Crystal - Teacher #4483

Instruments:
- Piano

Services:
- Dictation
- Ear Training
- Music Theory (Beginner-Intermediate)
- RCM - Basic Harmony
- RCM - Basic Rudiments
- Solfege

Languages:
- Cantonese
- English
- Mandarin

Teaching Philosophy

After nearly ten years of teaching piano, I’ve come to realize that there’s no one-size-fits-all method for teaching. Each student has their own unique learning style, and what works for one might not work for another. Over time, I’ve discovered that the key to effective teaching lies in communication, empathy, and flexibility. By fostering open communication with my students, I create a space where they feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and concerns.

One particular experience that stands out is when I had a seven-year-old student who wasn’t practicing at home because the material felt too difficult for her. After talking to her, I realized that she was overwhelmed, so I decided to simplify the lessons and make them more engaging. Instead of sticking to the rigid curriculum, I incorporated fun activities that allowed her to reinforce the basics while keeping her interest alive. This approach sparked her curiosity and led to steady improvement in both her practice habits and her overall enjoyment of music.

Though I still sometimes question my approach and feel uncertain about whether I’m applying the right methods for each student, I’ve learned that teaching is a constant process of growth. I’ve come to embrace the idea that being flexible and willing to adapt is the most important part of guiding students on their musical journey.

Musical Education

I have attended the following schools earning the following degrees:
- University of Calgary - Master in Music Education
- UCSI University - Bachelor of Music, Piano Performance
- Trinity College of London ATCL Diploma in Classical Piano
- Associate Board Royal School of Music - Grade 8 Music Theory

Awards and Distinctions

- KSC Kodály Canadian Summer Study Scholarships 2023
- University of Calgary: Recipient of Faculty of Graduate Studies Scholarship (FGSS) (2021 - 2023)
- University of Calgary: Recipient of Donald R. Hayes Memorial Scholarship (2021)
- UCSI University: Recipient of the UCSI University Trust Scholarships (2017 – 2020)

International Choir Competition Grand Prix Thailand, UCSI Singers
- Gold Award and Grand Prix Finalist
Taipei International Choral Competition, UCSI Chamber Choir
- Silver Award

Special Skills and Training

- University of Alberta - Kodály Level 1 Teaching Certificate I am also active in choral singing and am part of the Calgary Philharmonic Chorus. Some of the works we have performed include Handel's Messiah, Orff's Carmina Burana, and Brahm's Requiem.

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).