Charliah Best
Director, Violin and Viola
When Charliah was 5 years old, her parents asked if she would like to learn to play the violin or the piano. Charliah chose the violin because she figured it would be easier to carry a violin to venues when performing, rather than carrying a piano. After many years of performing and practicing, she decided to study Music Education at Hartwick College (New York, USA). With this degree, she was able to share her love of music with others by becoming an orchestra, band, and choir teacher. Later, she earned a Masters in Music with emphasis in Viola Performance and Suzuki Pedagogy from the Hartt School of Music (Connecticut, USA).
Throughout the years, Charliah has studied music with many prestigious musicians: Marvin Warsaw (Viola), Philip Ventre (Orchestral Conducting), Teri Einfeldt (Suzuki Violin), Linda Fiore (Suzuki Violin), Roberta Guaspari (Suzuki Violin), Melinda Daestch (Suzuki Viola), and Steve Larson (Viola). Though a native of Hamden, Connecticut (USA), Charliah has thoroughly enjoyed living in Hong Kong as a Violist and Violinist.
When Charliah isn’t teaching, she enjoys spending time with her family and close friends; but she feels most comfortable performing jazz, rock, fiddle and avant-garde music on her violin around Hong Kong. Keep an eye out for her performances in local cafes and bars!
Yankie Chow Lok Yan
Violin
Chow, Lok Yan Yankie started her musical journey when she was 6 years old. At that time, her school organized a violin course and her parents asked her if she would like to learn to join the violin course. Because Yankie wasn’t sure of what a violin was, her parents described a violinist in a very humorous way, which she still remembers. Yankie chose to learn the violin because she thought the posture of playing the violin was very cool. When she was 14, Yankie ‘s musical eye was attracted to the shiny, bright and silver flute; so, without hesitation, she began to learn this instrument as well.
Yankie’s love for orchestras developed when she was only in Primary One. She also served as the principle flue part in secondary school, which is quite an honor at such a young age. She has been performing with various orchestras in different venues all around Hong Kong. Yankie has participated in musical events, such as The Hong Kong Joint-University Philharmonic Orchestra charity concert and the music concert of Mr. Joe Junior. At the moment, Yankie enjoys playing music with her friends around the city.
Celina Liu
Piano & Music Theory
Miss Celina graduated from the Hong Kong Education University with a Master of Arts in Music Education (Hons) Degree. She studied piano with Mr Khong Wing Yuen from HKBU and Professor Edward Ho. Celina has obtained a distinction in the Associated Performer’s Diploma in Piano Performance (ATCL) and the Diploma in Music (ABRSM).
With over 10 years of experience in teaching piano and music theory, she is a professional in Childhood Music Education, having also earned a diploma in the Dalcroze Approach to Music Education and Playgroup teaching certificate.