Sheldon Leung

I believe a strong teaching relationship is critical for successful music learning. Building a healthy relationship means building my students' trust, which allows me to stretch and pull what they think are their limits and showing them that they can go beyond. I have students who have gone on to form bands, write their own music, and perform in events. Teaching is not about trying to make every student fit a certain mold but instead to discover with them who they are and what makes them different. Combining that with everything I can teach them, we are then able to discover their unique sound. I started my formal training at the age of 4 studying classical music and not long after I began performing in public in ensembles and as a soloist. As a child, I wasn't too keen about music and all I really wanted to do was play ice hockey and be a goalie. I did not realize at the time that completing the Royal Conservatory of Music diploma program would lead me to pursue jazz studies at Capilano University, one of Canada's top jazz training institution. What amazed me while studying jazz was that it rekindled an appreciation of classical music for me and opened my eyes to see classical music differently than what I was used to. Having had the privilege to study music of supposedly opposite spectrums, I can see the similarities between the two and how they can contribute to the studying of either styles. I have had numerous opportunities to perform at restaurants, weddings, concerts, and private engagements for some of the country's most affluent individuals as well as Canadian and international government officials. In addition to my experience as a teacher and performer, I have had the privilege to be a juror at music festivals. I currently run a music studio where I teach and operate as a recording, rehearsal, and performance space.