Welcome to 2012-2013 Season

New season 2012-2013 started in early September. Time flies. I can't believe it is Fall now and sometimes I can feel the cool air. This year, we had a beautiful September. The weather was just so good.

In June, Kimberly Cheng had her first piano examination. She was doing grade 3 and she got 91. It was a very good result for her. I am so proud of her. For those who took exam this year, all got over 90. Congratulation!

Similar to other year, I had some students gone and some students come. Due to the time conflicts with different activities, Kimberly Cheng decided to discontinue her piano lesson this year. The other 2 students, Jessie and Marc Laprise are leaving this year as well. Both of them are wonderful students of mine. They were working hard and picking up the piano very well. Hope they will still enjoy playing their piano. Kent lives in Surrey and found it too far to travel to North Burnaby every week. Then, Ian and Nolan Torvik are trying different instrument this year.

Although there are a few students left, I still insist to hold 2 recitals this year. I would think students learn a lot and have a good experience through performing in a recital. Christmas recital will be held on Dec 15 at Cliff Avenue United Church. Then, Year End Recital will be held on Jun 8.

Since this year I am not as busy as before, I will have more time to explore different music for my students. I am also planning to have more group class and master class with students. I hope this year all the students will learn well, enjoy playing their repertoires and attend more live concerts and recitals. I feel very proud of those students who did their examinations and festivals well in last season. It was a fruitful year. I hope we can carry on the good work.

This year, I am taking Jazz piano lesson from Mr. Peter Friesen. As a classical music pianist, it is a new area for me. I feel good to keep learning and do something different. I am still taking Alexander Technique lesson which really helps me to use my body well in piano playing. Through this, I realise playing piano is not only related to finger work but it also involves the whole body movement and co-ordination which in turn will save a lot of unnecessary effort and avoid injuries. I am still a Co-president of BCRMTA Vancouver Branch. Although there are some very busy times, I enjoy working for it - helping teachers and students in Vancouver area in professional development through different workshops and master classes, in building up network with other teachers, in financial support through the bursary program, in musical development through organising music festival and student recital. In provincial level, I am a member in the marketing committee which helps promoting and marketing our association. I hope more new teachers will join our group to expand their network with other teachers, establish their studio and keep learning. BCRMTA members are high caliber teachers in our province. Our students are some of the best in the province and in Canada. I feel a big honour to be a co-president and be active in the association.