TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
Jenny's History
Dr. Jenny Cheong holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Cello Performance from the University of Toronto (U of T) and has 10 years of experiences teaching undergraduate and Master’s cello students at U of T: leading masterclasses, providing private lessons, and ensemble coaching sessions. For 29 years of her life, she has been active as a piano and cello teacher, performer and chamber musician. She has extensive knowledge of chamber music repertoire and a passion for coaching string and piano trio ensembles.
Currently, Dr. Jenny teaches from beginner to university level.
Jenny's TEACHING Philosophy
What I love most about teaching is watching students discover their own strengths, potential, and growth. I often tell them that learning an instrument is like growing a tree — their talents are the branches, but they can only thrive with strong roots. Building a solid foundation allows those strengths to shine and grow beautifully over time.
My teaching is known for fostering collaboration, artistic growth, and professionalism in every student I work with.
I believe music is a lifelong gift, one I am passionate about sharing with all ages from young beginners to adults noticing, finding, or rediscovering their love for music.
BACKGROUND & CREDENTIALS
Highlights from My Musical Career
- Taught cello to undergraduate and master’s students at the University of Toronto for over a decade.
- Worked as a principal cellist and cello section coach with several orchestras across Ontario for 20 years.
- Conducted and coached choirs and orchestras for youth and adults of all ages, fostering musical growth and community for over a decade.
- Worked as a music director, organist, and pianist for churches throughout Ontario for more than 14 years.
- Taught cello at the Toronto Waldorf School for the past 3 years.
Education
University of Toronto
- Doctor of Musical Arts
- Master of Music
- Master of Sacred Music
- Master of Divinity
McGill University
- Bachelor of Music
Former teachers
Dr. Jenny studied with renowned artists:
- Cello Teachers: Joowon Kim, Yegor Dyachkov, Brian Manker (Principal Cellist of Montreal Symphony Orchestra), David Hetherington (Former Assistant Principal Cellist of Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and received a Juno Award nomination), and Shauna Rolston (award winning Canadian cellist and a professor at University of Toronto) .
- Organ Teachers: Michael Capon and John Tuttle.
- Conducting Teachers: Alexis Hauser, John Tuttle, and Dr. Hilary Apfelstadt.
Past Achievements
- Recipient of the Yo-Yo Ma Scholarship
- Music Scholarship from Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra.
- Excellent Piano Performance Award at the piano competition provided by the Korean National Music Education in Seoul, Korea, at age 10.
PERFORMANCE
Dr. Jenny Cheong is an active performer, collaborating with pianist Miguel Brito as a cello–piano duo for classical concerts at a variety of venues. She is also the founder and leader of the Agelos Piano Trio, performing a wide range of music for weddings, memorial services, and private events.
Dr. Jenny is especially drawn to the intimacy of smaller venues, where she can connect closely with audiences and create a more personal and engaging musical experience.
