Online Composition Piano Lessons with Hiu Yi Joyce 

Hiu Yi Joyce - Teacher #4269

Instruments:
- Composition
- Piano

Services:
- Composition
- Music Theory (Beginner-Intermediate)

Languages:
- Cantonese
- English
- Mandarin

Teaching Philosophy

In my approach to teaching, I view learning and teaching as interconnected processes, where students not only absorb knowledge but also develop the skills to impart that knowledge themselves. Central to my philosophy is the belief that learning should be a joyful and transformative experience, akin to embarking on a wonderful musical journey.

I strive to cultivate an environment where students not only gain proficiency in their musical abilities but also find fulfilment and happiness in the process. I firmly believe that feeling joy and satisfaction is essential for effective learning. As students encounter challenges along their learning path, I encourage them to embrace these difficulties with a sense of relaxation and enjoyment, knowing that overcoming obstacles is part of the journey.

My teaching philosophy revolves around two fundamental principles: happiness and the symbiotic relationship between learning and teaching.

From my early days as a sparring tutor under my piano teacher, I learned the art of effective communication and empathy towards students. By placing myself in their shoes, I gained insights into their struggles and devised innovative methods to address their needs. This experience not only enhanced my own piano skills but also laid the foundation for my teaching style.

As a piano and music theory teacher, I understand the importance of tailoring lessons to accommodate each student's unique abilities and interests. Whether it's guiding them through fingering exercises and standard repertoires, or nurturing their passion for the pieces they love, for example, film music, I aim to strike a balance between imparting essential knowledge and fostering their love for music.

One of my most rewarding aspects of teaching is witnessing students overcome challenges and achieve their goals. Whether it's winning an award or mastering a beloved pop song, I take immense pride in their accomplishments. These moments of triumph not only validate their hard work but also inspire me to continually refine my teaching methods to better support their growth.

In essence, my teaching philosophy is rooted in creating a supportive and enriching learning environment where students can thrive both academically and personally. By instilling a sense of joy and curiosity in my students, I aim to empower them not only as musicians but also as lifelong learners and teachers in their own right.

Musical Education

I have attended the following schools earning the following degrees:
- Western University, Don Wright Faculty of Music- Master of Music in Composition (recent)
- Hong Kong Baptist University - Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Music, majoring in composition and piano
-Hong Kong Design Institute - Digital Media and Music

My principal teachers included Hong Kong pianist Dr. Amy Sze-Man Lun (Hong Kong) and Prof. Christopher Keyes (Hong Kong) and Dr. Paul Frehner (Canada) for composition.

Attended to composer masterclasses and workshops:
- Barcelona Modern International Composition Course_7th edition - Listener with reading section (2021)
- Splice Institute 2024 [Intensive summer programme for live performance and electronic composition] - Composer participant (2024)
- Screen Music Programme [for film and video games music composition] (2024)

Special Skills and Training

"Joyce! Do you want to learn to play piano?" This simple question from my dad, posed during a visit to a piano store, sparked a lifelong passion for music and set me on a journey that has spanned over two decades. My musical journey began with the innocent joy of playing random keys and has evolved into a profound and disciplined pursuit of mastery. Attended to composer masterclasses and workshops: - Barcelona Modern International Composition Course_7th edition - Listener with reading section (2021) - Splice Institute 2024 [Intensive summer programme for live performance and electronic composition] - Composer participant (2024) - Screen Music Programme [for film and video games music composition] (2024) For 20 years, piano practice has been a daily habit, an integral part of my life that brings immense satisfaction. The gradual improvement of my skills, day by day, has been a source of constant motivation and joy. This personal journey forms the cornerstone of my teaching philosophy: the belief in the power of consistent practice and the joy of witnessing progress. Having achieved excellent results in the ABRSM grade exams, including grade 8 in both piano and music theory, I understand the importance of structured learning and goal-setting. These achievements underscore my commitment to rigorous standards and the value of perseverance. I strive to instil these principles in my students, encouraging them to set ambitious goals and work diligently towards achieving them. My experiences as a performer, participating in numerous live shows as a member of session bands, have been instrumental in shaping my approach to teaching. These performances have not only enriched my experience but also helped me overcome stage fright. I strive to encourage my students to participate in various performances, helping them build confidence and stage presence, both of which are essential for any musician. In addition to performance, my journey into composition and music theory has significantly broadened my musical perspective. The creative and technical skills gained from composing music allow me to teach with a more holistic approach. I encourage my students to explore their creativity, understand the theoretical foundations of music, and appreciate the interconnectedness of different musical elements. I belief that every student has a unique musical voice and potential. I am dedicated to nurturing this potential through personalised instruction that caters to individual strengths and addresses specific challenges. By creating a supportive and inspiring learning environment, I aim to foster a lifelong love for music in my students, just as my father’s question did for me all those years ago.