”We do not only know music, we also know how to teach.”
Niki Goodarzi - Piano Teacher | Pianist
AMEB Teaching Certificate (CTMusA). Piano Diploma. The University of Sydney.
Niki holds a patient and care quality and believes that the development of intrinsic passion and love towards music is key to success in music learning. Whilst emphasising the importance of fundamental techniques and music theory, Niki incorporates creative lesson activities to engage and inspire students, providing tailored education methods to cater for individual learning needs. Niki provides piano lessons for any purpose, whether it be for examinations, competitions or leisure, and is on a mission to ensure students’ full understanding and appreciation to the music they play.
In performance, Niki has performed as a solo pianist in multiple musical theatres, venues includes The Sydney Recital Hall, Crown Theatre and Zenith Theatre. Since childhood, music has long been an essential part of her life, and she continues to pursuit the mastery of her performance career. She believes that music learning should not only focus on practical skills, but also individual independent thinking ability, self-cultivation ability as well as one’s expression of art.
Working with Children Checked | North Shore
Russell Kang - Senior Piano Teacher | Pianist | UNSW Academic
Piano Performance Diploma, AMEB, B.CoDe.Hons (UNSW)
Mr Russell Kang is the co-founder of AK School of Music and is our executive piano teacher in West Pennant Hills studio. With more than ten years of teaching experiences, he has helped countless students achieving outstanding results in Eisteddfods (competitions), AMEB exams as well as HSC school exams.
Russell likes to keep an open mind in teaching and believes that open communication is crucial for fostering effective learning. He guides his students explore different musical genres and styles to engage student learning and develop stronger love and passion for music. At the same time, he emphasises the importance of excellent technical, aural and theoretical skills; developing his students into all-rounded musicians.
Starting at the age of 5, Russell has been Classically trained for both piano and flute (minor) under Hana J Ahn (AMEB Examiner) and Dr Christine Logan (Chief Examiner of AMEB) . He has performed in various public occasions such as in bands, orchestra, Sydney Opera House, Sydney Recital Hall, Sydney Conservatorium of Music, charity events and many more. Russell is passionate in music and has incredible skills for a diversity of music genres. He is now teaching as an academic at UNSW, and enjoys his busy home-studio teaching and performing on the side.
Working with Children Checked | West Pennant Hills Studio
Amy Kang - Head of School | Pianist | AMEB Examiner
MMus, BMus.Hons, BEd(Sec), LMusA, AMusA
Miss Amy Kang is a pianist for Candlelight Concerts (Fever) and the Western Sydney Symphony Orchestra, as well as a highly qualified music educator with over 15 years of experience in piano teaching and music examining. After graduating with a Bachelor of Music (Honours) and a Bachelor of Education (Secondary) under the STGA Scholarship at UNSW, studying under Ms Hana J. Ahn (AMEB Examiner), she was awarded both a CSP and a full scholarship to pursue a Master of Music (Performance) at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. There, she was mentored by Dr. Stephanie McCallum, Dr. Christine Logan (Chief Examiner of AMEB), and Kevin Hunt.
As a pianist, Amy has delivered numerous solo recitals, chamber music performances, and symphonic concerts. She has performed at venues including the Sydney Conservatorium Recital Hall, UNSW John Clancy Auditorium, Sydney Town Hall, The Star Sydney, Shangri-La Hotel, Hilton Hotel, Four Seasons Hotel, and many more.
Beyond performing, Amy has developed a strong passion for teaching. She has worked at Turramurra High School and Hunters Hill High School and is currently a music teacher, the official piano tutor, and accompanist at Chatswood High School. She has adjudicated numerous international eisteddfods and delivered masterclasses locally and internationally. She is also currently an examiner for AMEB.
With her extensive knowledge and experience in performance and education, Amy is well-regarded for her holistic teaching approach, integrating technical and theoretical elements to inspire excellence in her students. Her unwavering passion and exceptional teaching skills are evident in her students’ outstanding results in AMEB, HSC music, and eisteddfods, with some of them successfully pursuing careers as professional musicians.
Working with Children Checked