Meet our Faculty

Andrea Scala is a drummer, educator, and recording artist with more than 25 years of performance and teaching experience. He has taught private drum lessons extensively in Italy and Canada and has worked with institutions including Sonoria Centro Musicale, the Municipal Music School of Sora, CIAC Music School in Rome, Music Village, and Vaughan Academy of Music.

Andrea teaches technique, rhythmic solfège, coordination, musical styles, and personalized practice programs for students of different levels. His teaching combines established drum methods with exercises and concepts developed through years of study and professional experience. He places particular emphasis on helping students build strong fundamentals while discovering their own musical voice and developing creativity and independence.

As a performer, Andrea has appeared at international festivals, national television programs, and live events in Italy and abroad. His recording credits include releases with Lion Music, Musea Records, AMS/BTF Records, and Shifting Paradigm Records. His solo album, Coming Back, Leaving Again, was released in 2020, and he has also recorded for film soundtracks.

In addition to music, Andrea has a background in visual art, design, and video creation, bringing a broad creative perspective to his work as both an artist and educator.

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(Languages: English, Italian)

Dr. Xiao Dong received her Doctoral Degree in 2025, specializing in psychology in violin learning and online violin teaching. She has been teaching violin in one-on-one lessons and small ensembles across North America, Asia, Europe, and South America for over 10 years. Dr. Dong prioritizes a safe, inclusive environment where students feel empowered to experiment and reflect effectively on their learning progress. During her lessons, she provides psychological insights to develop students' self-awareness that enhance their learning ability. Dr. Dong earns consistent praise for her ability to connect meaningfully with students online, with parents noting "visible progress in both skill and confidence." 

Dr. Dong's students' results are: 100% in receiving 80+ and 90% in receiving 90+ in RCM exams; and 90% in receiving top 3 awards in violin competitions.

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(Languages: English, Mandarin)

Michael Tai holds a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance with distinction from Queen's University, a Master of Arts in Music Theory from the University of Toronto, and both the ARCT and Licentiate (LRCM) Piano Performance Diplomas from the Royal Conservatory of Music. He was privileged to have studied the piano with George McElroy for many years, as well as with Dr. Ireneus Zuk during his time at Queen's University. Michael has taught in various schools/music institutes and private home studio since the year 2012.

Aside from being classically trained, Michael shares his music as a Cover Artist/Arranger/Composer/Improviser on YouTube and various other Social Media platforms. He specializes in arranging piano (sometimes guitar and drum) covers for a wide variety of ACG related genres including Video Game/Anime/Film Soundtracks, Metal, and Pop. Since 2011, he has posted 500+ music videos, reached 80k+ subscribers on YouTube, has an average of 150k monthly listeners on Spotify, distributed 25+ music albums, recorded 60+ piano solo improvisations, and has written piano sheet music for 200+ of his own arrangements on Musicnotes.

Michael is an advocate on spreading the love and passion for music in his role as a music teacher. His compassionate/sensitive demeanour and his deep interests in both Classical/Pop Culture genres help to bring a special sense of connection into his lessons, which he believes can greatly contribute to the growth of the student as both a developing musician and as an individual.
 

(Languages: English)

Shirley Lee holds two Master's degrees in Music Performance and Music Education from Western University. She is also a certified Kodály teacher, with 20 years of experience in violin performance and music education.
She specializes in one-on-one violin instruction, string ensemble coaching, and music theory education for students of various ages and levels. Her students have consistently achieved Distinction in RCM examinations and have received numerous awards at national and international music competitions. In recent years, her students have earned Platinum, Gold, and Silver awards at the Toronto Kiwanis Music Festival, with several advancing to the Ontario Music Festivals Association (OMFA) Provincial Competition, where they have achieved outstanding results.

Shirley has also been recognized with multiple Outstanding Teacher awards at music competitions, reflecting her dedication to music education and student development.
Shirley's teaching style is passionate, engaging, and infused with humor. She believes that music education goes beyond developing technical proficiency; it is a journey of discovery, creativity, and personal growth. She strives to create a supportive and inspiring learning environment where students are encouraged to explore their individuality, embrace challenges, and discover the joy of making music.

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(Languages: English, Mandarin)

Jimmy Jin is a dynamic composer, violinist, and music teacher actively engaged in both Canada and China. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Music Composition, he also serves as a Theory Teaching Assistant at Western University. Jimmy's musical expertise spans a broad spectrum, encompassing genres from pop to classical music.

Since launching his teaching career in 2018, Jimmy has specialized in teaching RCM music theory and history at advanced levels (Level 9 to ARCT), with many of his students achieving outstanding results in their RCM theory exams.

As a warm and dedicated educator, Jimmy is committed to working closely with each student, striving not only to foster academic success but also to cultivate a lasting passion for music.

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(Languages: English, Mandarin)

Nini obtained ARCT Piano Performer Diploma and started teaching piano while studying at the University of Toronto. Having 26 years of experience in piano education, Nini is a strong believer in building a solid foundation of knowledge and techniques while nurturing the development of students' musicality.
Nini is specialized in teaching RCM curriculum for all ages and levels. Her lessons are tailored to bring the best, yet drill on the weaknesses, of each and every one of her students. As Nini's teaching philosophy states, "...lessons are taught in a firm yet accommodating manner, aiming to give confidence and encouragement to students. There are no unattainable goals. When there’s a will, there is a way, and we will ALWAYS find a way."

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(Languages: English, Mandarin, Cantonese)

XingSheng Liu studied saxophone at McGill University under Marie-Chantal Leclair and Louis Philippe Bonin. During his studies, he performed with the McGill Wind Orchestra and Saxophone Quartet and participated in master classes with internationally recognized artists including Timothy McAllister and Marie-Bernadette Charrier. With over 18 years of experience in wind performance and training in both classical and contemporary music, XingSheng continues to expand his artistry with a current focus on clarinet performance and pedagogy.

XingSheng has over five years of teaching experience working with students of diverse ages, backgrounds, and goals. He teaches both saxophone and clarinet from beginner to advanced levels, including students preparing for RCM examinations, school band participation, music programs, auditions, and long-term musical development. Through years of teaching, he has developed experience supporting students in building strong technical foundations while adapting instruction to each individual’s learning style.

XingSheng’s teaching philosophy is centered around creating a supportive and engaging environment where students can develop confidence, discipline, and enjoyment through music. He emphasizes healthy technique, tone development, musical expression, and practical musicianship while encouraging curiosity and independent growth. His goal is to help students not only achieve their musical objectives but also build a lasting appreciation for music.

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(Languages: English, Mandarin)

Winter received a Bachelor of Music from McMaster University and obtained a certified teacher certificate in Piano & Theory from the Royal Conservatory of Music. She is a member of the Ontario Registered Music Teacher Association & Early Childhood Music Education Association. In 2023, she completed the Advanced Early Childhood Music Education Program at the Royal Conservatory of Music. She also frequently works as a part-time coordinator in March break camp, summer camp, and smart start program at the Royal Conservatory of Music. Additionally, she is a music teacher who teaches ages 0-6 at Mastermind Montessori School. Aside from teaching private piano lessons at all ages and levels, she has specialized in teaching the Early Childhood Early Music Course for ages 0-6, theory group courses (RCM Level 5-8 Theory, Level 9 History). She has over 17 years of teaching experience. Her students were 100% passing RCM exams, and most of them received results above 80%. ​

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(Languages: English, Mandarin, Cantonese)

Grace has over 20 years of experience playing the violin, her extensive performance experience includes participating in orchestras, chamber music groups, and individual recitals. This rich background has given her a deep understanding of a wide range of musical styles and techniques, allowing her to bring a wealth of knowledge to her teaching.
Grace holds a Master of Music from the University of Ottawa, where she specialized in violin performance. She has studied under several renowned violinists and educators, further honing her skills and expanding her knowledge. Her educational background has equipped her with a solid foundation in both performance and pedagogy, making her a well-rounded and knowledgeable teacher. Grace's academic achievements and continuous professional development ensure that she stays updated with the latest teaching methodologies and performance practices.
Grace's teaching philosophy is centered around fostering a love for music in her students. She believes in a tailored approach, meeting each student’s unique needs and goals. Grace has taught students in both China and Canada, gaining extensive experience working with diverse student populations. She emphasizes the importance of developing strong technical skills while also encouraging musical expression and creativity. Grace aims to create a supportive and inspiring environment where students feel motivated to practice and improve. Her patience and dedication ensure that her students not only develop their violin skills but
also cultivate a lifelong appreciation for music.

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(Languages: English, Mandarin)

Zeting Yin graduated from Mount Allison University with a Bachelor of Music in piano performance with distinction. Since launching his career in 2023, Zeting has specialized in teaching RCM music theory and harmony at advanced levels (Level 8-ARCT), as well as piano instruction. He has successfully guided numerous students in passing the RCM Harmony and Theory examinations.
From 2020 to 2022, Zeting worked as a teaching assistant and tutor, supporting university students in music theory and harmony. In 2021, Zeting won First Prize in the Senior Composition of the New Brunswick Provincial Music Festival. From 2018 to 2022, he was a yearly recipient of the Mary Emerancy Pickard Music Scholarship. His other honors include the HP and LG Patterson Piano Excellence Award (2020, 2021), the Robert and Margaret Fleming Composition Award (2020), the Florence Webb Tate Piano Excellence Award (2019), and the James Noel Brunton Memorial Music Theory Award (2019).
As a dedicated teacher, Zeting Yin guides students through the complexities of chord progressions and voice leading.

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(Language: English, Mandarin)