Meet Our Team

Daniel

Music Instructor

(28 years of teaching experience)

Daniel initiated his exploration of music by learning to play the violin and piano at the tender age of 5. Daniel finished all Royal School of Music Exams by the age of 13 and won the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition at the age of 17, before obtaining his Bachelor of Music degree at the Moody Bible Institute and Master of Music at DePaul University. During that time he also performed with the Civic Orchestra Of Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) for 3 years. Daniel understands the importance of music education and how it contributes to the improvement of one’s overall learning ability and brain development. He has been teaching private and group lessons at Merit School of Music and his own studio for over 25 years. In addition to this, Daniel has also taught lessons at D70 high schools in the Northern Suburb for more than 12 years. He has been appointed as a Judge for ILMEA Junior and Senior divisions for more than 12 years. Apart from this, Daniel actively freelances with different professional orchestras in the Chicagoland area and has worked with church youth ministries for over 20 years.

Daniel 在 5 歲時開始學習小提琴和鋼琴，開啟了他的音樂之旅。在 13 歲時，他完成了所有英國皇家音樂學院考試，並於 17 歲時贏得了 Fischoff 全國室內樂比賽。隨後，他獲得了音樂學士與碩士學位，並在此期間與芝加哥交響樂團（CSO）旗下的 Civic Orchestra 合作演出長達三年。

擁有超過 25 年的教學經驗，Daniel 深知音樂教育對於提升學習能力與腦部發展的重要性。他在 Merit 音樂學校及個人音樂工作室教授私人和團體課程，並在北郊的 D70 高中任教超過 12 年。此外，他還連續 12 年擔任 ILMEA 初中與高中組比賽的評審。

除了教學工作，Daniel 也是一名活躍的自由音樂人，與芝加哥地區多個專業樂團合作演出。他還投身於教會青少年事工超過 20 年，致力於用音樂啟發並培養年輕音樂人才。

Henry

Lead Tutor

(18 years of teaching experience)

Henry studied biology at University of Illinois at Chicago and obtained master's degree in education at Roosevelt University. He taught Math, Science, Chinese and college prep courses in CPS for four years as ISBE Certified (PEL) tenured teacher before returning to study at Rush University and became a medical staff in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery specializing in cardiovascular perfusion. He was licensed and certified by American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion, State of Wisconsin Medical Examining Board, and Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation. His training included Rush University Medical Center, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, and Spectrum Health Meijer Heart Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Henry now works for U.S Government as “Service Chief” caring for military veterans at federal healthcare center. He is also a member of United States Coast Guard Aux under the FEMA Framework.

Henry 主修生物學並獲得教育碩士學位。他曾在芝加哥公立學校（CPS）任教四年，教授數學、科學、中文及大學預備課程，並擁有伊利諾伊州教育委員會（ISBE）認證的專業教育許可（PEL），且獲得終身教職資格。

隨後，他重返學校深造，成為心胸外科部門的醫療人員，專攻心血管技術。他獲得了美國心血管灌注委員會（ABCP）、威斯康星州醫學考試委員會及伊利諾伊州財務與專業監管部的執照與認證。他的專業培訓涵蓋Rush大學醫學中心、西北紀念醫院以及密歇根州的 Spectrum Health Meijer 心臟中心。

目前，Henry 在美國政府部門擔任“服務主管”（Service Chief），專門負責聯邦醫療中心的退伍軍人醫療服務。此外，他還是美國海岸警衛隊輔助隊的成員，參與聯邦緊急事務管理署（FEMA）的相關工作。

Pantene

Art Instructor

(26 years of teaching experience)

Pantene, a graduate of South China Normal University and Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts, has a rich background in preschool and art education. Holding a Senior Teacher Qualification since 2008 and a Level 2 Mandarin proficiency certificate, Pantene served kindergarten from 1998 to 2018, excelling as a teacher, Assistant Principal, and Administrative Director. Pantene's work in music and art education earned multiple awards, including recognition for student achievements in national and international contests. Pantene's dedication to early childhood education is highlighted by a Level 4 Credential in the Gateways to Opportunity Illinois Professional Development System for Early Childhood Education.

Pantene 在學前教育和藝術教育領域擁有豐富的經驗。自 2008 年起持有高級教師資格證書並獲得二級普通話水平證書。從 1998 年至 2018 年，Pantene 在幼兒園工作，擔任教師、副園長及行政主管，展現出卓越的教育與管理能力。

在音樂與藝術教育方面，Pantene 的工作屢獲殊榮，指導的學生在國內外比賽中取得優異成績，並獲得多項獎項。Pantene 對幼兒教育的熱忱體現在其獲得的伊利諾伊州 “Gateways to Opportunity” 學前教育專業發展系統四級資格認證，進一步彰顯其在學前教育領域的專業與奉獻精神。

Wai Ming (Vera)

Music Instructor

(13 years of teaching experience)

With over a decade of music teaching experience, Vera has nurtured her skills under the guidance of Alan Chu, earning an ATCL Diploma in piano performance. Her teaching philosophy is tailored to the individual needs of students aged 3 to 19, focusing on overcoming learning challenges and fostering a genuine love for music. Vera’s classes emphasize piano techniques like legato, staccato, dynamics, and pedal use, ensuring students can play effortlessly and enjoyably. Her students have achieved notable success, earning Merits in ABRSM Piano Grades 2-8 and Music Theory Grade 5, and winning awards in the Hong Kong Youth Piano Competition and the Hong Kong Cup Arts Festival Music Competition. Vera's approach not only enhances piano skills but also instills a lasting passion for music.

Vera 擁有超過十年的音樂教學經驗，在著名音樂導師Alan Chu的指導下精進技藝，並獲得 ATCL 鋼琴演奏文憑。她的教學理念根據 3 至 19 歲學生的個別需求量身定制，專注於幫助學生克服學習挑戰並培養對音樂的熱愛。

Vera 的課程強調鋼琴技巧，如連奏（legato）、斷奏（staccato）、力度變化（dynamics）和踏板運用（pedal use），確保學生能夠流暢且愉悅地彈奏音樂。她的學生在英國皇家音樂學院（ABRSM）鋼琴 2-8 級及樂理 5 級考試中獲得優異成績，並在香港青少年鋼琴比賽及香港盃藝術節音樂比賽中獲獎。

Vera 的教學不僅提升學生的鋼琴技巧，還培養他們對音樂的持久熱情。

Kirstie (KK)

Tutor

(13 years of teaching experience)

Kirstie is an early childhood educator with 13 years of teaching experience, specializing in curriculum development. She has a passion for working with English as a Second Language (ESL) learners, tailoring her teaching methods to meet their unique needs. Kirstie's expertise lies in creating engaging and inclusive learning environments that foster linguistic and cognitive growth for ESL students. She also dedicates her time to tutoring and mentoring, providing personalized support to help students improve their language proficiency and academic success. Kirstie's commitment to education has made her a valuable asset in the field of early childhood education, inspiring both students and fellow educators alike.

Kirstie是一位擁有 13 年教學經驗的幼兒教育工作者，專注於課程開發。她對教授英語作為第二語言（ESL）的學生充滿熱情，並根據他們的獨特需求調整教學方法。

Kirstie 擅長創造富有吸引力且包容性的學習環境，促進 ESL 學生的語言與認知發展。

此外，她還積極從事輔導與指導工作，為學生提供個性化支持，幫助他們提升語言能力並取得學業成功。

Kirstie 對教育的奉獻使她成為幼兒教育領域的重要人才，激勵著學生與同行教育者

Venus Fu

Music Instructor

(30 years of teaching experience)

Venus Fu began studying violin at the age of six. Recognized for her exceptional musical talent, she was selected as the first violinist at the Beijing Children’s Palace Orchestra and was promoted to Concertmaster just two years later. She later joined the China Film Orchestra in Beijing as a first violinist. After moving to Hong Kong in 1987, she performed with the Hong Kong Sinfonietta for more than ten years.

In 2000, Venus and her family relocated to Montreal, Canada. In 2006, she became the Concertmaster of the Musicians of the World Symphony Orchestra, performing under conductor Mr. Joseph Milo. Her notable performances include The Butterfly Lovers (Liang Zhu) Violin Concerto (2010), donation concerts for Haitian earthquake relief (2010), and fundraising concerts for youth activities at Good Shepherd Church and Kids in the Park (2011).

She served as Musical Director for the 2010 and 2011 Montreal Multi-culture New Year Concerts for the Montreal Chinese community and co-founded the Trio al Piacere, performing across Quebec.

In recognition of her excellence in teaching, Venus received the Silver Medal (2010) and Gold Medal (2011) Violin Teacher Awards from The Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM), Canada. She is currently the RCM North America Chief Adjudicator Representative.

Venus has also collaborated with several renowned artists, including Teresa Teng, and often leads her students to perform for senior homes and hospitals.

Since 2012, Venus has been based in the United States, serving as Principal Viola with both the Highland Park Strings and the Lake Forest Civic Orchestra.

傅老師（Venus Fu）六歲開始學習小提琴，天賦出眾。曾入選北京少年宮管弦樂團擔任第一小提琴手，兩年後晉升為首席。其後加入中國電影樂團擔任第一小提琴。1987年移居香港後，於香港小交響樂團演出超過十年。

2000年移居加拿大蒙特婁，2006年起出任世界音樂家交響樂團首席小提琴，與指揮Joseph Milo多次合作。代表演出包括2010年《梁祝》小提琴協奏曲、2010 年海地地震賑災音樂會及 2011年青少年籌款音樂會等。

2010、2011年擔任蒙特婁華人社區「多元文化新年音樂會」音樂總監，並共同創立室內樂團 Trio al Piacere，於魁北克多地演出。傅老師亦經常參與Brossard市Les Mélodistes合唱團的演出，並受邀與隆格伊交響樂團合作聖誕音樂會，獨奏《泰伊思的冥想曲》及中國名曲《良宵》。

教學方面，她於2010年及2011年分別榮獲加拿大皇家音樂學院（RCM）銀獎與金獎教師殊榮，現為RCM北美區總評審代表。

傅老師亦曾與多位著名藝人合作，包括鄧麗君等，並常帶領學生前往安老院與醫院義演。

自2012年起，她定居美國，現任Highland Park弦樂團與Lake Forest Civic Orchestra中提琴首席。

Tiffany

Music Instructor

(4 years of teaching experience)

Meet Tiffany, an ABRSM-certified music instructor with a lifelong passion for music. Starting her musical journey at the age of 3, Tiffany boasts over 15 years of experience in the field. In her youth, she achieved the highest level of piano performance certification from ABRSM, the Licentiate Diploma. Beyond piano, Tiffany has also delved into other musical pursuits such as cello and music theory.
One of Tiffany's greatest joys is teaching young children, guiding them as they discover and develop their love for music. With over a decade of experience as a church choir pianist, she brings a wealth of practical knowledge and understanding to her teaching. Tiffany's approach is nurturing and engaging, fostering a supportive environment where students can thrive and grow as musicians.

Tiffany，一位擁有 ABRSM 認證的音樂教師，對音樂懷有終生熱情。Tiffany 於 3 歲時開始她的音樂之旅，並擁有超過 15 年的音樂領域經驗。在年輕時，她獲得了 ABRSM 音樂考級最高等級——Licentiate Diploma（鋼琴演奏文憑）。除了鋼琴，Tiffany 還涉獵了大提琴和音樂理論等其他音樂領域。

Tiffany 最大的喜悅之一就是教導年幼的孩子，幫助他們發現並培養對音樂的熱愛。作為一名擁有超過十年經驗的教堂合唱團鋼琴師，她將豐富的實踐知識與理解帶入她的教學中。Tiffany 的教學方法充滿關愛和吸引力，營造一個支持性強的環境，讓學生在其中茁壯成長，發展成為出色的音樂家。

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Ivy

Tutor

Ivy is a dedicated educator passionate about helping students grow and succeed. With a strong academic background in psychology and commerce, she combines educational theory with practical teaching strategies to support diverse learners effectively.

As someone from an immigrant family, Ivy understands the challenges language and culture can present in education. She is fluent in Cantonese and Mandarin and has worked as a tutor for elementary and middle school students in the Chinese community in Chicago, helping them improve their language skills and academic performance. During college, she also served as a teaching assistant, supporting international students in English writing, reading comprehension, and college readiness.

Ivy excels at creating a positive learning environment and tailoring her teaching methods to meet each student's needs. Her patience and expertise help students build confidence in their abilities and reach their full potential.

Ivy 是一位熱衷於教育並致力於幫助學生成長的優秀教師。她擁有心理學學士學位以及商業碩士學位，具備扎實的教育理論基礎與跨學科知識背景。

作為來自移民家庭的一員，Ivy 深刻理解語言與文化對學習的影響，因此她特別專注於為學生提供細緻且有效的指導。她精通粵語和普通話，曾在芝加哥華人社區擔任小學與初中生的導師，幫助學生提升語言能力與學科表現。此外，在大學期間，她還擔任國際學生的英語寫作、閱讀理解及大學準備課程的助教，積累了豐富的教學經驗。

Ivy 擅長營造積極的學習氛圍，根據不同學生的需求調整教學方法，激發學習興趣並提升學習效率。她的耐心與專業讓學生在學習中建立信心，並充分發揮自身潛力。

Derrick

Tutor

(6 years of teaching experience)

Our new tutor Derrick，a professional tutor with bachelor's degree in Biology and brings over six years of diverse teaching experience, working with students from elementary to high school. He is well-regarded by students and parents alike.

Derrick is patient and thoughtful in his teaching approach, emphasizing inquiry-based learning to build strong comprehension and critical thinking skills. He also teaches international chess, helping students improve focus, logic, and problem-solving abilities.

In addition to academics, Derrick has taught Chinese Yo-Yo for four years and has been involved in art instruction for both youth and adults. Starting at a young age, he also served as a youth counselor, after-school tutor, and summer camp leader, giving him strong student engagement and mentoring experience.

He believes in understanding over memorization, aiming to unlock each student’s potential and support their confidence and growth on the learning journey.

介紹一下我們專業的教師Derrick，同時擁有生物學學士學位，具備多元教學背景與超過六年的教學經驗，對象涵蓋小學至高中學生，深受家長與學生肯定。

Derrick的教學風格細心耐心，強調啟發式學習，致力於提升學生的理解力與思考能力，奠定穩固基礎，激發學習動機。他亦擁有國際象棋教學經驗，善用邏輯與策略訓練，培養學生的專注力與解難能力。

在文化藝術方面，他曾任中國扯鈴老師，教授高中生與文化中心小學生，展現跨文化教學能力；亦自年輕時起擔任青少年輔導員、課後補習與夏令營導師，具備豐富的學生互動與輔導經驗，並曾開設藝術課程，培養學生與成人的創造力與美感。

Derrick 堅持「理解勝於死記」的教學理念，致力於激發學生潛能，建立自信，是孩子學習路上的可靠引導者。