Derek Chiu, Artist Teacher

Derek Chiu is an artist teacher whose international career as a performer and educator informs every aspect of his teaching. As a pianist who remains actively engaged in the concert world, he brings a living, breathing perspective on music-making to the studio. His students benefit from this dynamic connection between stage and studio, gaining insight not only into technical mastery but also into the expressive demands of high-level performance.

As an artist teacher, Derek fosters each student's personal voice while developing the skills necessary for a fluent, independent, and confident musical life. His teaching is rooted in cognitive learning — a holistic approach that encourages thoughtful practice, deep musical understanding, and long-term artistic growth.

Through this approach, students develop:

• Artistry, musicianship, and expressive freedom

• Self-analysis, awareness, and accountability

• Greater comprehension and retention

• Creative and efficient problem-solving skills

• Confidence in their abilities

• A love of lifelong learning

Derek’s ongoing performance engagements across Canada, Europe, and the United States serve not only to inspire his students but to keep his teaching grounded in the realities of today’s musical landscape. His dual role as performer and pedagogue offers students a rare opportunity to study with a teacher who actively lives the art they teach.

Teaching Experience

• Over 25 years of teaching experience across Canada, Europe, and the United States, shaping the next generation of pianists through a blend of tradition and innovation.

• Faculty member at the Cremona International Music Academy (Cremona, Italy)

• Faculty member at the Vancouver Island Music Academy

Student Achievements

• Students have been accepted into competitive undergraduate and graduate music programs across North America and Europe, all with scholarship support.

• Award winners at local, national, and international competitions, recognized for both technical command and artistic maturity.

• Alumni have gone on to distinguished careers as performers, educators, and artistic leaders in the global music community.

• Many have performed internationally, gaining valuable experience and exposure on major stages.

Notable Students

Luka Coetzee - https://www.lukacoetzee.com/

• Represented Worldwide by Sheldon Artists and an Endorsing Artist for Thomastik-Infeld strings (Vienna)

• Hochschule für Musik Franz Liszt Weimar with Wolfgang Emanuel Schmidt

• ARCT in Piano and Cello Performance

• First Prize Winner at 9th Johansen International Strings Competition

• Special prize for “the most promising semi-finalist” in the 6th UNISA International Strings Competition

• First Prize at the Morningside Music Bridge International Concerto Competition

• Second Prize at the 2019 Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal Competition

• Semi-finalist at the Stulberg International Strings Competition

• Third Prize at the 2021 Shean Strings & Piano Competition

Benjamin Schmalz

• 3rd Prize Winner of the 2019 International Cremona Competition for Strings, Piano and Voice

• Bachelor of Music - University of Regina Department of Music (Scholarship Student), studies with Dr. Christine Vanderkooy and David McIntyre

• Master of Music in Piano Performance and Theory - The University of Western Ontario Don Wright  Faculty of Music (Scholarship Student), studies with Stephan Sylvestre

• ARCT in Piano Performance

• Scholarship awards from the Calgary Performing Arts Festival

 Huangyang Li

• Bachelor of Music - Bishop’s University (Scholarship Student), studies with Dr. Ross Osmun

• Master of Music in Piano Performance - School of Music at Bard College (Scholarship Student), studies with Dr. Esther Ning Yau

Isaac Taylor

• ARCT in Piano Performance

• Scholarship Awards from the Airdrie Rotary Festival of Performing Arts and the Strathmore Performing Arts Festival

• Scholarship and Undergraduate studies offers from Lakehead University, Wilfrid Laurier University and the University of Western Ontario

Beth Emmers

• 2023 Royal Conservatory of Music Gold Medal recipient for Level 10

• Honorable Mention - 2022 International Cremona Competition for Strings, Piano and Voice

• Scholarship and Undergraduate offers from the University of Manitoba

Lessons Offered (In Person and Online)

• Piano (Minimum Level 6 Royal Conservatory)

• Piano Pedagogy

• Professional Performance Coaching

• Chamber Music Coaching

• Music Theory (All Royal Conservatory of Music Levels)

• Music History (All Royal Conservatory of Music Levels)

• Please contact Derek to learn more about his teaching studio, studio policies and to enquire about lessons.

"Derek has been my piano teacher for the past year and I can't believe how much my playing has improved. Derek has taught me so much, so quickly. With proper technique, I am playing far more difficult music with than I was a year ago. Derek gets down to business and really wants his students to succeed. Derek is a smart, creative and caring expert. He is the best piano teacher I could ever imagine and has really inspired me to do my best, apply myself and keep up my piano practice!" – Winston Kirk