectively given at the door and the teacher has travelled to the location.

2. Cessation (quitting) Policy

A client must provide a 2 lesson notice period to stop lessons. So a weekly student needs to give 2 weeks of notice, a biweekly student works out to 3 weeks notice and a twice weekly student works out to a week of notice.

3. Illness Policy

Lessons cancelled due to illness or extraordinary circumstances with less than 24 hours notice remain billable to the client and payable to the teacher.

BAH teachers are encouraged to offer a make-up lesson at a future date in the interest of client relations and general goodwill. This only makes sense as teaching a student with the flu for example, will ruin the rest of your week's employment.

No more than 2 lessons may be made up due to illness within a 60 day period.

4. Rescheduling Policy

Any lesson can be cancelled or rescheduled with at least 24 hours notice.

Summer Vacation and Extended Absence Policy

Clients may schedule longer absences for trips etc. 24 hours notice is required.

It is normal and typical for students and about 20% of our teachers to schedule a break in the summer. We do not enforce a notice period (see cessation of lessons) at the end of a long summer break.

5. Evaluation Period

There are no free trial lessons with Beethoven at Home but we do offer a 2 lesson evaluation period where it is easy to try out a teacher. There are no free lessons during the evaluation period and clients may choose to discontinue the lessons at any time by providing the required 24 hours notice. After the student's 3rd lesson the required 2 lesson notice period will apply (see cessation of lessons above).