Christchurch
Piano Lessons | Aural Lessons, Theory Lessons, Composition Lessons, Online Lessons
Bio
Yiyi Ku is a highly qualified and experienced professional piano teacher. She grew up in Christchurch, studied with Maurice Till and Deidre Irons, and received Master of Music with Distinction from University of Canterbury. She taught private piano lessons at Rangi Ruru and St Margaret’s College, before moving to the US in 2005. Yiyi also holds LRSM, Permanent Certification from Music Teachers National Association (USA), and Advanced Certification from Royal Conservatory of Music (Canada). Yiyi specializes in teaching highly gifted children. Her students are frequent high scorers in major exams such as ABRSM and RCM, and prize winners in competitions. In the last 10 years, she has had more than two dozen students performing at Carnegie Hall as a result of winning various international competitions. Her students have been accepted into top US schools, including Stanford, UCLA, Boston Conservatory, Berklee College, and Manhattan School of Music. One of Yiyi’s former students is Salina Fisher. Yiyi taught Salina from when Salina was age 5 until she reached ABRSM Grade 8, when Yiyi moved to the US. Salina is now one of the most well-known young composers in the world. Most recently, Yiyi has taught another world famous student – Kodi Lee, a blind and autistic musical savant who won America’s Got Talent.
Yiyi is also a collaborative pianist, has extensive accompanying experience, and was Principal Pianist in Temecula Valley Symphony (California) for many years. Yiyi has recently moved back to Christchurch. She continues to teach many US students online, and is looking forward to rebuilding her studio here and becoming involved in the local music scene.
Teaching Info
Although Yiyi specializes in teaching highly motivated and talented students, her goal is to help every student find life-long appreciation and joy in music. She understands that not everyone will make music a career, but she will help every student reach their full potential. She can offer exams such as ABRSM as well as those from North America. The curriculum can be designed to suit the needs of each individual student.