About Me

Why do I constantly do research in instructional techniques and pedagogical methodology from workshops, teacher trainings to observing early childhood to special needs students? I believe everyone can learn and enjoy music via the piano so I want to find what the best method is for each of my students with different learning styles.

I have conducted research in teaching strategies for students with different learning styles, making lessons fun and enjoyable while grasping the concepts learned. I believe everyone can make music and learn to express their feelings with music, whether they are happy, sad, playful, or solemn. I want you to explore the instrument and I can guide you to discover what you love about piano music.

Some want to learn a new skill. Some want to make music with their friends. Some enjoys creating melodies freely to relax or to express themselves. Others are able to make a living from performing solo, in a band or from their composition. But best of all, it is a language how music brings people together—at pop concerts, concert hall, or playing with friends or family. Hey, remember, back in the 1700’s there’s no radio, mp3 players, or tv so piano music was still quite the entertainment!

Life is the music. You are the instrument. All you have to do is keep on playing. Let it surprise you, let you control it, but sometimes you’ll have to loosen up and just relax and playing freely— Discover what music can bring,

Experiences


​Iris Lam has been playing piano since she was a young child, studying locally under the influence of Karin Plato and then has been teaching for over 15 years.

Iris completed her undergraduate at UBC, has undergone a valuable mentorship program from UBC School of Music, more pedagogy training at VCC and with famous composers like Forrest Kinney. She had the honour to learn from Forrest Kinney and he has been her inspiration to continue his legacy on “Pattern Play,” an art of piano improvisation. Iris is certified in the curriculum for Music for Young Children (MYC), Musikgarten, Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM). (As a side hobby, she studies harp.)

In 2015, she is the recipient of the Teacher Enrichment Award from the Music Teacher National Association (MTNA) for her active pursuit of continuing education in her teaching career. She loves working with students from age 3 years to adults and seniors with all levels and abilities, including students with special needs. She enjoys finding fun ways to enhance student’s education through piano; teaching them music appreciation and exploring their musicality and creativity.

From 2017, she is inspired and learning from Dr Parks, Director for the first Special Music Education program for teachers in Canada, University of Ottawa where teachers are mentor how to work with students with autism. Her recent teaching experience involves developing flexible and playful strategies for supporting children with diverse abilities to further develop skills and communications during lessons; dedicating to young children-older students with diagnosis of autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities including speech delays. She has completed More Than Words Certification, an early language intervention program, has experience as a Behavioural Interventionist, an Educational Assistant and Resource Teacher for schools inclusive of Kenneth Gordon Maplewood School. She will use adaptation and modification to help custom lesson plans and familiar working in collaboration with student’s home team.

Adapted Piano Lessons
Initial intake assessment and first lesson will consist of finding out what student’s receptive level and comprehension is first, if there are any sensory sensitivities, building a rapport and learning what are their current interest/strengths and challenges and can incorporate learning goals (eg fine motor, speech communication).

Meowsic Piano Studio also have an OT and consultant aboard if we require more support. They are also open to do any initial or occasional collaboration with students’ service providers. Direct billing from AFU accepted.