Cosmo School of Music Orchestra String Instrument Teachers

Jacqueline Huang is an experienced performer and passionate music instructor offering private lessons in piano, violin, and music theory. She has led group classes and ensembles, fostering musical excellence and creativity. In addition to her teaching, Jacqueline has starred in Snoopy the Musical and served as the chorus leader in The Drowsy Chaperone. Fluent in both English and Mandarin, she provides a rich, inclusive learning experience for students from diverse backgrounds.

Jacqueline holds a bachelor’s degree in music performance from Western University’s Don Wright Faculty of Music, where she specialized in violin performance and participated in piano performance classes. Her university experience also includes conducting and rehearsing with instrumental bands, refining her skills as a performer and educator.

Her dedication to music education, combined with extensive performance experience, makes Jacqueline a committed educator, inspiring a deep appreciation for music in her students.

Afshin Effati is a multi-genre cellist, composer, and pedagogue. He prides himself on using creative methods and ideas to keep students engaged in their studies.

He began his musical career with the violin in 2002 but switched to the cello after discovering its sound. He continued his advanced cello studies at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto under the supervision of Andras Weber. In addition, he completed courses in music theory, solfège, and general piano.

Afshin was a member of the first and only baroque orchestra in Iran for six months, concluding with an official performance at the Cultural Institute of Austria. He has also performed in a cello-guitar duet with his brother, Ali Effati, at the Tehran Artists House, and showcased his talent with a solo cello performance at the Cultural Institute of Austria. His artistic resume includes composing and playing cello in Tim Crouch's “An Oak Tree” at Iranshahr Theatre, David Ives's “Sure Thing” Theatre, and the closing ceremony of the sixth Soureh Theatre Festival. He also completed an instructor course for Orff at Pars Academy.

His special interest in producing music for children led to a music album entitled “Childhood Desires,” which simplifies some of his favourite rock and metal songs by rearranging them for Orff instruments. He further developed this project by compiling the repertoire book “Childish Minimals,” which features arrangements of songs from the album, making them accessible for young students. His latest project, “Cello Riffing: Playing Riff and Rock Music with the Cello,” aims to demonstrate the creative possibilities of the instrument.

James (Kwun Yu) Hung began playing the violin at the age of nine. As a young violinist, he won multiple prizes in solo competitions, including the Hong Kong Schools Music Festival. He was also active in orchestral performances and competitions during his secondary school and university years.

A decorated scholar, James was awarded the Associate Diploma (Recital in Violin) from Trinity College London. Before moving to Canada, he taught students of all ages for nearly a decade in Hong Kong. One of the things that sets James apart is his ability to personalize lessons for learners of different ages, skill levels, and styles. He not only focuses on technical skills but also aims to cultivate a positive attitude toward playing and practicing the violin. Notably, one of his teaching approaches is the Suzuki method, which emphasizes the reinforcement of skills intertwined with the joy of playing the violin.

Júlio Leite has a true passion for teaching music. A classical violinist with over 15 years of instructional experience, he excels in assessing which criteria are the most important for each student to work on. Since every student has different experiences and relationships with their instrument, Júlio structures his educational techniques in a functional way. In his lessons, students are encouraged to embrace creativity instead of standardization, all while building a relationship with knowledge rather than just seeking momentary results.

With over 10 years of teaching experience, Fion Leung continually challenges herself and her students to maintain high expectations. She incorporates various techniques and humour into her lessons to keep students inspired.

Fion welcomes students of all ages and is always excited and grateful for the opportunity to meet and teach aspiring musicians.