Sydney Piano School & Pedagogy Research Centre is the research-based piano school for excellence in classical piano training in Australia. We are deeply dedicated to motivating and inspiring students of all ages through music education and performance, enabling them to shine through music. Piano pedagogy seminar is organized weekly here to provide teachers and students professional enrichment, and explore a variety of relevant and stimulating pedagogical topics.
Missions:
- Researches and advances the art of piano pedagogy, develops the future leaders of piano educator.
- Cultivates pianists with a distinctive personal style.
- Balances technique and musicality with educational needs.
Our aim is not only to cultivate students’ pianistic techniques and musical ability, but also to nurture students’ creativity, independence and persistence.
With increased passion of piano artistry and a decade of piano performing and teaching experience, Crystal came to South Australia to continue her study. She had received the Master’s Degree of piano performance and pedagogy and Master’s Degree (research) in Piano Performance from Elder Conservatorium of Music at The University of Adelaide during 2009-2012. Her research was focus on the selected contemporary music. During the years of her study in SA, Crystal had been a reputable piano teacher in Junior Access Centre in Elder Conservatorium and SA Music and Art Teaching Academy.
Crystal’s ever continuing gratitude goes to the following piano teachers in Australia, who, each in their own way, helped her become a better musician and a pianist: Stephen Whittington, Marija Bajalica, David Lockett, Rodney Smith, Stephanie Mccallum etc.
Crystal has always been considering that piano teaching is an art. She has never ceased to explore this beloved area. Balancing the discipline establishing and creativity cultivating, her teaching is focused on nurturing pupil’s personal approach and artistic drive towards the instrument. She never teaches techniques in a mechanical way as she believes music can effectively drive the fingers. Her teaching methods are proved to be accessible and efficient for pupils. Crystal has been teaching for going on 17 years, with students receiving excellent results in the ABRSM , AMEB and conservatorium admission auditions. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D in Sydney Conservatorium of Music, focusing on the research of healthy technique training and cultural background related music study.
(From Left to Right)
Julia Ko, Jenny Chen, Sonia Chan, Siyao He, Shelly Yang, Vicky He, Winston Gao, Grace Guo, Karl Lin, Angie Geng, Annie Qian, Tessa Wu, Crystal Zhao