I began my musical training at the age of five, studying the violin and piano. At the age of 8, I joined my primary school’s string orchestra as a violinist but it is when the cello caught my eyes and I was mesmerized by the beauty of its sound. I began to study the cello at the age of 10 whilst continuing to study the violin and piano. The transition to the cello as my major instrument took place when I moved to Sydney, Australia at age 14.

 

In 2001, I gained my Bachelor of Music in Cello Performance from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music (University of Sydney) having studied with the renowned cello pedagogue Susan Blake. There, I also studied chamber music with the celebrated pianist Gerard Willems and string pedagogy with Dr Geotz Richter.

 

Soon after graduation, I came to the US as I was accepted by the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore. I studied my Master’s degree in Cello Performance with David Hardy, the principal cellist of the National Symphony Orchestra. I continued my chamber music studies with Herbert Greenberg, the former concertmaster of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Michael Kannen, as well as the famous concert violinist, Pamela Frank.

 

After graduation, I regularly performed as a sub with the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra (VA) and later in the Nova Vista Symphony Orchestra (CA).

 

I first discovered the joy of teaching whilst I was still in high school, when I was helping a friend with her cello practice. After I completed my Master’s degree in Peabody, I decided to establish a private teaching studio where I can share my passion of music.

 

Over the years, I have been teaching both children and adults of all ages and abilities.  Many of my students have successfully auditioned and participated in the Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association’s District Orchestra and American Youth Philharmonics Orchestra. Whilst I was living in California, my students participated in the Music Teachers’ Association of California’s evaluation program, Certificate of Merit, receiving excellent results and awarded with both Branch and State Honor.  One of my students was the prizewinner of Pelican International Music Competition, and the King's Peak International Music Competition in 2021. Most recently, some of my students were chosen to perform with the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) Regional Orchestra and Austin Youth Orchestra. 

 

I have an innate ability to connect with children and it helps me to be in tune with the mindsets and development of my students. I apply mindfulness in my teaching which allows me to care for a student’s needs and growth, not just in music, but also as a whole person.

 

My teaching style aims to develop a life-long love for music by creating balance between musical expression and technique, as well as inspiring students to learn more about themselves through music.

 

I am currently an active member of Music Teachers’ Association of California (MTAC). If you are interested in learning the cello, please contact me for quality online cello lessons (worldwide), or in person lessons in South-West of Austin (Bee Cave, Lakeway & Dripping Springs).