Central Coast Conservatorium of Music (CCCM) is excited to welcome acclaimed pianist Katy Tsai to the teaching staff – an appointment that coincides with the long-awaited launch of the Keyboard Club which was delayed last year due to COVID restrictions.

Katy was born and raised in Taiwan, where she was first introduced to the piano at age 5 despite being born into a family of sporting champions, none of whom are musically inclined.

“I grew up with my family’s tennis trophies all over the house; but it was clear from a young age that sports were not my forte,” Katy explains.

“Thankfully my parents took note and decided to enrol me in music lessons in the hope that I would find a creative outlet.

“I still vividly remember my first piano lesson.  My mum asked me in front of the teacher whether I’d like to learn the piano – little did I know that my “YES” would take me on the journey of a lifetime!” she continues.

With a deep personal understanding of how music can bring a dramatic shift in energy levels, mindset and emotions, Katy is focused on creating music that promotes the wellbeing and mindfulness of others.  Her albums are especially designed for yoga, meditation and healing through the soothing vibrations of acoustic instruments. 

“I believe each person is a centre of energy, continually influenced by other energies, light, colour and sound,” Katy explains.

“Music – especially when experienced live – can bring a dramatic shift in energy levels. It can bypass our minds logical and analytical filters and make direct contact with profound feelings deep in our memory and imagination, which in turn produces physical reactions.

“Sound is a potent force. This has given me the inspiration to create albums that nurture our wellbeing and craft music events that promotes mindfulness,” she continues.

From a wellbeing standpoint, being able to share her passion, knowledge and skills with students through the entry-level Keyboard Club is a dream come true for Katy. With multiple studies sighting the incredible physical, social and intellectual benefits of studying music, Katy says that a focus on mental health and happiness is a key component for her.

“The past two-years have been very stressful on both adults and children alike.  What is really exciting for me is being able to share the joy, mindful and uplifting benefits that come with music,” Katy explains.

It’s more important than ever to ensure that children have strategies in place that can help them find balance – and ultimately, joy and happiness. 

“Music has been my voice of expression, my deepest connection with others, and my creative playground since I was young.  I hope that it will become that for my students too,” she continued.

Keyboard Club offers low-cost group keyboard lessons to students from K – 10 on Tuesday afternoons and Saturday mornings.  The weekly Keyboard Club lessons are aimed at students who have no previous experience with the goal of developing basic musicianship skills and a love for music.

Students can register their interest at https://centralcoastconservatorium.com.au/enquire/ or contact our Customer Service team on 02 4324 7477 for more information.