Irene Man Yan Cheng
Irene Cheng Man Yan is a dedicated music teacher and performer, recognized for her artistry and passion for teaching. Currently, she is furthering her piano studies under Dr. Helen Cha. Irene excelled academically and was named to the Dean’s List for the Master of Arts in Music program at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, where she studied with Ms. Nancy Loo. She obtained her Bachelor of Music in Education (Honours) from the Education University of Hong Kong, majoring in piano performance and minoring in jazz music. Irene achieved top ranking in her undergraduate class, earning First-Class Honours, and was recognised on the President’s List. She has also benefited from lessons with concert pianists such as Ms. Colleen Lee, Ms. Hui Ling, Ms. Julie Kuok, Mr. Sham Kin Wai, Dr. Steve Ho, and Ms. Joyce Cheung.
Irene’s teaching philosophy is centred on creating personalised courses tailored to each student’s individual abilities and objectives. She strives to cultivate a love for music by introducing students to a diverse repertoire, enhancing their interest and engagement in learning piano. With a strong emphasis on building a solid musical foundation, Irene focuses on proper hand shape and posture to prevent injuries while developing musicality, rhythm, sight-reading, and aural skills through engaging and creative activities. She also integrates music theory and analysis into her lessons, enabling students to gain a deeper understanding of the music they play.
In Hong Kong, many parents often lack the knowledge and resources to support their children in achieving their musical aspirations. Irene experienced similar challenges in her early years, as her parents encouraged her to learn piano primarily for enjoyment while prioritizing her academic studies. It was not until her college years that she recognized the disparity between her ambitions and her musical education. Since then, Irene has dedicated herself to overcoming these obstacles. Now, as an educator, she actively participates in various concerts and festivals to advance her musical journey.
As a music teacher who has navigated her own challenges, Irene not only seeks to inspire creativity and artistic expression in her students but also aims to assist parents and students to discover their own paths to fulfilment. She is devoted to guiding her students towards their musical goals while fostering a lifelong appreciation for music.