Piano Faculty
Teresa Yu
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Teresa Yu is the Founder & Director of Amabile School of Music in San Francisco & Moraga, California. She enjoys her life-long career as a musician, an educator, an entrepreneur and a mother of two beautiful children. Ms. Yu started playing the piano since she was 5 years old and never stopped. She had gone through rigorous musical training and program in Taiwan, Japan and throughout the US where she has won several competitions including first prize at the New England Piano Teachers Association, the San Francisco Young Pianists Competition, and the Berkeley Piano Club Competition, and the first prize in Mu Phi Epsilon Competition. Ms. Yu has performed the Bach Double Piano Concerto in Jordan Hall at the New England Conservatory of Music and Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 1 at the Colorado College Summer Music Festival. As the winner of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music’s Concerto Competition, she performed Saint-saëns Piano Concerto No. 2 with the Conservatory Orchestra. She was invited to perform the Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2 with Symphony of the Redwoods and the Liszt Piano concerto No. 1 with Redwood Symphony. She performed in many masterclasses that were conducted by world-famous artists such as Mstislav Rostropovich, Leon Fleisher, Richard Goode, Stephan Hough, Murray Perahia and more. She was invited to perform at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. as a part of the Conservatory Project. She also participated in Music@Menlo International Music Festival as a chamber music institute coach and the judge of Chopin Competition in San Francisco and the Hawai'i State Music Competition. Between 2010 to 2012, Ms. Yu toured Europe and America with her piano trio, The Aleron Trio, and gave numerous outstanding performances to people from all over the world. Previous teaching experiences including Notre Dome de Victoires, West Portal Lutheran, Old Mill School, and the Nueva School. Ms. Yu has earned her Master’s Degree in Piano Performance and the prestigious Artist Certificate in Chamber Music at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music where she studied with Professor Paul Hersh.
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Ethan Lin
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Dr. Ethan Lin earned his Master of Music degree in Percussion Studies from New York University and Professional Studies Diploma degree from San Francisco Conservatory of Music, where he studied with the prestigious principal percussion of the San Francisco Symphony, Jack Van Geem. In 2015, Dr. Lin earned his doctoral degree in Percussion Performance from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he studied with Ricardo Flores and William Moersch. Specializing in marimba playing, his doctoral thesis is on the unique six-mallet marimba techniques in selected works.
Dr. Lin’s concerto experiences include Alfred Reed’s Concertino for Marimba and Ming-Shong Li’s Chinese Drum Concerto with the school orchestras in Taiwan (2005 and 2007). As a soloist, he has performed numerous recitals and has been active in orchestra and ensemble performances. Recently, he was invited to perform Steve Reich's marimba ensemble work, Six Marimbas, with the San Francisco Symphony members for celebrating the composer's 80th birthday at Davies Symphony Hall. Dr. Lin had participated in various music festivals, such as Nancy Zeltsman Marimba Festival (2010 & 2015), Keiko Abe Marimba Academy (2013), and SoundSCAPE (2014). In 2007, he won the first prize in the percussion category of Taiwan Music Competition. In addition to performing, Dr. Lin enjoys teaching as well. Having plenty of experience coaching percussion ensemble and teaching private lessons, Dr. Lin recently teaches percussion lessons and group class in the bay area. His teaching philosophy is to make music enjoyable to students at all times! His wish for his students is to not only gain musical knowledge but also to feel the joy and peace which music brings to them. |
Isabelle Wilson
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Ms. Isabelle Wilson is originally from Switzerland, where she obtained her Certificate of Piano in the Conservatory of Geneva with awards. Ms. Wilson also earned her Bachelor of Arts in Spanish language and History of Cinema. Ms. Wilson earned her Master of Music in Piano Performance with awards in distinguished achievement, under the direction of Dr. Victoria Neve and Dr. Roger Woodward. To further her study, she graduated with a second Master of Arts in Education in 2013. Isabelle speaks French, Spanish, and English.
Ms. Wilson has been teaching and accompanying in the bay area for many years. She was a teacher assistant for two years as part of the after-school program Music Team at the Elementary School Woodrow Wilson in Daily City. She is a regular accompanist for George Washington High School and Presidio Middle School. Ms. Wilson is passionate about teaching. She likes to build along with the student a solid rhythmic foundation, based on the Swiss educator Jaques Dalcroze’s principles. Each musical concept is taught thoroughly, based on the child’s comprehension and readiness. Each aspect has to be understood entirely before going to the next level. This educational structure is based on European pedagogues, such as Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi. Isabelle also believes in regular ear-training and rhythm exercises, in order to strengthen each student's musicianship. Her ultimate goal is to share her passion for music, as well as helping her students to become independent thinkers. |
Linda Hsieh
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Originally from Taiwan, Linda holds a Bachelor's Degree in Music Performance from Tunghai University and a Master's Degree in Music Business from New York University. Since then, she has worked in the artist management field with such artists as violinist Itzhak Perlman and pianist Daniela Liebman. She has assisted in the production of the Grammy-nominated album Fiddler on the Roof and has coordinated PBS and Live From Lincoln Center productions with Grammy award-winning violinist Joshua Bell in Joshua Bell: Seasons of Cuba and internationally acclaimed pianist Lang Lang in New York Rhapsody.
Her teaching experience includes teaching piano, viola, and violin students at the International School of Beijing Beijing, China, and at Music School Flushing. Queens, New York. Linda has worked with students ranging from young children to adults, her teaching emphasizes on laying down a good foundation without missing out on the fun of making music. She has excellent subject knowledge, a good sense of humor, and a strong desire to provide students with a high-quality education. Through teaching music, Linda wishes to inspire her students with the language of music and the culture it represents. |
Shaina Pan
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Shaina Pan performs and teaches throughout the Bay Area. Shaina holds degrees in Violin Performance and English from Indiana University, and recently completed graduate studies at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. An advocate for music by living composers, Shaina has premiered dozens of new works across the US, working with artists such as Kate Soper, Augusta Read Thomas, Ken Ueno, Terry Riley, and the Kronos Quartet, among others. She has performed with the IU New Music Ensemble, Atlantic Music Festival Contemporary Ensemble, San Francisco Contemporary Music Players, The Orchestra Now, and Lucerne Festival Academy.
Shaina currently teaches violin and piano lessons at Amabile. She loves teaching students of all ages and specializes in music theory, ear training, and music history. Her aim is to cultivate a positive learning environment that encourages creativity and exploration. She is trained in Mimi Zweig's String Pedagogy Method, and taught group violin classes and private lessons at the IU Jacobs School of Music String Academy and Fairview Elementary School. |
Erin Ichimura
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Erin Ichimura is a Cal Poly San Luis Obispo graduate, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music. A gifted soprano, she has performed in numerous concerts with Cal Poly’s Chamber Choir, including San Luis Obispo’s Bach Week. She has performed in multiple recitals at Cal Poly and participated in Cal Poly’s Opera Program. During her time as a student, she tutored new music majors for entrance-level ear training and music theory classes. Throughout her career, she has toured to locations in California to sing with Cal Poly Choirs and to New York’s Carnegie Hall to collaborate with other choirs for a performance of Haydn’s Te Deum and Mozart’s Missa Brevis. In 2019 she traveled to Nairobi, Kenya, where she participated in a lab choir for novice conductors, led group warm-ups for Kenyan music students, and performed solo art music. Erin recently completed her senior project, which included a fifty-minute solo recital. She is passionate about teaching piano and voice lessons at Amabile. Erin is also a laureate of the San Francisco Girls Chorus.
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Ichko Batnasan
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Ichinkhorloo Batnasan who is better known as Ichko, was born in Mongolia and began taking piano lessons at the age of 7. At 10, she won first prize in the “Tchaikovsky” Junior Pianists Competition, Ulaanbaatar. At 11, she won the Grand Prix at the 4 th National Junior Pianist’s Competition and at 14, won 1 st prize at the 3 rd National Junior Pianists Competition, Ulaanbaatar. At 14 she also won 3 rd prize in the “KhaanKhuur” National Piano competition, Ulaanbaatar. At 15, she traveled to China where she won 2 nd prize at the International Baotou Piano Competition, and at 16, an Honorable Mention at the International Competition Cidade do Fundão, Portugal.
In May, 2013 Ichko was awarded the American Protégé International Music Competition, New York, USA prize to perform at the Carnegie Hall. Undeterred, Ichko completed the first two years of her Bachelor of Music degree in Ulaanbaatar, and third year at the Universidad X el Sabio, Madrid, in 2014, in Prof. Mendma Dorzhin’s class, before completing her undergraduate degree in 2016, as “Best Student of the Year” at the Mongolian National University of Arts, in Professor Enkhtur Tsendorj’s class with the highest academic honors. This story of hard work, determination, and exceptional achievement continued and led her to come to America to study with renowned concert pianist Dr. Woodward at San Francisco State University. She enrolled in his class in 2019, with a scholarship and completed her Master of Music degree in Piano Performance with honor in 2021. Ichko is also experienced in teaching. She has 10 years of experience in one on one lessons for students of all ages. She likes to inspire her students not only in music but also in life. She also gets new experiences from each of her students. Her students have participated in numerous competitions and festivals and been awarded. Ichko believes that every student has their own way of learning and expressing and her piano lesson will tailor according to each student’s personality and learning style. |
Breanna Miller
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Mezzo Soprano & Pianist Breanna Miller is a current Graduate student at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music under the tutelage of world renowned Mezzo Soprano Susanne Mentzer. From Halifax, Nova Scotia, Breanna completed her Undergraduate studies at Dalhousie University, under the instruction of pedagogue Lucy Hayes-Davis, in 2014. Upon completion of her undergraduate degree, she operated a voice, piano, and musical theatre program at Maritime Dance Academy for several years. All participating students placed within the top 2-12% of the Royal Conservatory of Music Examinations, and many had placed in the Kiwanis Music Festival.
Additionally, she was the music director and co-director of “Seussical the Musical”. Breanna has a passion for educating children and teenagers of all ages and believes in the importance of communicating emotion, and understanding music theory for all musicians. She believes community is a vital part of making music and has a passion for chamber and contemporary music. She is also a scholarship recipient of Nova Scotia Talent Trust (‘17, ‘18) and the Portia White Award (‘18). Breanna’s most recent performance includes Irene in Handel’s Tamerlano with the San Francisco Conservatory of Music’s Baroque Ensemble, under the direction of Corey Jamason. She previously performed the roles of La Principessa (Suor Angelica), Prince Charmant (Cendrillon), Marcellina (Le Nozze di Figaro), Nutrice (L’incoronazione di Poppea), and Second Witch (Dido and Aeneas). She has also been the alto soloist for Mahler’s Third Symphony and Handel’s Messiah. |
Chenchen Li
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Pianist Chenchen Li began her piano studies at the age of five with Ms. Gu Xin in China until she received her Bachelor of Music degree from Sichuan Conservatory of Music. In 2011, Ms. Li studied with the renowned piano professor, Nancy Weems at the University of Houston where she has received double Master Degrees in Piano Performance & Piano Pedagogy. As a soloist, Ms. Li has performed in many chamber and solo recitals at Xinhai Recital Hall, City Concert Hall, and Nieer Recital Hall in Chengdu; Dudley Recital Hall, Duncan recital hall, and Moores Opera House in Houston, TX. Also, she was the winner of numerous competitions such as the Hong Kong Schumann International Piano Competition, the Xinhai Cup Sichuan Piano competition, the TOYAMA Asian Young Piano Competition.
Not only is she a gifted performer but she is also experienced in teaching. She has 8 years of extensive teaching experience in one-on-one lessons and group classes for students of all ages. As a member of Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), Texas Music Teachers Association (TMTA), and Music Teachers’ Association of California (MTAC), her students have participated in numerous events such as ensemble performances, local competitions and theory exams. During her lessons, each student is recognized as a unique individual and her piano lesson will tailor according to each student’s personality and learning style. Ms. Li truly enjoys watching her students grow. Her students always find satisfaction and fulfillment in the pursuit of furthering musical expression through their piano study with Ms. Li. She is thankful to be able to pass on her knowledge to her students, and at the same time, to learn new experiences through teaching each one of her students. Watch My Intro Video: |
Brennan Stokes
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A Southern Californian turned San Franciscan, Brennan is a teacher, composer, pianist, and tenor. He received his Master’s Degree in Music Composition from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music in May of 2019 under the mentorship of David Garner, and participated in masterclasses with David Conte and Jack Perla. He graduated with a Bachelor's in Piano Performance from Pacific Union College in 2013, where he studied piano with Dr. Lynn Wheeler, voice with Bruce Rasmussen, and both composition and conducting with Asher Raboy, who was the former music director of the Napa Valley Symphony for over 20 years. Within the last 2 years, he has written vocal works in the realms of chorus, art song, and opera utilizing texts from both poets/writers of the past and present, as well as writing original texts, and has also composed several instrumental chamber works.
Brennan is excited to spread his passion for music with those who wish to explore their artistic potential and believes that everyone is capable, and should find some way, of expressing themselves creatively. |
Vivien Kong
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Pianist and oboist Vivien Kong received her Master’s Degree from the San Francisco
Conservatory of Music, and her Bachelor’s Degree from the Glenn Gould School of the Royal Conservatory of Music with the Ihnatowycz Emerging Artist Award. Originally from Toronto, Canada, Vivien has over twenty years of piano performance experience and nine years of orchestral experience playing the oboe. She teaches one-on-one lessons and group classes to children and adults from beginner to advanced level. She also teaches RCM and ABRSM examination materials. She speaks fluent Mandarin and English, and can teach in both languages. Vivien has a strong passion for teaching. She believes music helps children be more intuned with their thoughts and emotions, as well as broadening their minds, giving them a creative outlet to be themselves. Vivien deeply values each individual's unique learning style, and always develops a personalized way of teaching that best suits their strengths and weaknesses. It is her priority to make each student feel special, valued and encouraged. Vivien is driven to inspire her students to explore and appreciate the beauty of music, and to help them create their own. |
Sungmin Lee
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Sungmin Lee is a classical guitarist from South Korea who is currently based in San Francisco, California. He started piano training when he was four years old and his passion for music grew at a young age of 12, when he grew interest in finger style guitar. Sungmin then discovered his love for classical music, sparking his interest in studying classical guitar.
Sungmin has received several prizes and wide recognitions in competitions during his guitar career—highlights include the Great Lakes Guitar Festival, Eastman Guitar Concerto Competition, Lone Star Guitar Festival and SF Bay Classical Guitar Competition. He has also performed in several reputable master classes with Jorge Caballero, Carlos Barbosa Lima, Manuel Barrueco, and Matthew McAllister. A graduate of the Eastman School of Music, Sungmin received his Bachelor of Music in Guitar Performance in addition to the Performer’s Certificate. By May 2020, he will receive his Master of Music degree at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. At SFCM, his primary teacher is Judicaël Perroy and prior teachers include Nicholas Goluses, Thomas Viloteau, and Leighann Narum. |
Shannen Yang
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Shannen Yang is currently earning her degree at UC Berkeley. Shannen has been teaching students from age 8 to 21 over the years. She takes part in the Music Connection at UC Berkeley where she has been giving weekly piano lessons to children of low-income families as part of her mission to help as many students to receive music education. Shannen has completed all ten levels of Certificate of Merit.
In all her lessons, Shannen values student engagement and experimentation. Ultimately, she prioritizes keeping a positive and curious attitude, encouraging students to both freely express and push themselves. |
Sylvia Mau
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Sylvia has completed the ABRSM exams through grade 8. As a music teacher, she hopes to create a positive, engaging, yet effective environment around piano and music. The fond memories Sylvia has of learning piano is when she had fun and enjoyed the music she was creating, so she hopes to bring her students the same joy as they develop their talent in music.
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Charles Crockett
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Growing up in Lake County, Charles started playing piano at a young age, and from the 7th grade through high school he was the music minister for Saint Mary's Immaculate Catholic Church in Lakeport, California. During this time he was also a featured soloist in the Clear Lake High School Jazz Band on both piano and drumkit. After graduating from high school, he enrolled at Saint Mary's College of California, where in May 2019 he graduated with a degree in Math and Computer Science. During his time there he was heavily involved in the Music Department, mostly in the SMC Choirs and Jazz Combos. He quickly became Bass section leader, vocal percussionist, and student lead.
Having led the choir to international acclaim at the Choir Grand Prix of Nations in Budapest in 2016, and to two Silver Medals and the World Choir Games, he was invited back as an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Music to assist with planning, rehearsing, and assistant directing vocal ensembles in the college. |
Sarah Jaegers
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Originally from Holland, Michigan, Dr. Sarah Korneisel Jaegers teaches piano, clarinet, and saxophone at Amabile. Dr. Jaegers’s first instrument was the piano, which she began learning at the age of 10. Her primary instructors include Mary Van Voorst and Dr. Wan-Chin Chang. She began performing in solo recitals and accompanying for church services shortly thereafter. She strongly believes that each student has a unique voice to contribute to the world of music. As a teacher, Dr. Jaegers instills in her students a deeper love and understanding of music, guides them toward the achievement of their aspirations, and aids them in the discovery of their own distinctive voice through the development of confident self-directed learning, critical thinking, and healthy performance practices. Her studio is a fun, welcoming environment that engages students and encourages them to grow as musicians. She believes that music enriches lives and communities and aims to inspire joy and creativity and cultivate musicianship in her students.
Dr. Jaegers earned her DMA degree from The Ohio State University, her MM from Michigan State University, and her BM and BA in Spanish from Iowa State University. |
Maryna Resnick
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Maryna Resnick studied piano for eight years at the Tchaikovsky School of Music in her native city of Kremenchuk, Ukraine. From there she went on to receive a degree in choir conducting from the Dniepropetrovsk Culture College, and later her bachelor's degree in theater event production with a children's focus from the Kharkov Culture College. She has worked with children all her life and has always had a special rapport with them. In her native city she worked as a music teacher and event organizer at a kindergarten, a middle school, and at the cultural center. For the last ten years she has taught piano to children and adults here in the United States both privately and at a private piano school in Berkeley. Maryna believes that music brings not only beauty but also patience and focus to young people's lives.
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