Chi-Tou Lao
Piano
Pianist whose artistry blends the German musical tradition with award-winning performances.
Chi-Tou Lao is currently a second-year Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) student in Piano Performance at Western University, studying with Dr. Kyung Kim. He previously earned his Master of Music at the Peabody Conservatory, where he worked with Professors Yoshikazu Nagai and HieYon Choi. During his time at Peabody, Lao focused primarily on German composers such as Bach, Beethoven, Schubert, and Schumann, reflecting his deep interest in the German musical tradition. As an aspiring musician, he strives to discover and refine his own artistic voice.
Lao has participated in several competitions and received various awards, in January 2020, he won first prize in the Collegiate Division of the New Albany Symphony Concerto Competition, which led to a performance in a subscription concert of the orchestra in March 2020. Lao also won first prize in the Collegiate Solo Division of the OMTA Graves Piano Competition in Columbus, Ohio (2020). Most recently, he was awarded first prize in the 3rd Paul Badura-Skoda International Piano Competition (2025).
Throughout his years of study, Lao has participated in numerous masterclasses with artists such as Dang Thai Son, Richard Goode, Steven Osbourne, Stanislav Khristenko, Misha Dichter, Alan Chow, Kuok-Wai Lio, Michael Chertock, Jeffrey Cohen, Laura Melton, and the Balourdet Quartet.
Arios Su
Piano, Saxophone
Pianist, educator, and composer whose work spans performance, teaching, and award-winning music for film and animation.
Arios Su is a versatile pianist, educator, and music & sound designer. He has studied in the Bachelor of Music (BMus) and Bachelor of Education (BEd) programs at Queen’s University.
He has guided students of all ages and skill levels, fostering both technical development and a love for music. His teaching emphasizes individualized lesson planning, student creativity, and confidence-building through performance opportunities.
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Beyond teaching, Arios is active as a composer and sound designer for animation. Since 2023, he has collaborated with creative teams to produce original music and soundtracks, with his works featured at international festivals including the Urbanite Arts & Film Festival, the Annual Oakville Film Festival, and the Hudson Animation & Short Film Festival (2025).
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As a performer, Arios is proficient in piano, tenor saxophone, and clarinet, with repertoire spanning classical and modern works. He was awarded the Steinway Piano Concert Award (2018) in recognition of his outstanding artistry. Fluent in both English and Mandarin, Arios brings patience, adaptability, and a student-centered approach to his teaching, inspiring students to grow as musicians and creative individuals.
Kenny Cheng
Piano, Vocal
Pianist and music educator, experienced in teaching piano, voice, guitar, and saxophone with a student-centered approach
Kenny Cheng is a pianist and music educator based in Toronto, currently pursuing a Bachelor of Music (Comprehensive) at the University of Toronto. With teaching experience at music schools and as a private tutor, he has worked with students in piano, voice, guitar, and saxophone, tailoring lessons to their goals and learning styles.
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In addition to teaching, Kenny is active as a performer and band leader, having organized and led music gigs across Toronto. Fluent in both Mandarin and English, he combines patience, adaptability, and creativity in his teaching, guiding students to grow in technique, confidence, and musical expression.