Our musically talented teachers of the Academy
Meet our incredible team of music teachers! They are not just instructors, but passionate musicians who are dedicated to sharing their talent and knowledge with students of all ages and skill levels. Each teacher brings a unique background and expertise to the table, ensuring a well-rounded and enriching learning experience for every student.
D-01-10, Sunway Nexis, No 1, Jalan PJU 5/1, Kota Damansara,
47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Teachers
KOTA DAMANSARA TEACHERS
Sean Ooi - Director
Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Drums
As one of the founders of The Academy, Sean is undoubtedly the backbone of this heartwarming musical family, staying true to his moving vision throughout the years. With an impressive teaching experience of over a decade, Sean started The Academy with the insight of providing the highest quality of music education possible while establishing a nurturing environment for young and budding musicians.
He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Contemporary Music from UCSI University. Alongside being the Director of The Academy Music Centre, he is an interim lecturer-on-demand at Taylors University, as well as the orchestra conductor for Sri KDU’s concert band.
Sean’s main instrument is the electric guitar, but he also minors in drums, piano, and the clarinet. He is, in other words, one real rocker of a director.
Momo Fariq - Principal
Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Classical Guitar, Jazz Guitar, Ukulele & Composition
Affectionately referred to as Momo, Fariq is one of our rising stars in the Malaysian music industry.
With a Diploma in Jazz Guitar Performance and a Degree in Music Composition both from UiTM, we may or may not have among our midst the next Earl Klugh! Momo has a nose for traveling, leading a fulfilling life reveling in the great outdoors and broadening his perspective through his holiday adventures. If you wish to learn a thing or two about the world, Momo is certainly the person to look for.
Momo’s knowledge of guitars, composition and music stretches far and wide. Add that to his hardworking demeanour, and get yourself a fully dedicated teacher who is not only popular among the students, but also has a knack for repairing musical instruments. This man can do it all!
Eugene
Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Ukulele
Eugene can charm you with his guitar skills … don’t be hypnotised!
At first glance, he looks tall and cool as a cucumber. But that’s not all he is. Beginning his guitar journey at the tender age of 13 in secondary school, Eugene has completed a full cycle, with teaching experience in schools such as Beaconhouse International School and Sri KDU. Eugene holds a Bachelor Degree in Contemporary Music from UCSI and majored in Electric Guitar and Acoustic Guitar. Apart from his experience performing at clubs, events and weddings, he also performed in a band on an international Costa Cruise.
You could say that he has travelled the world and the seven seas.
Eugene is also very responsible in all his tasks, from teaching students to managing the sales department of The Academy Music Centre. If at all you need assistance, don’t hesitate to ask Eugene! He’ll do his best to help.
Adrian Yap
Drums, Percussions, Cajon
Often subjected to good-natured ribbing by his peers, Adrian is one of our bestest best hardworking teacher in The Academy family. Assuming the role of a seemingly calm and collected drum teacher from the outside, but a witty and surprisingly clever person from the inside.
Adrian started his drumming journey at a very young age of 16 and has completed his Grade 8 under the Rockschool syllabus.
With an infectious brand of youthful enthusiasm, Adrian's wit often comes into play during most unsuspecting moments, which could either be a valuable lesson to be learned or an important reality check in the form of a simple but cunning remark.
Havilah
Piano
All the way from the interior division of the west coast of Sabah, Teacher Havilah used to travel 3 long hours to attend her weekly piano lesson in the city. To have teachers who have such passion for music is one of the many things we are proud of at The Academy.
2022 marks the 10th year of her music journey on this side of Malaysia. Havilah graduated from UiTM with a Bachelor’s Degree in Performance and holds a Master’s Degree in Performing Arts from Universiti Malaya.
Self-driven and a perfectionist herself, Teacher Havilah educates her students with a unique and systematic approach.
If you're looking to learn the keys from a teacher who is young at heart, gets along well with kids, and love all things cute, you're looking at her right here!
Wai Kent
Piano & Violin
What can I say? Mr. Kent is unusually very quiet, but behind this devious mask is a witty, quirky crazy son of a gun.
Holding an extraordinary collection of high-quality memes, if you ever round up in the same chat group as him...may God bless ya soul.
Graduating with a Bachelors in Music from ASWARA (with honors too!) Kent is an avid discipline and hardworking man. Trust me, as admin can hear him practice the same passage for an hour non-stop!
But that's not all, Mr. Kent is also a certified sound engineer! Winning countless awards for composition and film scoring, rest assured we have an upcoming Hans Zimmer in our midst!
Jayden Chua
Piano
He takes students that most schools reject and instead turns them into rising stars of their own right. A patient and lovable teacher. Try hugging him, you’ll feel like you’re hugging a plushie.
Jayden holds a Bachelor’s degree in Contemporary Music from the prestigious UCSI University. There is no doubt that lessons with him are guaranteed to be educational, fun and most of all, exciting!
A hard worker, risk taker and expert investor, Jayden’s natural charisma around people, especially children, will have you feel comfortable and at ease during lessons.
Steward Chang
Vocals
‘Anywhere the wind blows doesn’t really matter to me…’
He is the Malaysian reincarnation of Freddie Mercury. With an outgoing personality and top class showmanship, Steward stands out as a fine performer in the arts.
Graduating from UCSI University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Contemporary Music, Steward has then gone forth and done exciting things. He was the judge of the Youth Music Competition, taught vocal lessons at Mega Music World and Mama Treble Clef Studio to name a few, and recently, he released his latest album on Spotify, titled “Jesselton Boy'“.
A natural born performer, Steward also devotes his passion and energy into teaching vocal lessons to students of all ages. Not only will he bring out the singer in you, he’ll have you feel comfortable with singing your heart out, just like you do in the shower!
TUNKU SHAFIQ
Drums
Ready to find your rhythm and make some groovy beats? Meet Teacher Tunku Shafiq who's here to turn your wobbly limbs into solid rhythm machines!
He holds a Bachelors in Music & Arts Management from Middlesex University and a Music Business Diploma from ICOM Music College. With over a decade of performing in the music industry and more than 5 years of teaching experience, his musical journey has taken him through various genres like Pop, R&B, Rock, and even Metal. He has graced stages across Malaysia and South East Asia, bringing his unique flair to the music scene.
But that's not all - on some days, he dives into the world of orchestral music, crafting stunning compositions for films and video games. This has paved the way for him to become an experienced producer in the audio-visual industry!
Joven Leong
Vocals, Kindermusik, Musical Theatre
“Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.” She sings, she attack!
She acts, she dances. Boss always says he managed to pick up gold (literal Cantonese translation) with Ms Joven.
Joven is a BA(Hons) Musical Theatre graduate from Lasalle College of the Arts in Singapore. During her college days, she had the opportunity to explore various singing styles. Always having a passion in performing arts, she also participated in various theatre and musical productions in Malaysia and Singapore. Just like the same way she felt about impacting lives and making connections while performing, teaching and learning gives her the same kind of satisfaction too. That is also when she decided to be a Kindermusik educator. She believes in exploring learning styles that suits ourselves because we are all unique individuals! But wait, there’s more …
A smiley & cheery person by nature, when she opens her mouth to sing, her sweet & melodious voice captures the hearts of many. With that joyful enthusiasm of hers, vocal lessons with her are never a bore!
Joven is such a natural that parents specially request for her ;)
Henry Lee
Violin & Cello
Meet Teacher Henry, our resident violin teacher who has over 4 years of teaching experience in several music academies in Malaysia. With an Associate Diploma in Violin Performance from the Australian Guild Music & Speech Examination Board, he has honed his skills and knowledge to provide the best possible education to his students.
As a former orchestral violinist for University Malaya's orchestra, Teacher Henry has performed in several traditional Malay music and Jazz fusion concerts, bringing a wealth of experience and insight into his teaching.
So if you're looking for a violin teacher who can help you reach new heights in your musical journey, look no further than Teacher Henry at our music centre.
Alfred Au
Piano & Violin
Kind-looking Alfred looks exactly just like the part — a classy pianist and violinist with a dash of sass.
Alfred graduated from The University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Music Studies under the masterful tutelage of Mrs. Alexandra Vinokurov from Moscow State Conservatorium of Music. He also holds a Trinity College of London Diploma, LTCL & ATCL, and a Grade 8 Theory certificate.
An instructor-on-demand with a heart of gold, Alfred works hard around the clock with nary a complaint and always puts on a friendly smile for everyone. He is highly sought after by many thanks to his gentle yet effective tutelage.
David Harding
Bass
Ever found yourself bopping your head to a strikingly groovy bass line and want to instantly play it? This man is the teacher for you!
David has been in the music scene for more than a decade, playing in local music bands such as Kaya and Billie Blue & The Nowhere Men as well as performing internationally in countries such as Singapore, Thailand and India. It is safe to say that he is the Flea of Malaysia.
As a bassist with vast experience in the performing industry, his passion for teaching doesn’t go unnoticed. His cheeky and friendly nature will surely have you looking forward to your next class!
Calista Lim
Vocals & Dance
Meet Teacher Calista, our very own Malaysian soprano who graduated from the legendary Guildhall School of Music and Drama (GSMD) in London.
With a voice of an angel on Earth, some notable opera productions in the UK and Europe that she has performed in include Purcell’s The Fairy Queen, along with Mozart’s Don Giovanni and Le Nozze di Figaro. Other than operas, Teacher Calista's experience and love for pop music explains her drive in performing as a member of the Jazz trio group “Pop n’ Bop”, formed by established Jazz pianist Michael Veerapen.
With her background in Classical Music along with her experience in Pop Music, we are certain that most, if not all students under her tutelage will come to discover the potential in their voices!
Voon Foong
Saxophone & Clarinet
Mr Voon Foong, the coolest teacher you’ll meet … all that’s missing are his shades.
Majoring in clarinet and saxophone, Voon Foong has more than 10 years of teaching experience in international schools. Apart from the classical style, Voon Foong also teaches jazz, folk, pop and other styles. You’re a lucky one if you learn from him.
A committed and passionate teacher, Voon Foong doesn’t just teach you the basics. He goes the extra mile to teach interested students how to transcribe music, play by ear and improvise on the instrument, which he believes are good skills to have as a musician and enable you to start jamming with friends!
Give Voon Foong a woodwind instrument, and he’ll surely mesmerise you with his relaxing playing. However, it is in stark contrast to the high intensity Group Exercise classes that he teaches, like LesMills RPM . He can bring your heart rate from average to the max! Oh, the power he holds.
Azrul Shafiq
Drums
Mr. Azrul, the funniest teacher you'll ever meet, holds a Bachelor's Degree in audio technology and performance from UPM. Majoring in drum and percussion, Mr. Azrul has more than 12 years of teaching experience in international schools. Apart from the rock style, he also teaches jazz, folk, pop, ska, reggae, and traditional music styles. You’re a lucky one if you learn from him.
In 2015, Mr. Azrul won the 3rd Runner Up prize in the Trinity Pop and Rock Battle of The Band Festival at Brickfields College.
Besides teaching, Mr. Azrul is also a drummer for several big bands in Malaysia which he performs both locally and internationally. He even aided in Thailand band Malaysia Tour in 2014.
Mr Azrul live by this quote: “To be a good drummer, you’ll need a lot of practice unless you bring Mr Azrul chicken nuggets, automatically you be a good drummer for the rest of your life.”
Wei Hern
Bass & Guitar
With a passion for music that spans across genres, Wei Hern brings a wealth of talent to his teaching.
Currently pursuing his studies at the Institute of Music in UCSI University, Teacher Wei Hern hones his skills under the guidance of renowned bassist Ken Chung. But even before entering university, Wei Hern's musical journey began as a self-taught bassist and guitarist, honing his craft through his involvement in his secondary school band.
Beyond teaching, Wei Hern has also made his mark in the local music scene, performing alongside talented indie artists like Adriel and Unlimited Abyss as he explores diverse genres including jazz, funk, fusion, and more.
Pin Wei
Jazz & Classical Piano
Mr. Pin Wei is a recent graduate from UCSI University with a Bachelor Degree in Contemporary Music. Mr. Pin Wei started his music journey at the age of 8. After going through years of classical training, Pin Wei later discovered his passion in jazz and began to branch out in a new direction.
In 2022, Mr. Pin Wei won the 2nd Runner Up prize in the Malaysian Jazz Talent Competition held during the 9th Malaysian Jazz Piano Festival at KLPAC.
Besides teaching, Pin Wei also performs music of a variety of genres such as jazz, rnb, pop etc. at various live performance venues around KL. Pin Wei also does music production work occasionally on the side.
Fun fact: The piano bgm currently being used by Tropicana Gardens Mall is made by Mr. Pin Wei. How cool is that?!
Esther Leong
Classical Piano
Meet Ms Esther, one of our youngest teacher in The Academy family and a dedicated music educator. She embarked on her music journey at the age of 6 and completed her Grade 8 piano examination when she turned 15.
As an active musician in the youth church, she regularly performs for the choir. Ms Esther’s nice and innocent nature creates a welcoming environment for her students, fostering their growth and creativity. Her youthful energy and genuine character make her a remarkable music teacher, leaving a lasting impact on your child's musical endeavors.
Ms Esther is also a gym enthusiast who turns workouts into opportunities to indulge in her love for food (she is definitely a foodie)
Tan Jenna
Classical Piano
Introducing Ms. Jenna, a fun and passionate teacher who has a keen eye in identifying students' strengths and weaknesses to optimize learning experience. With a Bachelor's degree in Performance and Pedagogy from Universiti Sains Malaysia, and currently pursuing Master’s in Performing Arts in Universiti Malaya, Ms. Jenna brings a wealth of knowledge to her classes.
Her friendly and outgoing nature, combined with her petite stature, allows her to connect easily with your child. If you're seeking a teacher who not only possesses exceptional musical talent but also knows how to inspire and engage students, look no further than Ms. Jenna.
No.1-1, Jalan Eco Ardence D U12/36D Eco Ardence, Seksyen U12
Shah Alam, 40170 Shah Alam, Selangor
ECO ARDENCE TEACHERS
Habib
Guitar, Ukulele, Drums
He’s got the groove, the beat and an ever bright smile on his face!
Born and raised in Banting, Selangor, Habib studied music at UiTM, Shah Alam. Equipped with in-depth knowledge, Habib will make a great musician out of you!
At the age of 7, Habib began his journey of performing on stage. Ever since then, he grew a deep passion and appreciation for music and performing, leading him to pursue a career in music. Genres like blues and rock have greatly influenced his playing. Did you know that Habib was the guitarist for a local band, Uoka District? They even have an album with 8 songs in it, how awesome!
With 7 years worth of experience in teaching, Habib certainly enjoys what he does and works hard to impart his musical knowledge to others.
Shafiq Aizad
Drums
On your way to becoming the next Chad Smith? This man can help you get there!
A Perak boy, Shafiq graduated from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) with a Diploma in Music. He then furthered his studies in music at UiTM. As Shafiq has been an avid music lover since the age of 14, it is no surprise that he is also a band member for the local band, UOKA District alongside our other teachers, Habib, Shukran and Jayden.
Being the musician that he is, Shafiq believes that every student has an inner musician in them because music is enjoyed by all. With that, he ensures that he provides the best learning experience for his students.
Xiao Qi
Piano
Hailing from Seremban, Xiao Qi holds a Bachelor's of Classical Music majoring in piano.
While she may seem quiet and unassuming on the outside, she has an extremely keen eye for detail and will. She’ll bring out the pianist in you and equip you with the correct technique to play.
Even with a decade of experience, Xiao Qi constantly strives to make her lessons engaging and fun. That’s all we’ll say for now … To find out more, register as her student!
Armand Haniff
Trumpet
Teacher Armand is a true master of his craft and a valuable member of The Academy Music Centre. With over a decade of musical experience and a wealth of knowledge, Teacher Armand is not only an accomplished trumpet player but also a gifted arranger and dedicated educator. 🎺
Born and raised in Kuala Lumpur, Teacher Armand's musical journey began at the age of 12 when he received his ABRSM and was classically trained by his own mother, who also plays the trumpet and is a lecturer at UiTM Shah Alam. From there, he continued his musical pursuits in high school, and has since achieved multiple awards, played with various underground bands and gigs across KL, and performed with Orkestra RTM and Brass Monkz.
With his dedication to music and unwavering commitment to his craft, we are confident that Teacher Armand will continue to inspire the next generation of musicians at The Academy.
Nicholas cheng
Violin & Viola
Meet Mr. Nicholas – known for his captivating melodies!
Hailing from Sandakan, Sabah, Mr. Nicholas's musical journey began at the age of 5 and his passion for music led him to cultivate his craft, performing with orchestras and his love for violin. Mentored by Ms Grosha from the prestigious Vienna Conservatory of Music, Mr Nicholas is no stranger to spectacular violin playing and teaching skills.
With years of teaching experience, Mr. Nicholas is committed to nurturing young musicians and guiding them on their musical odyssey.
Ready to embark on your own musical journey? Join Mr. Nicholas's class and let the harmonies unfold!