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.
Megan Reynolds
Megan Reynolds is currently studying at the University of Toronto with the Faculty of Music, working towards a Master of Music in Applied Music and Health. Upon graduation, she will be qualified for board certification in music therapy. She has experience working with a variety of populations in therapeutic and educational settings, including autism, traumatic brain injury, pervasive developmental disorder, cerebral palsy, stroke, dementia, and more.
Megan received her undergraduate degree in flute performance in 2023 at Ball State University. During her tenure as an undergraduate student, Megan performed in the school’s premier ensembles, including orchestra, wind ensemble, and woodwind quintet. In addition to her work in chamber and large ensembles, Megan gave solo recitals as a part of her coursework and won the 2022 concerto competition, performing with the orchestra in 2023.
As a multi-instrumentalist, Megan regularly sings and plays guitar as well as piano. She enjoys exploring a wide range of genres and expanding her repertoire. This passion was reflected in her Master of Music recital at the University of Toronto, in which she selected pieces from classical, jazz, contemporary, and folk genres to perform on all of her instruments: flute, guitar, piano, and voice.
Megan is passionate about music education, choosing to prioritize her students’ wellbeing to promote sustainable playing and healthy practices that will last a lifetime. Since 2020, she has given private lessons to a wide range of students with varying ages and levels of experiences, from beginning piano students to college-bound flautists. By combining her teaching experience and her training in music therapy, Megan is able to adapt her teaching style to best suit her students.
Megan Reynolds is currently studying at the University of Toronto with the Faculty of Music, working towards a Master of Music in Applied Music and Health. Upon graduation, she will be qualified for board certification in music therapy. She has experience working with a variety of populations in therapeutic and educational settings, including autism, traumatic brain injury, pervasive developmental disorder, cerebral palsy, stroke, dementia, and more.
Megan received her undergraduate degree in flute performance in 2023 at Ball State University. During her tenure as an undergraduate student, Megan performed in the school’s premier ensembles, including orchestra, wind ensemble, and woodwind quintet. In addition to her work in chamber and large ensembles, Megan gave solo recitals as a part of her coursework and won the 2022 concerto competition, performing with the orchestra in 2023.
As a multi-instrumentalist, Megan regularly sings and plays guitar as well as piano. She enjoys exploring a wide range of genres and expanding her repertoire. This passion was reflected in her Master of Music recital at the University of Toronto, in which she selected pieces from classical, jazz, contemporary, and folk genres to perform on all of her instruments: flute, guitar, piano, and voice.
Megan is passionate about music education, choosing to prioritize her students’ wellbeing to promote sustainable playing and healthy practices that will last a lifetime. Since 2020, she has given private lessons to a wide range of students with varying ages and levels of experiences, from beginning piano students to college-bound flautists. By combining her teaching experience and her training in music therapy, Megan is able to adapt her teaching style to best suit her students.