MEET OUR INSTRUCTORS
Our teachers are passionate pianists' and performers who make lessons engaging and fun! You will be surprised at how quickly you can learn to become a musican yourself. Write to us below to begin your musical adventure!

SHIRLEY NHAM
Co-Director, Piano & Theory Instructor
Shirley Nham began her classical training at the age of 6 years old and since then, she has internalized a core lesson on the correlation between distilling passion in musicians while helping them effectively develop proficiency and musicality at their instrument as an instructor. During her years of study, she successfully completed the requirements in the Royal Conservatory of Music examinations all while performing in local competitions and piano festivals. She continues to develop herself as a pianist and teacher as she pursues the ARCT in Piano Pedagogy and Piano Performance. She is also working towards a BA in Music from the University of Calgary.
Over the years, Shirley has established a reputation as a highly versatile and creative teacher for students of all levels – from young children through to adults. Shirley believes that learning begins with the creation of a positive environment and it is this knowledge that has allowed many students to thrive under her instruction. With a tailored plan to each student’s goals, she excels with helping students prepare for RCM examinations and competitions but also loves teaching students who want to learn recreationally and for the pure enjoyment of music.
SAMMIE TRAN
Piano Instructor
Coming from a musical family where many have played and taught piano, music was always a part of Sammie’s life. Her formal piano instruction began under the instruction of Sonia Poon. Under her tutelage, she has been awarded with numerous scholarships and awards from Local competitions and festivals all throughout Calgary. Sammie’s musical journey continues as she regularly performs in recitals and in the Calgary Performing Arts Festival.
Sammie excels in tying musical elements into her pieces and continues to develop as a musician as she works towards her Grade 10 RCM examinations and the corresponding theory components.
GLORIA HUA
Piano Instructor
Gloria began her musical education at the age of 4. Excelling and showing great promise as a young student, she consistently received recognition during her early studies, winning numerous awards including scholarships through music festivals such as the Calgary Performing Arts Festival and Calgary APTA Festival.
By performing regularly in recitals and school shows, Gloria stays active in piano performance. Throughout high school she participated in the school concert band as a trumpet player and the school jazz band as a pianist. With her local concert band, she has often competed in music festivals and toured across Canada and in Nashville, Tennessee. She has also had the opportunity to teach younger kids to play the trumpet and jazz piano through band workshops.
JAKE BRANCHAUD
Guitar Instructor
TAKAFUMI TAN
Violin and Piano Instructor
Takafumi studied both violin and guitar under the Royal Conservatory of Music. He also graduated from the Bachelor of Arts and Science at the University of Lethbridge. While in Japan, he was able to find success in joining his local symphony. He loves to perform and continues to do so in Calgary while sharing his methods to younger students.
He believes that music is a universal connector of culture, as it helped him bridge the difference between Japanese and American backgrounds. He would like his students to explore many cultures, acquire new knowledge and find new ways to understand who they are and who they can become!
CYNTHIA CHIU
Piano Instructor
Cynthia Chiu developed a passion for music at the age of 6 years old and completed the advanced level at the Royal Conservatory of Music in 2013. Besides her passion in music, she has an extensive history in teaching piano with over 6 years of experience working with students as young as 4 years old to mature adults. Cynthia believes that an important aspect of being a piano teacher is her ability to communicate effectively with the student themselves, alongside with their parents in the background, and to make sure every student is having fun during their lessons.
Cynthia strongly believes that every student is unique, and everyone has their own way of learning. She enjoys being creative and flexible in her ways of teaching to make sure all of her students can acquire the skills to play the piano proficiently. Cynthia excels with teaching beginners the fundamental skills, continuing to develop their skills and passion for music, and to help students prepare for their Royal Conservatory of Music examinations.