Cellist
As a cellist and educator, I combine extensive professional experience in performance, teaching, and arts administration to inform my cello pedagogy. Part of the first cohort of junior students at the Hong Kong Academy for the Performing Arts, I further honed my craft under Stephen Kates at Peabody and Zara Nelsova at Juilliard, all on full scholarship. My performance credits include appearances at Lincoln Center, Suntory Hall, Glenn Gould Studio, and George Weston Recital Hall, as well as the Bermuda Festival of the Performing Arts and Huntsville Festival of the Arts. This rigorous training underpins my commitment to healthy practice habits and performance mentality.
With over twenty years of experience in arts management at the Orchestra of St. Luke's, ICM Artists, and the University of Toronto Faculty of Music, I bring invaluable insights into artistic development to my teaching. My unique educational journey, which includes graduate studies in religion at Yale University and Boston University, where I taught courses during and post-pandemic, further broadens my repertoire in online and alternative teaching methods.
I have coached chamber ensembles and youth orchestras in Hong Kong and Canada. I enjoy a growing studio of cello students of all ages and levels in person and via Zoom. I teach in English and Cantonese and can converse in Mandarin Chinese.
EDUCATION
Master of Music, 1994
The Juilliard School
Bachelor of Music, 1991
Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University
MAJOR TEACHERS
Zara Nelsova, Stephen Kates, Nathan Waks, Mung Tan To
SELECTED PERFORMANCES
Venues: Alice Tully Hall, Avery Fisher Hall, Suntory Hall (Tokyo), Glenn Gould Studio, George Weston Recital Hall, Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall, Hong Kong City Hall
Orchestras: Toronto Philharmonia, Juilliard Orchestra, Peabody Symphony, Pacific Music Festival Orchestra, Music Academy of the West Orchestra
Broadcasts: WJHU Baltimore and Irish Radio
Private lessons (Greater Toronto Area)
Accepting adult beginners and younger people at all levels
SIGN UP TODAY
Liturgical Scholar
As a liturgical scholar, I have developed a deep interest in Christian rituals, mission history, and music's role in worship and culture. I take pride in an expanding collection of published works in international peer-reviewed academic journals and the consistently positive feedback from my students.
My research interests are diverse, from 9th-century East Syrian hymn texts in China to 19th-century Protestant missions in South China. I also delve into contemporary topics such as the megachurch phenomenon and Cantonese Christian music's role in corporate worship and beyond.
Please reach out if you want to chat about worship design, liturgical theology, or worship music over coffee. I am also available for consultation on your organizational projects.
EDUCATION
Doctor of Philosophy candidate, 2019-present
Boston University School of Theology
Advisor: Rev. Dr. Karen Westerfield Tucker
Master of Arts in Religion, 2019
Yale Divinity School and Yale Institute of Sacred Music
Advisors: Drs. Teresa Berger and Bryan Spinks
Higher Education Consultant
With over 30 years of experience in higher education in Canada and the United States, I bring a wealth of insights to help students navigate the complexities of higher learning and discover the ideal college environment to nurture their aspirations.
My academic journey has taken me through renowned institutions such as Johns Hopkins, Juilliard, NYU, and Yale. I've also worked in marketing and publicity at the University of Toronto and taught graduate students as a doctoral fellow at Boston University. I've had the privilege of guiding high school students to secure admission and scholarships at competitive U.S. and Canadian universities across a wide range of disciplines, from engineering and computer science to humanities, health sciences, business studies, mathematics, and even astrophysics.
Each admission cycle, I carefully select a dedicated group of highly motivated high school seniors to work with from June to December, ensuring that each student receives personalized attention tailored to their unique goals. Throughout the year, I accept students in grades 9-11 to get a headstart on college search. Early planning is highly encouraged to maximize student placement in competitive college programs.
Contact me to explore how I can help you or your child with your college search or application. I offer a complimentary 30-minute consultation to discuss your specific needs and aspirations. Feel free to get in touch, and let's begin this exciting journey together.
ACCEPTING NEW STUDENTS
Education
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (CANDIDATE)
Boston University / 2019-Present
MASTER OF ARTS IN RELIGION
Yale Divinity School and Yale Institute of Sacred Music / 2019
MASTER OF ARTS
New York University / 1997
MASTER OF MUSIC
The Juilliard School / 1994
BACHELOR OF MUSIC
Johns Hopkins University / 1991