
Carmen is a dedicated music teacher specializing in piano lessons for students aged 3 to adults. With a teaching philosophy centered on nurturing students' passion for music and building confidence, she aims to inspire their musical potential for a lifelong love of music. Carmen holds a bachelor's degree in Music Studies, focusing on piano performance, and a postgraduate diploma in Music Education. She offers lessons online and in students' homes, covering areas like Burnaby and Vancouver. Fluent in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin, Carmen is well-equipped to teach a diverse range of students.
My philosophy of learning music is to nurture students' interest by making lessons enjoyable and fostering a sense of accomplishment. Setting realistic and broad goals together allows for steady progress and motivation. I believe in a holistic approach to music education, encouraging exploration of different genres and musical traditions. Creating a supportive environment, I provide constructive feedback, celebrate achievements, and approach challenges with patience. By nurturing students' passion for music and instilling confidence, I aim to inspire their musical potential and cultivate a lifelong love for music.
Under the tutelage of Mr. Shum Kin Wai, a renowned Steinway Artist and prizewinner in international competitions, I earned a Bachelor's degree in Music Studies from Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), specializing in piano performance. I then completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Education at HKBU, which prepared me for a career in music education. Following this, I worked as a secondary school music teacher and choir accompanist, gaining valuable experience in both teaching and performance.
・ATCL Diploma in Piano Recital from Trinity College London
・Grade 8 (equivalent to RCM Grade 10) Theory from The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM)
・ Grade 8 (equivalent to RCM Grade 10) Piano with Distinction from ABRSM
・Choral Conducting and Rehearsal Certificate Course from The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA)
・Creative Music Teaching Certificate from HKAPA
Carmen is a Beethoven at Home Associate Teacher
Home visit fee: $15 minimum fee. Teachers may negotiate a higher travel fee if the travel distance is longer than they are comfortable with. Most arrangements use the minimum fee.
One-Time Family Registration: $25. This covers your entire family for life - once you're in, everyone can take lessons!
Getting Started Together
We don't offer free trials, but we do something better - a relaxed 2-lesson getting-to-know-you period. You can pause anytime with just 24 hours notice. After your third lesson, we ask for a friendly 2-lesson heads up if you need to stop.
Life Happens - We Get It
Give us 24 hours notice for any cancellation or reschedule and you'll receive full credit. Planning a family vacation or summer break? Perfect - just let us know a day ahead and we'll pause your lessons.
When You're Under the Weather
If illness strikes with short notice (less than 24 hours), you'll still be charged since your teacher has reserved that time. However, most teachers are happy to offer makeup lessons when possible - they have the final say, especially if last-minute cancellations become a pattern.
Stopping Lessons
Need to take a break? We just ask for a 2-lesson notice:
Weekly lessons = 2 weeks notice
Every other week = 3 weeks notice
Twice weekly = 1 week notice
Summer breaks are different - no notice period needed when you return in the fall!
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