Kyla Zhao
Music Production, Piano, Music Theory, Recording, Mixing, Composition, Songwriting




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Kyla Zhao
Bachelors degree
/ 55 min
About your music teacher
Kyla Zhao is a musician, producer, and RCM-certified teacher with over 10 years of experience in piano and music production. She began learning piano at age four and earned the CMA Level 10 Piano Certificate with Distinction at 13, equivalent to RCM Level 10. She holds degrees in Composition and Music Production from Shenyang Conservatory of Music, Recording Arts from Shanghai Conservatory of Music, and Music Technology from the University of Toronto. Kyla has worked on China’s music talent show Sing My Song, coordinated live recordings at Shanghai Concert Hall, and collaborated with R&B and Chinese pop artists. Her work also includes writing and producing for Treehouse TV. In 2022, she served as a JUNO Awards judge for Jack Richardson Producer of the Year and became a mentor with SOCAN Foundation’s Equity x Production program. Since 2021, she has mentored youth at Covenant House Toronto. Kyla’s teaching integrates technique, theory, creativity, and musical expression, helping students develop independent musicianship and build portfolios for university applications. Her students have gained admission to Berklee College of Music and the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Music. She believes music should inspire joy, identity, and lifelong self-expression, encouraging every student to explore their own musical path without unnecessary pressure.
Kyla graduated from Shenyang Conservatory of Music

Your music teacher expertise
Jazz
Pop
Electronic
Classical
R&B
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Learner types for music lessons
Music for adults
Music for intermediate
Music for beginners
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Types of music lessons
Music Production
Music Composition
Sight-Reading
Digital Audio Workstation
Music Mixing
Electronic Music

Music concepts taught by Kyla
The Student and Tutor reviewed G major and E minor scales, including natural, harmonic, and melodic forms, along with E minor triads. They analyzed specific chord voicings and discussed adding expressive elements to the jazz piece "Out of Nowhere." The session concluded with an introduction to guide tone and tension voicings in various keys, with homework assigned for both piano practice and mental exercises for when the Student is away from the instrument.
G Major and E Minor Scales
Off-Keyboard Practice Techniques
"Out of Nowhere" - Voicing Refinements & Improvisation
Jazz Chord Tensions
Jazz Guide Tone Voicings
E Minor Triads and Cadences
The Student and Tutor focused on piano technique, practicing new finger warm-ups, A minor and C minor scales, and A minor triads and cadences. The Tutor introduced G major scales and chords, explained diatonic chord structures in C major and G major, and demonstrated the Circle of Fifths for understanding key signatures. The session also covered sight-reading and performance aspects of "Roman Trumpets" and "Anaquina," along with detailed guidance on chord voicing for a specific song. For homework, the Student will practice G major scales and chords with solfège, continue working on a new Piano Adventures piece, and will receive a reference recording for "Anaquina."
Finger Independence and Strength Warm-up
Solfège Singing for Chord Recognition
Diatonic Chord Progressions (Major Keys)
Circle of Fifths for Key Signatures
Understanding 7th Chords and Voicing
Interpreting Musical Markings and Structure
Student and Tutor continued their piano lesson, reviewing 2-5-1-6 chord progressions and introducing guide tone voicing for chords. They then applied these new voicing techniques and learned about triplets in rhythm while starting work on a new jazz song. Homework was assigned to practice the new song, focusing on chord voicings and rhythmic elements, and to continue ear training with various seventh chords.
Guide Tones in Jazz Chords
Efficient Chord Voicing with Guide Tones
Triplet Rhythms: Quarter Note Triplet
Jazz Song Structure: Endings and Repeats
Recognizing Chord Qualities by Ear
Introduction to the G6 Chord
The Student and Tutor reviewed 2-5-1-6 chord progressions, focusing on adding 6th chords and first inversions for smoother transitions. They practiced note reading in both clefs, worked on piano pieces from the Piano Adventures book, and incorporated specific techniques like dynamic control and wrist movement for rests. The session also included ear training for various triads and 7th chords, rhythm exercises, and introductory melody playback with sight-singing. For homework, the Student will practice assigned pieces with singing, A minor scales, and chords, in preparation for new voicing techniques.
2-5-1-6 Chord Progression Practice
Sight-Reading: Treble & Bass Clef
Dynamic Control & Arm Weight
Quarter Rests & Pauses (Lift Technique)
Triad & Seventh Chord Ear Training
Melody Playback & Solfege Singback
The Student and Tutor worked on improving piano technique, focusing on scales and chord progressions, specifically C major and A minor scales, and A minor chords and 2-5-1-6 progressions. They also practiced several pieces from the Piano Adventures book, addressing issues with rhythm, dynamics, and hand coordination, while also introducing octave signs and site-reading strategies. For homework, the Student was assigned Piano Adventures page 44 and to continue practicing 2-5-1-6 chord progressions in additional keys.
Scales: Two-Hand Coordination & Fingerings
Chord Cadences: Finger Patterns & Hand Shapes
Accelerated Muscle Memory Practice Techniques
Rhythmic Precision & Consistent Counting
Octave Signs & Smooth Wrist-Led Transitions
2-5-1-6 Jazz Chord Progression Basics
The Tutor and Student focused on piano technique, reviewing A minor scales (natural, harmonic, melodic) and A minor triads, including the introduction of V-i cadences. They practiced pieces from the Piano Adventure book, learning about dynamics, rhythm, pedal usage, legato, and new notes, while also developing a new left-hand rhythm tapping exercise. Additionally, they reviewed 2-5-1 chord progressions, added a 6th chord to create 2-5-1-6 sequences, and discussed left-hand variations. The Student received homework to practice these scales, pieces, and chord progressions, with a duet accompaniment recording to be sent later.
Pre-Practice Warm-ups & Hand Position
A Minor Scales (Natural
Harmonic
Melodic)
A Minor Triads & Cadences
Legato
Dynamics & Retardando
Advanced Chord Progressions: 2-5-1-6
Teaching tools used in music classes
Looping Software
Metronome spps
Ear Training Software
Recording Apps

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