Music Centre - ISA International Academy

ISAIA Music Centre

Where Your Growth Resonates with the Music Masters

ISAIA Music Centre is a dynamic and inspiring hub where students can explore their passion for music and develop their musical talents. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and led by a team of experienced and dedicated music educators, the centre offers a comprehensive range of music programmes designed to cater to the diverse needs and interests of students. Whether students are beginners or advanced musicians, the Music Centre provides a supportive and stimulating environment to nurture their musical journey.

Course Introduction

Music High School Programme

Music High School Programme at ISA Liwan offers specialised guidance for students in Grades 9 to 12 who are interested in pursuing music as a major.

Instrumental and Vocal Performance

Piano
String
Woodwind
Brass
Percussion
Vocal Performance

Music Composition

Composition
Music Production
Music Technology

Conducting

Orchestral Conducting

Performance Opportunities

All students who participate in the courses of the music center will be given additional performance opportunities and will be encouraged to perform. These will include Lunchtime Concerts and other showcase events, as well as regular high-profile ISA festivals and other events.

Grade & Diploma Performance Music Examinations Service

ISA will offer administrative support for students taking lessons via the Instrumental & Vocal Programme. These will range across international boards such as Trinity College London and the ABRSM, as well as comparable national examination boards.

What Sets Us Apart

The Music Centre at ISA International Academy is designed to provide students with an unparalleled educational experience that combines rigorous academic training with specialised music education. Our programme is distinguished by several key features:

Holistic Music Education

We offer a comprehensive music curriculum that includes instrumental and vocal lessons, composition, music technology, music production, etc. Our students receive personalised guidance to develop their musical talents across a wide range of genres, from classical to contemporary.

International Perspective

Our faculty comprises experienced music educators from around the world, bringing diverse cultural and musical backgrounds to the classroom. This international exposure helps students broaden their horizons and understand the global context of music.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

Students have access to premier music facilities, including professional recording studios, practice rooms, and performance venues. These resources support their learning and practice, enabling students to achieve excellence in their musical pursuits.

Personalised Learning Paths

Recognizing that each student is unique, we provide tailored learning plans that cater to individual strengths and aspirations. Whether students aim to become professional musicians or pursue music as a passion, our programme supports their journey.

Academic Excellence

In addition to music, our students follow a robust academic curriculum that prepares them for university entrance exams and future academic success. This balance ensures that they are well-rounded individuals with a strong foundation in both music and academics.

Performance Opportunities

Students have numerous opportunities to perform on and off campus, including concerts, competitions, and masterclasses. These experiences build their confidence and stage presence, preparing them for future music careers.

The Music Centre collaborates with leading music institutions and professionals to provide students with top-tier resources and opportunities. These partnerships ensure that students receive the highest quality of music education and have access to professional development platforms, preparing them for future success in the music world.

Faculty Introduction

Mark Stringer

Dean of Music Centre

Prior to joining ISA, Mark was Founding Vice Principal & Music Principal, The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao, sister school of The Menuhin School, UK, founded by the world-renowned virtuoso violinist, conductor, and international statesman. The School provides specialist training for the finest young Chinese students aspiring to work in the music profession.
From 2015-2022, Mark was Senior Executive & Director of Music at Wells Cathedral School, one of the world’s most eminent specialist music and choir schools; he was also Managing Director and Artistic Director of Cedars Hall, a major UK performance venue. Previously, he held senior posts, including Acting CEO and Executive Director, at Trinity College London. Mark was also an Adjunct Professor of Music at James Madison University, Virginia, USA and has lectured at the University of London. Mark has also taught music in primary and secondary schools in the state and private sectors in the UK. He has worked extensively worldwide as a music examiner and adjudicator.
Formerly a professional performing musician, for many years Mark was Master of the Music and Director of Concerts at The Royal Parish Church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields in London’s Trafalgar Square, conducting and playing for numerous services and concerts involving members of the Royal Family and stars of stage, film, and TV. He regularly performed live and recorded TV/radio broadcasts for the BBC and a wide range of international media networks.
Mark studied at The Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester, gaining an Honors degree in Music and postgraduate study followed at The Institute of Education University of London. He also holds professional qualifications from the Royal College of Music, the Royal College of Organists and is a Fellow of Trinity College of Music (Masters equivalent). He is also an Honorary Fellow of Trinity College London, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and an Honorary Licentiate of Rock School.

Karena Wang

Coordinator of Music Centre

Master’s degree in composition, full scholarship winner, University of Mismiso-Kansas City, USA, under the study of Professor Chen Yi, Zhou Long, Paul Rudy, Yotam Haber.
Enrolled in the Piano Department and Composition Department of Wuhan Conservatory of Music from the Attached Middle School, won the first prize of the composition major and National Scholarship, and was selected into the first level of the National Top-notch Innovative Talent Training Programme.
She is responsible for teaching A-Level music, IGCSE Music, composition 1-2-1 class, and directing the academic portfolios of students majoring in music composition.

Sophia Levandis

Music Teacher

Graduated from Eastman School of Music in New York with a Master of Music in Performance and Literature. She also holds a Master of Arts in Ethnomusicology and Music Pedagogy from Aristotle University in Greece.
With 23 years of teaching experience and an active performing career, she is an expert in choir, band, orchestra, mixed ensembles, piano, general music, music theory and appreciation, song composing, instrumental and vocal coaching, ethnomusicology, music technology, and sound engineering. Her students have received offers from European and American Universities. She is also an elected member of the European School Radio administrative committee, coordinating a large network of schools on a common radio program, organizing song contests, and inspiring students with creativity and academic and artistic excellence.

Simon Zhang

Music Teacher

Simon Zhang graduated from the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna in Austria, obtaining a Master of Arts in Orchestral Conducting. As a member of the Guangdong Musicians Association and Guangdong Piano Society, he serves as a professional judge for various national and international music competitions and grading examinations.
Simon possesses extensive musical teaching and performance experience, having collaborated with numerous renowned singers and musicians. He previously worked as a piano accompanist and instructor at the Vienna International Opera Academy, People’s College in Austria, and the Vocal and Opera Department of Xinghai Conservatory of Music. Currently, he serves as a piano teacher at ISA and conductor of the ISA Performing Arts Institute Orchestra, and is also the conductor of the ISA Liwan Concert Band.
His teaching style is flexible and engaging, adept at incorporating fun into education and providing targeted guidance for students of different levels. In 2014, he won First Prize in Orchestra Conducting at the 2nd HSYM International Music Competition in Italy, demonstrating his exceptional musical talent and professional expertise.

Alan Liu

Music Teacher

Graduated from the School of Arts of South China University of Technology with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Performance. His major is trombone performance, and he has been studying trombone for 14 years.
He has extensive performance experience and has performed with various ensembles since a child (wind ensemble, symphony orchestra) and continued to do so until he graduated from the university. After graduating from university, he began to focus on orchestra management, orchestra formation, and instrumental education.