In 1985, in a small city in South Korea, lived a vivacious 5-year-old girl named Azalea (Dallae Jin), who was never still for a moment. One day, led by her mother's hand, she found herself in front of a local music teacher. The teacher began introducing Azalea to the fundamentals of piano. What started as brief 5-minute lessons quickly expanded to one hour. As Azalea discovered the joy of creating music, she transformed. From a lively child, she grew into a serene girl who found peace in her melodies, flourishing as she crafted her musical expressions independently.

 

     Since her teens, Azalea has been active as a church pianist and continued to perform in amateur piano clubs. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and a Master's in Computer & Information Science from 1998 to 2002, providing her with analytical thinking skills that added a unique perspective to music education. From 2008 to 2010, she studied for a doctorate in children's development, where she learned about brain science and deeply sympathized with many researchers' views that music education has an amazing effect on children’s concentration and memory, as well as their confidence and creativity. After moving to Canada in 2015, her diverse academic background and passion for music motivated her to pursue expertise in music teaching. She passed the RCM Piano level 8 Theory and Practical exam and completed the RCM Teaching Piano Course in 2022-2023. These experiences allowed her to seamlessly integrate her academic background into music education, expanding her knowledge of Canadian music pedagogy and enriching her teaching abilities.

 

     Azalea customizes her piano lessons, adapting to the unique ages, backgrounds, interests, and learning styles of each student. She skillfully interweaves sounds and symbols, nurturing her students' proficiency in both ear and sight reading. With younger learners, she crafts delightful piano experiences, integrating songs and games rooted in child psychology and development to spark their musical journey. Her approach with adult beginners is equally nuanced; recognizing their advanced comprehension abilities, she accelerates their grasp of theory, enabling a swift yet deep understanding of the musical language.​

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     Azalea introduces her beginner piano students to the 'Adventure Series', a program that's popular for its ability to engage learners of all ages, from young children to adults. The series focuses on the fundamentals of piano playing, starting with essential skills like proper posture, rhythm, and melody. Within the first couple of years, students progress to mastering harmony, flexibility in playing, understanding tempo, and exploring different musical tones and forms. This method isn't just about learning notes; it's about developing a real connection with music and gradually enhancing one's piano skills.​

 

     While Azalea often recommends the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) program as a natural next step for those who've spent one to two years building their piano basics, she understands that some adult students may have different aspirations. The RCM program is comprehensive, offering a balanced approach to repertoire, etudes, technique, ear training, and sight-reading, all intertwined with music theory for a deeper musical understanding. However, for adults seeking a more personalized learning path, Azalea offers the flexibility to explore and learn pieces that align with their individual preferences and goals. This tailored approach ensures that all students, regardless of their choice of curriculum, can develop their skills, enjoy the learning process, and feel a sense of achievement, whether through regular concerts or RCM-level exams.

 

     Azalea's ultimate goal in education goes beyond just teaching piano. She aspires to inspire her students to become musicians who not only enjoy music but also find lasting happiness in it, long after their lessons have ended. It brings her immense joy to see her students evolve into musicians who can offer comfort to others through their music and make a positive impact in the world. For Azalea, the true success of her teaching is measured not just in the notes and rhythms her students learn, but in the lifelong love for music they foster and the positive influence they spread through their musical journey.