Strings
Violin - Viola - Cello
Grace
Violin ONLINE & IN PERSON
Classical (RCM), Baroque, Pop, Contemporary, Folk
University of Ottawa - Master of Music
English, Mandarin
Grace has over 20 years of experience playing the violin, her extensive performance
experience includes participating in orchestras, chamber music groups, and individual
recitals. This rich background has given her a deep understanding of a wide range of
musical styles and techniques, allowing her to bring a wealth of knowledge to her teaching.
Grace holds a Master of Music from the University of Ottawa, where she specialized in violin
performance. She has studied under several renowned violinists and educators, further
honing her skills and expanding her knowledge. Her educational background has equipped
her with a solid foundation in both performance and pedagogy, making her a well-rounded
and knowledgeable teacher. Grace's academic achievements and continuous professional
development ensure that she stays updated with the latest teaching methodologies and
performance practices.
Grace's teaching philosophy is centered around fostering a love for music in her students.
She believes in a tailored approach, meeting each student’s unique needs and goals. Grace
has taught students in both China and Canada, gaining extensive experience working with
diverse student populations. She emphasizes the importance of developing strong technical
skills while also encouraging musical expression and creativity. Grace aims to create a
supportive and inspiring environment where students feel motivated to practice and improve.
Her patience and dedication ensure that her students not only develop their violin skills but
also cultivate a lifelong appreciation for music.
Rex
Violin ONLINE & IN PERSON
Classical (RCM), Pop, Contemporary
The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts - Master of Music (Music Composition)
English, Cantonese
Rex’s passion for music began at the age of 7 when he started his journey with the violin. His lifelong dedication led him to earn a Master of Music from the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts.
Beyond performance, Rex pursued advanced studies in Sound Technology, giving him a unique, "inside-out" understanding of how instruments produce sound. This scientific yet artistic approach allows him to guide students in developing a refined tone and a professional ear from an early age.
​
With over a decade of teaching experience, Rex focuses on building a comprehensive musical foundation, seamlessly bridging the gap between technical violin mastery and the underlying logic of music theory.
As a professional composer and arranger who has worked on television, film, and musical theatre projects, Rex teaches his students to "think like a composer." This method helps students move beyond rote memorization, enabling them to understand the structure of the music pieces, which significantly speeds up their learning progress and enhances their musical expression.
​
Rex is known for his patient and adaptive teaching style, especially when working with younger children. He believes that every student is unique, and he strives to create a supportive environment where they can build a solid technical foundation while developing a genuine, lifelong love for music.
Afshin
Violin - Cello ONLINE & IN PERSON
Classical (RCM), Baroque, Pop, Contemporary, Folk
Royal Conservatory of Music - Andras Weber Master Classes
English, Farsi
Afshin is a multi-genre cellist, composer and pedagogue. He prides himself on creative, interesting methods and ideas to keep students engaged in their studies.
He began his musical career with the violin since 2002. But after getting acquainted with the sound of cello, he started to learn it. He continued learning the cello in advanced level at The Royal Conservatory of Music of Toronto under the supervision of Andras Weber. In addition, he passed the music theory, solfege and general piano courses.
He was member of the first and only baroque orchestra for 6 months in Iran which finished its work with an official performance at the Cultural Institute of Austria. He also had an official performance of Cello/Guitar duet with his brother, Ali Effati, at Tehran Artists House and a solo cello performance at Cultural Institute Of Austria. Composing & playing cello in Tim Crouch's “An Oak Tree” theatre performed in Iranshahr Theatre, David Ives's “Sure Thing” Theatre & closing ceremony of the sixth Soureh Theatre Festival and also passing instructor course for Orff at Pars Academy are also in his artistic resume.
His special interest in the production of music for children resulted in a music album entitled “Childhood Desires”, which simplified some of his favourite rock/metal songs by rearranging them into pieces played on Orff instruments. He pushed this project forward, and also compiled the repertoire book “Childish Minimals” where he arranged some of the songs from the album so that young students could easily play and enjoy them. “Cello Riffing/Playing riff and rock music with the cello!” is his recent product which its goal is to show that we can do whatever we want with the instruments. If we just want, if we are open-minded and let ourselves do it.
​
Over the last 8 years that he has been in Toronto, he has had many performing experiences in different types of gigs such as classical, traditional, weddings, ceremonies and funerals that you can find the links to some recordings below.