Yiyi Ku Piano Studio

It is hard to believe I have been a RCM Certified Teacher since 2015. In order to remain certified, every year I must show continued professional development and successfully prepare students for exams. RCM exams are so vigorous, they are conducted live on Zoom, and students must prepare extensive Technical Requirements, 3 to 5 Repertoire pieces (depending on level), 2 Etudes, Sight Reading, and Ear Training. I am very proud of the following students who have recently passed their RCM exams; thank you for working so hard and helping me to keep my Certified Teacher status!

Josephine Kim - Level 9 with Honors
Zayne Albao - Level 8 with Honors
Joaquin Pacia - Level 5 with First Class Honors

Pictured is Josephine. Josephine lives in Korea now!She came to my studio in CA when she was 7. After Covid she moved to Korea and I also moved back to NZ. I have to say, if it wasn’t for Covid, I probably would never have been able to continue teaching students from all over the world. Who would have thought piano lessons and piano exams can be done online! There is always a silver lining.

When I was examining at UC this week, I saw this tiny toy grand piano made by Kawai sitting in the corner of Mark’s room when we were discussing the grades for the students. I am a big Kawai fan; I teach on a RX2, many of my students have purchased Kawai pianos over the years, uprights and grands, of various sizes, but I didn’t know they make this little tiny version! I knew I had to get one. I came home and looked it up. Wow! I bought it. Shipping cost wasn’t too crazy, either. I hope it arrives soon. Can’t wait.

https://youtu.be/-jPgsg3xs0I?si=iyt058GgAMXVLxwF

Speed up "Flight of the Bumblebee" on Toy piano BPM160: EasyBPM190: OK, I can playBPM220: My fingers will cramp.....

I had the pleasure of examining the piano students this week at UC. I am always impressed by the variety of styles presented, and especially by the immense comradery between the students. They all supported one another with professionalism and much love. From a Bach Prelude, Mozart Sonatas, Chopin Nocturnes, Rachmaninov Moments Musicaux, the Schumann Piano Concerto, to various chamber music ensembles, song accompaniments, original compositions, and the tremendously exciting Africa by Saint-Saens, I enjoyed every minute of their sincere music making. Congratulations to Tim Emerson, their teacher, and Mark Menzies from the Music Department, for supporting the students and giving them the artistic freedom in choosing their programs and areas of specialty.

Guess who is going to Australia to perform?! The Kwan sisters! Both Agnes and Harmony received Second Place in their respective age categories in the 9th Melbourne Pacific Piano Open Competition! They did so well! The competition attracted many entries from all over the world, and only the top 3 students in each age category gets to perform in the Gala Concert. I am so proud of them!

East West Arts Association The East West Arts Association, located in Hong Kong, was founded in 2017 as a trading platform promoting established award winning artists, as well as emerging artists from Hong Kong, Australia and further afield. Our carefully selected artists paintings are available on our online gallery and at o

I miss these publisher specials!! I am even willing to pay full retail, if they will even ship to New Zealand! But they only ship to US and Canada😥