Hello!
My name is Alison and I'm a pianist, composer, teacher.
I am with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) as their RBC Affiliate Composer (2022-2024), and was previously the Carrefour Composer-in-Residence with Canada's National Arts Centre Orchestra (2020-2023).
I am:
- Experienced working with students of all ages (5+) and diverse backgrounds
- Familiar with the RCM curriculum
- Experienced lecturing and teaching at university level and privately for 7+ years
- PhD in music from the University of Chicago, with performance, theory, composition, and research backgrounds
- Registered teacher with RCM, ORMTA (Ontario Registered Music Teachers Association), CFMTA (Canadian Federation of Music Teachers' Association)
Very very patient and kind. Music is for everyone!
Teaching in North York, near Fairview Mall.
Currently offering:
- 1-on-1 piano lessons (in-person)
- 1-on-1 theory lessons (online or in-person)
- 1-on-1 musicianship training lessons (online or in-person)
- 1-on-1 music composition lessons (online or in-person)
Can help with:
- Absolute beginners (children, adults)
- RCM exams
- Pop, film music playing for fun
- Music theory and composition
- General interests and needs in appreciating and learning about music
- Music school applications
See my interview with Toronto Symphony Orchestra music director, Gustavo Gimeno: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fa9j5FzjaQY&t=26s
Representing the Toronto Symphony for Asian Heritage Month: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSwRkaksVcg&t=2s
You can hear my music composition here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPWz8mgOj4Y
Instrument / Discipline
- Piano
- Theory
- Composition
- Rudiments
- Harmony
- History
- Counterpoint
- Analysis
Spoken languages
- English
- Chinese (Mandarin)
Specialized in
- Youth (7-17)
- Adults (18+)
- Young Children (under 7)
- Beginner/Elementary
- Intermediate
- Advanced
Teaches At
- Online
- Teacher's home
- Teacher's studio
Credentials
- 2023 - RBC Affiliate Composer - Toronto Symphony Orchestra
- 2022 - Carrefour Composer-in-Residence - National Arts Centre Orchestra
- 2022 - Doctor of Philosophy in Music - University of Chicago
- 2017 - Master of Music - New York University
- 2015 - Bachelor of Music - Manhattan School of Music
- 2010 - A.R.C.T. - Royal Conservatory of Music
School Associations
- Ontario Registered Music Teachers' Association - Provincial / State