Iris Hung Founder
Iris Hung (BMus UVic, MMus UofT) is an award-winning concert pianist and music educator. Active in the Toronto area, she is an executive member of the Ontario Registered Music Teachers Association Toronto Central Branch (ORMTA), a member of the Performing Arts Medicine Association (PAMA), and an experienced teacher of RCM and Yamaha curriculum.
Iris began studying piano at the age of five, after learning “Hot Cross Buns” (for two fingers) from her older sister. Since then, she has learned to use all her fingers and greatly expanded her repertoire, performing as a soloist and chamber musician across Canada and in the United States and Austria. In 2016, Iris made her orchestral debut with the Victoria Conservatory of Music Orchestra and conductor Timothy Vernon, performing Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 17 in G major. While completing undergraduate studies at the University of Victoria, Iris won top honours, including the Johann Strauss Scholarship Competition for study at the Universität Mozarteum in Salzburg, as well the UVic Concerto Competition, for which she performed Ravel’s Concerto in G Major for UVic’s 50th Anniversary season.
Guided by a philosophy of deep understanding and dedication to both craft and self, Iris’ students have found success in at local festivals, international competitions, and Royal Conservatory of Music and Yamaha exams, winning top prizes and scholarships. Currently on faculty at the University of Toronto’s Piano Pedagogy Program, Iris has led several projects to expand accessibility, inclusivity, and community for music education, piloting curriculum that is now widely used across private studios and group classes in Toronto. Iris' students enjoy a personalized and varied curriculum of classical and popular repertoire, improvisation, group classes, and regular recital opportunities.
While obtaining her Masters of Music in Piano Performance and Pedagogy, Iris studied the effectiveness of mind-body teaching methods (including Alexander Technique, Body Mapping, etc.) on advanced pianists. Since 2020, she has studied Dispokinesis under the tutelage of Julia Tom, gaining experience as a student, teaching assistant, and now student-teacher of the method. Her keen interest in the neurophysiology of musician performance health and performance has led to collaborations with researchers from the Faculty of Kinesiology to tackle the scientific frontier of human sensory and motor control. In July 2023, Iris was invited to present at the National Conference for Keyboard Pedagogy in Chicago, Illinois, giving a Lightning Talk named, "Smooth or Crunchy: Touch-based Approach to Legato Playing for Beginning Pianists."
Iris Hung (BMus UVic, MMus UofT) is an award-winning concert pianist and music educator. Active in the Toronto area, she is an executive member of the Ontario Registered Music Teachers Association Toronto Central Branch (ORMTA), a member of the Performing Arts Medicine Association (PAMA), and an experienced teacher of RCM and Yamaha curriculum.
Iris began studying piano at the age of five, after learning “Hot Cross Buns” (for two fingers) from her older sister. Since then, she has learned to use all her fingers and greatly expanded her repertoire, performing as a soloist and chamber musician across Canada and in the United States and Austria. In 2016, Iris made her orchestral debut with the Victoria Conservatory of Music Orchestra and conductor Timothy Vernon, performing Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 17 in G major. While completing undergraduate studies at the University of Victoria, Iris won top honours, including the Johann Strauss Scholarship Competition for study at the Universität Mozarteum in Salzburg, as well the UVic Concerto Competition, for which she performed Ravel’s Concerto in G Major for UVic’s 50th Anniversary season.
Guided by a philosophy of deep understanding and dedication to both craft and self, Iris’ students have found success in at local festivals, international competitions, and Royal Conservatory of Music and Yamaha exams, winning top prizes and scholarships. Currently on faculty at the University of Toronto’s Piano Pedagogy Program, Iris has led several projects to expand accessibility, inclusivity, and community for music education, piloting curriculum that is now widely used across private studios and group classes in Toronto. Iris' students enjoy a personalized and varied curriculum of classical and popular repertoire, improvisation, group classes, and regular recital opportunities.
While obtaining her Masters of Music in Piano Performance and Pedagogy, Iris studied the effectiveness of mind-body teaching methods (including Alexander Technique, Body Mapping, etc.) on advanced pianists. Since 2020, she has studied Dispokinesis under the tutelage of Julia Tom, gaining experience as a student, teaching assistant, and now student-teacher of the method. Her keen interest in the neurophysiology of musician performance health and performance has led to collaborations with researchers from the Faculty of Kinesiology to tackle the scientific frontier of human sensory and motor control. In July 2023, Iris was invited to present at the National Conference for Keyboard Pedagogy in Chicago, Illinois, giving a Lightning Talk named, "Smooth or Crunchy: Touch-based Approach to Legato Playing for Beginning Pianists."
Carina Shum
Toronto-based pianist Carina Shum completed her Master of Music in Piano Pedagogy at the University of Toronto, where she studied with Dr. Midori Koga. She also holds an Advanced Certificate in Performance and a Bachelor of Music from the University of Toronto, having studied under Dr. Megan Chang.
Carina's piano journey began at the age of five with Janice Lin at the Musical Minds Academy of Music. In 2016, she achieved her ARCT in Piano Performance with First Class Honours with Distinction. She has actively participated in numerous music festivals and competitions, continuously developing her skills and performance experience. Most recently, Carina was awarded the 2023 Ann Southam National Senior Award at the Contemporary Showcase. With a strong passion for contemporary music, Carina is dedicated to exploring and teaching works by Canadian and underrepresented composers. She enjoys collaborating with composers and musicians in chamber music settings and aims to bring this collaborative spirit into her teaching practice.
Carina finds great joy in sharing her love of music with others, particularly through teaching. She is committed to fostering a supportive and inspiring learning environment for her students, helping them to develop their musical abilities and passion for the piano. Her experience performing for various audiences, including those in retirement homes, enhances her ability to connect with and engage students of all ages.
Toronto-based pianist Carina Shum completed her Master of Music in Piano Pedagogy at the University of Toronto, where she studied with Dr. Midori Koga. She also holds an Advanced Certificate in Performance and a Bachelor of Music from the University of Toronto, having studied under Dr. Megan Chang.
Carina's piano journey began at the age of five with Janice Lin at the Musical Minds Academy of Music. In 2016, she achieved her ARCT in Piano Performance with First Class Honours with Distinction. She has actively participated in numerous music festivals and competitions, continuously developing her skills and performance experience. Most recently, Carina was awarded the 2023 Ann Southam National Senior Award at the Contemporary Showcase. With a strong passion for contemporary music, Carina is dedicated to exploring and teaching works by Canadian and underrepresented composers. She enjoys collaborating with composers and musicians in chamber music settings and aims to bring this collaborative spirit into her teaching practice.
Carina finds great joy in sharing her love of music with others, particularly through teaching. She is committed to fostering a supportive and inspiring learning environment for her students, helping them to develop their musical abilities and passion for the piano. Her experience performing for various audiences, including those in retirement homes, enhances her ability to connect with and engage students of all ages.
Victoria Jiang
Pianist Victoria Jiang is a frequent performer, collaborative pianist, and teacher. She performs regularly as a solo and chamber musician, and was recently awarded Third Prize in the Ontario Music Festivals Association Provincial Finals for her performance of Grieg's Piano Concerto in A Minor. She has earned recognition in numerous solo and chamber competitions, including Kiwanis Music Festival and the Pacific International Youth Music Society. Victoria has performed and accompanied in masterclasses given by renowned musicians including Enrico Elisi, Lydia Wong, James Parker and Steven Philcox. A passionate community performer, she frequently gives recitals in retirement residences and notably presented a solo program at Crofton Manor in Vancouver in 2021.
Victoria is currently pursuing her final year of a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance at the University of Toronto under the tutelage of Dr. Midori Koga. She will continue to pursue a Master of Music in Piano Performance and Pedagogy at the University of Toronto under the tutelage of Dr. Midori Koga in fall 2025. Her academic excellence has been recognized with numerous awards,, including a graduate funding for her masters program, the Morris Hanisch Scholarship, the University of Toronto Scholars Scholarship and BC Achievement Scholarship. In 2020, Victoria completed her Associate Diploma Performers Exam at the Royal Conservatory of Music with First Class Honours with Distinction.
In addition to solo and collaborative work, Victoria channels her passion for music into piano pedagogy. She teaches with patience, care and attentiveness, tailoring her approach to meet the unique needs, goals, and learning styles of each student. She has been the teacher assistant for the University of Toronto Piano Pedagogy Program, doing observation for a group class. She is also pursuing a Piano Pedagogy Certificate within the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Music in addition to her Bachelors degree. With over five years of teaching experience, Victoria has worked with students ranging from absolute beginners to advanced pianists. Lessons can be conducted in either English or Mandarin Chinese, depending on the preferences of each student.
Pianist Victoria Jiang is a frequent performer, collaborative pianist, and teacher. She performs regularly as a solo and chamber musician, and was recently awarded Third Prize in the Ontario Music Festivals Association Provincial Finals for her performance of Grieg's Piano Concerto in A Minor. She has earned recognition in numerous solo and chamber competitions, including Kiwanis Music Festival and the Pacific International Youth Music Society. Victoria has performed and accompanied in masterclasses given by renowned musicians including Enrico Elisi, Lydia Wong, James Parker and Steven Philcox. A passionate community performer, she frequently gives recitals in retirement residences and notably presented a solo program at Crofton Manor in Vancouver in 2021.
Victoria is currently pursuing her final year of a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance at the University of Toronto under the tutelage of Dr. Midori Koga. She will continue to pursue a Master of Music in Piano Performance and Pedagogy at the University of Toronto under the tutelage of Dr. Midori Koga in fall 2025. Her academic excellence has been recognized with numerous awards,, including a graduate funding for her masters program, the Morris Hanisch Scholarship, the University of Toronto Scholars Scholarship and BC Achievement Scholarship. In 2020, Victoria completed her Associate Diploma Performers Exam at the Royal Conservatory of Music with First Class Honours with Distinction.
In addition to solo and collaborative work, Victoria channels her passion for music into piano pedagogy. She teaches with patience, care and attentiveness, tailoring her approach to meet the unique needs, goals, and learning styles of each student. She has been the teacher assistant for the University of Toronto Piano Pedagogy Program, doing observation for a group class. She is also pursuing a Piano Pedagogy Certificate within the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Music in addition to her Bachelors degree. With over five years of teaching experience, Victoria has worked with students ranging from absolute beginners to advanced pianists. Lessons can be conducted in either English or Mandarin Chinese, depending on the preferences of each student.
Christina Ramirez
Christina Ramirez, a professional pianist, enthusiastic music teacher, and inspiring composer has established roots and connections in the El Paso – Ciudad Juárez. Graduating from the University of Texas at El Paso in 2023, Christina has since relocated to Toronto, Canada, in pursuit of exploring music as it pertains to health and education. Currently studying in the Applied: Music and Health (Masters degree) graduate program at the University of Toronto Graduate Studies, her goal to “Make Music Matter” is starting to become more of a reality than an idea.
Christina Ramirez has been teaching privately since 2020. She began at The School of Rock – El Paso before launching her own studio, Chris.tinas.Studio, later that year. While most of her students were adolescents, she also had the privilege of teaching adult beginners. During her master’s program at the University of Toronto, she studied guitar and voice and taught both through a student-led organization MMCO, which provided free lessons to low-income families. In May 2025, she showcased her skills on piano, guitar, and voice for her master’s performance project. Though rooted is piano, she remains committed to expanding her musical knowledge and practice through guitar and voice.
Christina Ramirez, a professional pianist, enthusiastic music teacher, and inspiring composer has established roots and connections in the El Paso – Ciudad Juárez. Graduating from the University of Texas at El Paso in 2023, Christina has since relocated to Toronto, Canada, in pursuit of exploring music as it pertains to health and education. Currently studying in the Applied: Music and Health (Masters degree) graduate program at the University of Toronto Graduate Studies, her goal to “Make Music Matter” is starting to become more of a reality than an idea.
Christina Ramirez has been teaching privately since 2020. She began at The School of Rock – El Paso before launching her own studio, Chris.tinas.Studio, later that year. While most of her students were adolescents, she also had the privilege of teaching adult beginners. During her master’s program at the University of Toronto, she studied guitar and voice and taught both through a student-led organization MMCO, which provided free lessons to low-income families. In May 2025, she showcased her skills on piano, guitar, and voice for her master’s performance project. Though rooted is piano, she remains committed to expanding her musical knowledge and practice through guitar and voice.