Ages: 5 and up
Genre: Classical (RCM), Pop, Blues, Jazz, Accompaniment
Length: 30 Minutes, 45 Minutes, 60 Minutes Weekly
Hanway Music School in Markham and Richmond Hill currently offer Private piano lessons. Our 1 to 1 private lesson gives the teacher a direct approach to the students skill set, allowing a more dynamic and effective teaching result.
For beginner students, lessons are structured to learn the basics of note reading, hand posture, rhythmic and ear training. For our Advanced students, lessons can be structured for preparation for RCM examinations, or to learning songs of the student’s choice
Homework are assigned after each lesson which includes: Playing of songs, practices of finger techniques and theory.
Hanway Music School in Markham and Richmond Hill host annual student recitals, masterclasses, and charity concerts to give our students the opportunity to perform on stage, and communicate with fellow students.
Intuitive approach based on students preference
Well rounded music learning experience including ear training and sight reading
Annual student recitals, masterclasses, charity concerts
Interactive and multimedia usage to enhance musical experience
After lesson support over phone, email, messaging
Ivan Yeung
Instruments: Piano, Advanced Rudiments, Harmony, History
Education: Bachelor of Music: Piano Performance (University of Toronto), Master of Music: Piano Pedagogy (University of Toronto)
Style: Classical Piano, Contemporary Piano, RCM examination program
Language: English, Cantonese
Ivan was introduced to the piano at the age of 4 but did not find his passion for music until 11 years old. Since then, Ivan has advanced through the RCM Grades at a fast pace, competed and won numerous competitions. He has placed first in music competitions and festivals such as the Scarborough Music Festival, Kiwanis Music Festival, Toronto Music Competition, Richmond Hill Music Festival, and Yip’s Music Festival. He has also placed 3rd in the 2007 Canadian Music Competition for the category of 14 years and under, and also placed 4th in the 2009 Canadian Music Competition for the category of 18 years and under. During the year of 2008, he was fortunate enough to be invited to the Vienna School of the Performing Arts where he performed a solo recital. In 2009 and 2010, Ivan was invited to the Officials Gathering at the Heintzman House as a solo pianist, performing in front of many important officials of the town such as the Mayor of Markham, Frank Scarpitti. Ivan currently holds a Bachelor of Piano Performance degree and Master of Music degree in Piano Pedagogy both from the University of Toronto. In his spare time, Ivan enjoys reading books and playing sports such as table tennis and badminton.
“Our child had a bad experience coming over from our previous teacher who was very strict and discipline. We came to Hanway under Mr. Yeung after stopping our piano lessons for 1 year, hoping my daughter can pick up where she left off. Mr. Yeung was helpful in updating us on how she is doing right now and what are the next steps towards our RCM examinations. Our daughter is very pleased with his teaching style which balances the fun and the discipline in learning music.” – Kevin L
Tim Chiu
Instruments: Piano, Acoustic Guitar, Classical Guitar, Electric Guitar
Education: York University
Style: Jazz, Folk, Rock, Pop
Language: English, Mandarin
Tim Chiu holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree studying classical piano from York University with entrance scholarship, as well as Bachelor of Education from Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto, illegible to teach Music and Drama from Grade 7 to Grade 12 in Ontario Public Schools. Began his musical journey since six years old, and passionate for both music performance and education, Tim has almost a decade of teaching experience at the age of twenty-five already.
Although he came from a Classical background, Tim has extensive experience in Pop, Rock, Blues, Electronic, and other genres of music as well. He started playing in bands since high school and performed songs in many genres. Being the keyboardist of his band, Moonfall, he is also attuned for sound design, recording, and composition. He has performed in several local events, including Night It Up, Waterfront Night Market, Taiwan Fest, and many others.
“Tim’s lessons are very educational and his step by step approach allows me to take my time to begin the instrument! – Bobby W
Kay Lu
Instruments: Piano
Education: York University (Bachelor)
Style: Classical, Contemporary, RCM examination program
Language: English, Mandarin
Wei Yin Lu, going by the English name Kay, began learning piano at the age of three. Kay originates from Taiwan, immigrating to Canada when she was 14. An experienced teacher, Kay has taught music since 2009, much of it with young children in both 1 on 1 settings and music camps. Her training and education has culminated in a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Music from York University, after briefly attending Wilfred Laurier and the University of Prince Edward Island. As a pianist, Kay has performed on stage at Taiwan, Prince Edward Island, Halifax and Hong Kong. In addition to piano, Kay is a talented composer and flautist. She wishes to bring the joy of music to anyone she can with her outgoing teaching style
“Kay is very outgoing and is very good at bringing out the interest of learning piano to kids! My daughter is 4 years old and a beginner and for the past year she is always super excited to attend her classes to show her progress to Kay! – Lauren L(Parent)
Eileen Shan Zou
Instruments: Piano, Vocal
Education: Bachelor of Fine Arts – Music/Psychology
Style: Contemporary, RCM examination program Level 1 – 5, Jazz Vocal
Language: English, Mandarin, Cantonese
Born in Foshan, China, Eileen started to learn piano and singing since age of 6. She started singing in a local children Choir and the choir was entitled the first place in 2004 in an international choir competition named World Choir Game. She studied Jazz Theory and vocal in York University and entered several local singing competitions and achieved great success and fame in the GTA. Since 2011, she has been freelance performer as an keyboardist, vocalist, and chorus for over hundreds of shows in and around the GTA.
“Great teacher with great patience and really understands what she is teaching. She took the time to explain everything to me and made sure I understood everything before I leave class every week” – Lisa L (Student)
Ava Liu
Instruments: Piano, Vocal
Education: Bachelor of Arts (Ryerson University)
Style: Classical Piano, Contemporary Piano, R&B Vocal, Pop Vocal, RCM examination program
Language: English, Mandarin, Cantonese
Ava has been studying the piano since the age of 7 and has been active in the Greater Toronto Chinese community as a performer and singer since the age of 16. During these years, she sang, and guest performed over hundreds shows, including Chinese new year countdown events, piano competitions and singing contests. She was featured as the lead vocalist in the Toronto based film “Promise” soundtrack. As a teacher, Ava has over 6 years in teaching experience to students aged 4 and above. Her lessons implement both the piano and voice techniques to educate her students and how both instruments can be used with one another. Her experience also allows her to train students to develop performance skills and on stage techniques.
“Over the past year Angelina (Daughter, 7 years old) has been taking both Vocal and Piano lessons with Ms.Liu. Her enthusiasm and positive energy is really making an impact on Angie that was never present from her previous teachers. Her weekly communication with me and her father gives us a constant update on how she is doing and how we as parents can help her improve in her musical studies. We are really grateful for her services and feel really confident handing our daughter’s music education to her” – Monica S
Katharine Chiu
Instruments: Piano, Advanced Rudiments
Education: Bachelor of Music (University of Toronto)
Style: Classical Piano, Contemporary Piano, RCM examination program
Language: English, Cantonese
Katharine started studying the piano at the age of 5, working through the RCM grades until she completed her ARCT in Piano Performance. Since the age of 15, she has been a volunteer accompanist at her church, accompanying for her fellowship, Children’s Choir, and various other services. Both her love for music and her positive experiences accompanying at church led her to pursue a Bachelor of Music in Composition at the University of Toronto, where she is currently studying composition with Alexander Rapoport and piano with Alma Petchersky.
With a willingness to volunteer in her church’s children’s ministries since the age of 14, Katharine has several years of experience working with children. As a piano teacher, Katharine aims to help her students enjoy the process of learning and develop a lasting passion for the piano. She always seeks to provide the right encouragement and knowledge for each individual student, leading them to acquire both proper skill and technique in piano and a deeper understanding of music.
“Ms Chiu is very friendly and easy to communicate with as a teacher. We received weekly status updates on how our child is doing with his practising and she not only provides a set of simple and clear instructions, but also suggests how we as parents can help our child with his piano studies” – Peter W
