Serena | Teacher #2450
About Serena
Serena is a gifted cello and music theory teacher based in Richmond Hill, offering in-studio and online lessons to students from the age of 5 to adults. Holding degrees from Taipei National University of the Arts, Mannes College of Music, and Michigan State University, Serena brings a rich educational background to her teaching. Fluent in English, Mandarin, and Taiwanese, she provides a comprehensive learning experience, specializing in RCM exam preparation, the Suzuki method, and more. She's also a distinguished musician, having made her solo debut at Carnegie Weill Recital Hall.
Cello Ear Training Music Theory (Beginner-Intermediate) RCM Suzuki
Online Lessons
Classical Baroque
English Mandarin Taiwanese
Teaching Philosophy
Teaching students from the age of 5 to adults, my philosophy is patient, caring, and learner-centered. I aim to teach according to students' aptitudes and help them reach the best of their ability through a dialogue-based pedagogy, cultivating students’ independent thinking ability, fostering an appropriate learning attitude, and instilling a growth mindset. In addition to considering students’ technical skills and helping them understand how to interpret each piece’s standards and aesthetics for performance, I especially prioritize students’ mental and physical well-being, teaching them about injury prevention, healthy and efficient practice skills, and strategies to manage stage fright. As a result, my students have achieved excellence in music competitions, Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) exams, and Arts Program auditions.
Musical Education
I am a teaching artist, appearing as a soloist, chamber musician, orchestra musician, and educator. I am classically trained and started my musical journey with the piano and cello at the age of 5. Between grades 3 and 12, I studied in a music-gifted program. I hold degrees in music performance from Taipei National University of the Arts (Bachelor of Music), Mannes College of Music (Master of Music), and Michigan State University (Doctor of Musical Arts)."
Awards and Distinctions
As the 2nd prize winner of the American Fine Arts Festival's Golden Era of Romantic Music International Competition, I made my solo debut at Carnegie Weill Recital Hall during the winners' concert in 2016. I have also been invited as a jury panelist for Taiwan's 18th and 19th Capital Taipei International Music Competition and music-gifted program. My students have received top prizes in the Ontario Music Festivals Association (OMFA), North York Music and Performing Arts Festival Competition, Unionville Music Festival competition, Crescendo Music Competition, and CCC Toronto International Music Festival.
Special Skills and Trainings
I specialize in RCM exam preparation, the Suzuki method, art school audition preparation, music college/university entrance audition preparation, and teaching music for amateur musicians or those who simply want to play for fun. I drive excellence in students' musical, social, personal, and emotional growth by developing dynamic, thoughtfully designed lesson plans that empower and engage pupils. I am a creative self-starter who promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion in music instruction. I excel at identifying students' challenges and encouraging innovative instructional methods to overcome learning obstacles. As a bilingual communicator (fluent in Mandarin Chinese), I build strong relationships with students and parents/guardians of various ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Lessons on an online platform
Serena can provide online instruction. While other platforms are possible BAH strongly recommends the use of the Zoom video conferencing platform as it is optimized for music lessons and audio quality.Reviews
Associate Teacher Lesson Rates:
Serena is a Beethoven at Home Associate Teacher
- 30 minutes: $39
- 45 minutes: $49
- 60 minutes: $59
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!
Our Promise to You
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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