Meet our Faculty

Nathan Shreve
Bachelor of Music
ARCT
(Piano, Theory, Composition, Musicianship)
Nathan Shreve is a composer and pianist with an ARCT in Piano Performance and a Bachelor of Music degree from the Juilliard School, where he studied composition with Dr. Melinda Wagner. He has tutored music theory for seven years. For two years, he was an Ear Training Teaching Fellow at the Juilliard School, working with multiple faculty members in the department. He also served as an assistant for graduate level theory classes. Nathan has experience teaching in structured environments where great care is given to each student.
​
(Language: English)

Dr. Xiao Dong
PhD in Music Education
Master of Violin Performance
(Violin, Chamber Music)
Dr. 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.
​
(Languages: English, Mandarin)

Michael Tai
Master of Arts
LRCM, ARCT
(Piano)
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, Mandarin)

Lingxi Li
Master of Violin Performance
Master of Music Education
Bachelor in Violin Performance
(Violin, Chamber Music)
Violinist and music educator Lingxi Li graduated from The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland with a Master's degree in Music Performance (violin). Currently, she completed her second Master's degree in Music Education at Western University. She has nearly 15 years of teaching and performance experience in the UK, China, Singapore, and Canada. She is a certified Kodály teacher. She provides violin 1-on-1 tutorials, string ensemble coaching, and music theory lessons to students across different levels, with all students passing the ABRSM and RCM exams with distinction or merit. Her students went on to win championships in competitions, including the 2022 Colorado International Music Competition U.S., 2019-2021 HK International Music & Arts Festival, A. Mittag International Music Festival, Inter-school International Performance Challenge HK, Youth Olympic Music Festival, etc. Miss Li was awarded as 'Outstanding Teacher of the Colorado International Music Competition U.S., HK International Music & Arts Festival, A. Mittag International Music Festival.
Miss Li’s teaching style is passionate and humorous. She believes that music can bring people to travel through time and space to resonate with composers and stories. Music can heal people’s minds and spirits, which ascent individuals into a greater depth of internal peace. Music is a lifetime companion. Meanwhile, music study can help to boost students' resilience, problem-solving skills, understanding capacity, aesthetics, empathy, creativity, team spirit, communication skill, and responsibility. These abilities have a far-reaching influence on a person’s life.
​
(Languages: English, Mandarin)

Jimmy Jin
PhD in Composition (on-going)
Master of Composition
(Composition, Harmony
Ear-training)
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.
​
(Languages: English, Mandarin)

Nini Wu
ARCT
(Piano)
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."
​
(Languages: English, Mandarin, Cantonese)

Forest Muran
PhD in Musicology (on-going)
Master of Musicology
Bachelor in Composition
(Theory, History, Composition)
A composer, musicologist, and music instructor, Forest Muran has been writing music for 17 years and has been teaching theory and composition for 7. With a Bachelor of Music degree from Western University, as well as an MA in Musicology from the same institution, Forest Muran is currently working on a PhD dissertation. Forest also currently assists in teaching music theory and history courses at Western University and has worked with everyone from beginner to advanced students as a music educator in both Alberta and Ontario. Forest believes that music is a vital part of any culture, and that everyone can benefit from furthering our understanding of it, helping us develop both our imagination and the discipline necessary to guide it. Forest is also a classically trained pianist, has composed for film, and has released numerous electronic music albums.
​
(Language: English)

Winter He
Bachelor of Music
(Piano, Theory,
Early Childhood Music)
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%. ​
​
(Languages: English, Mandarin, Cantonese)

Grace Zhao
Master of Violin Performance
Bachelor in Violin Performance
(Violin, Chamber Music)
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.
​
(Languages: English, Mandarin)