Piano Evaluation

PIANO
Master’s Degree in Music, Science and Technology, Stanford University

Ms. Carmen Ng began her musical journey at age four and discovered a deep passion for piano and classical music during her early teenage years. She earned both the ARCT Diploma in Piano Performance and the LTCL from Trinity College London, demonstrating an advanced level of performance and musicianship.

Although Ms. Carmen initially pursued engineering in college and later established a successful career in technology, music remained an important part of her life. She continued her studies at Stanford University, earning a Master’s degree in Music, Science and Technology with a 4.0 GPA.

As a piano educator, Ms. Carmen thoughtfully combines her backgrounds in music and technology to create engaging and effective learning experiences. Her analytical yet encouraging approach helps students understand musical concepts, develop strong technical foundations and build confidence at the piano.

Ms. Carmen finds great joy in sharing her lifelong passion for music and inspiring students to become curious, independent and expressive musicians.

PIANO
Master of Music in Piano Performance, Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University
Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance, University of Maryland

Ms. Eun Suh is an accomplished pianist and educator with more than 25 years of experience teaching students of all ages, levels and abilities.

Known for her creative, efficient and intuitive teaching methods, Ms. Eun adapts each lesson to the student’s individual needs and learning style. Her supportive approach helps students develop strong technique, musical understanding, confidence and a lasting enjoyment of music.

MS. JANE AU
PIANO | MUSIC THEORY
Berklee College of Music

Born and raised in Hong Kong, Ms. Jane Au began studying piano at age four. During her elementary school years, she received numerous awards at the Hong Kong Music Festival. She completed ABRSM Grade 8 at age 12 and earned her Trinity ATCL Piano Diploma at age 15.

Ms. Jane later discovered a passion for contemporary music while performing in a high school band. Inspired to explore music beyond traditional repertoire, she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Berklee College of Music in 2016.

With extensive teaching experience in Hong Kong and four years as a valued faculty member at FMMA, Ms. Jane has successfully prepared students for ABRSM examinations, music competitions and performances. She teaches both classical and popular piano, including chord theory, and emphasizes a strong foundation in sight-reading, ear training and music theory.

Patient, encouraging and fun, Ms. Jane is loved by her students. Her goal is to help each child develop confidence, musicianship and the skills to explore and enjoy music independently.

MS. LISA HONG

PIANO
Master of Music, Manhattan School of Music

Ms. Lisa Hong is an accomplished pianist and educator with more than 13 years of teaching experience. In 2016, she founded J Piano Korea, where she developed and led customized programs for students of all ages and levels, including beginners, adult learners, competition participants, aspiring young artists and students preparing for college entrance examinations.

Ms. Lisa began studying piano at age five and made her solo debut at 13 with the Sicilian Symphony Orchestra under conductor Alfonso Saura Llacer. Her performance was praised for its “colorful and thrilling playing.” She earned her Bachelor of Music degree from Kyung Hee University in South Korea and her Master of Music degree in Piano Performance from the Manhattan School of Music.

A prizewinner in numerous competitions, Ms. Lisa has received top honors from the Beethoven Young Artist Competition and the Sisa Music News International & Youth Music Association Concours. Her principal teachers include Young-hwa Yoon, Seong Soon Hwang and Yoo-jin Song.

During her two years at FMMA, Ms. Lisa has become especially valued for her thoughtful and highly personalized teaching approach. She carefully adapts lessons to each student’s learning style, personality and musical goals. When students are working on challenging or longer pieces, she breaks the music into manageable steps and uses creative strategies to encourage consistent, productive practice.

Supportive, attentive and inspiring, Ms. Lisa helps students approach difficult repertoire with patience and confidence while developing strong technique, independence and a lasting appreciation for music.

MS. SONYA TANG

PIANO | VOICE
Master’s Degree in Musicology, Soochow University

Ms. Sonya Tang is a long-standing and highly valued piano and voice instructor at First Movement Music Academy. With extensive experience as an educator, performer and music scholar, she brings both academic depth and exceptional dedication to her teaching.

Known for her rigorous, detail-oriented approach, Ms. Sonya helps students build strong foundations in technique, musicianship, interpretation and disciplined practice. She has successfully guided many students into advanced piano study and prepared them for higher-level examinations, including ABRSM Grade 5 and above.

Before joining FMMA, Ms. Sonya taught music at several middle and high schools throughout Taiwan. Her performance experience includes appearances with the Taipei Symphony Orchestra Choir, Taiwan National Choir, Colburn Community Chorale and other ensembles.

With her depth of knowledge, high standards and many years of commitment to FMMA families, Ms. Sonya continues to inspire students to become confident, thoughtful and accomplished musicians.

FOUNDER | DIRECTOR
Queensland Conservatorium of Music - Griffith University, Australia

PIANO I VIOLIN I VOCAL

Ms. Sue Yang is the founder and director of First Movement Music Academy. Since establishing FMMA in 2010, she has devoted herself to creating a welcoming and inspiring music community where students of all ages can receive exceptional instruction, build confidence and develop a lifelong love of music.

With a strong commitment to educational quality, Ms. Sue thoughtfully selects and supports accomplished teachers who combine professional expertise with genuine care for their students. She works closely with faculty and families to create personalized learning experiences while maintaining high standards for musicianship, communication and student development.

Under her leadership, FMMA has grown into a vibrant academy offering private instruction, group programs, performance opportunities, summer camps and community events. She is continually developing creative programs that give students meaningful opportunities to learn, collaborate and shine on stage.

As both an academy director and a parent, Ms. Sue understands that every student develops differently. She believes music education should be rigorous yet encouraging, structured yet joyful, and always tailored to the individual child.

Known for her energy, creativity and unwavering dedication, Ms. Sue remains deeply involved in every aspect of the academy. Her greatest joy is watching students grow—not only into capable musicians, but also into confident, expressive and resilient individuals.

PIANO | VIOLIN | VOICE
Master of Music in Piano Performance, San José State University
Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance, San José State University

Born and raised in Taiwan, Ms. Tingian Chang is an accomplished pianist and dedicated music educator with nearly a decade of teaching experience. She has taught students of various ages and levels and has successfully prepared students for musical milestones, including ABRSM examinations.

In addition to teaching piano, violin and voice, Ms. Tingian is an active collaborative pianist who regularly works with instrumentalists, vocalists and local ensembles. Her engaging and personalized approach helps students develop strong musical foundations, confidence and a genuine enjoyment of music.

MS. VIVIAN GAO

PIANO
Master of Music, California Baptist University

Ms. Vivian Gao is an experienced music educator with more than 18 years of teaching experience, working with students from young beginners through adults. She earned her Master of Music degree from California Baptist University and her Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Dalian University in China.

Ms. Vivian holds a California Single Subject Teaching Credential, a China Senior High School Teaching Credential and certification in the Orff approach to music education. Her extensive background includes teaching piano, general music and drama in both China and the United States. She currently works as an elementary music and drama teacher, music subject advisor and teacher mentor in the Sunnyvale area.

Ms. Vivian creates structured and engaging lessons that balance strong musical foundations with an enjoyable learning experience. She emphasizes proper technique, music reading, rhythmic accuracy, expressive playing and productive practice habits. Each lesson is thoughtfully tailored to the student’s age, personality, learning style and individual goals.

Supportive, organized and encouraging, Ms. Vivian helps students remain focused, take pride in their progress and develop confidence through appropriately challenging and rewarding musical experiences.

MS. YU-CHEN HSIEH

PIANO | CELLO
Doctor of Musical Arts Candidate, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Born in Taiwan, Ms. Yu-Chen Hsieh is an accomplished pianist, cellist and dedicated music educator. She earned her Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance from National Taiwan Normal University and her Master of Music degree from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music.

Ms. Hsieh is currently pursuing her Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance and Literature at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where she received the Langford Fellowship and served as a Collaborative Piano Teaching Assistant.

An award-winning cellist and experienced educator, Ms. Hsieh has taught piano, cello, sight-singing, aural skills and music fundamentals since 2014. Her experience as both a pianist and cellist brings versatility and valuable ensemble insight to her teaching.

With a supportive and engaging approach, Ms. Hsieh helps students develop strong technical foundations, musical confidence and a lasting appreciation for music.