Accessories
Poppy Chen- Piano
- Member of International Piano Professional Association
- Member of World Piano Teachers' Association
- Member of Victoria Music Teachers' Association
- ABRSM Piano and Theory Teacher Qualification
- 2019 GOCCA International Music Competition, Excellent Tutor Award
- 2022 Singapore International Piano Competition 1st Prize
- 2022 Taiwan Art Treasure Island Cup 2022, Excellent Tutor Award
- AMEB LMusA Diploma
Poppy is the director and co-founder of Mozart Star Music, she has been teaching piano since 2013, Poppy started her music education in China and completed in Australia with The University of Melbourne (Melbourne Conservatorium of Music) Piano Professor Olga Kharitonova. Poppy's teaching goal is to bring the joy of music to students through different perspective (technical skills, musicianship, theory, general knowledge and aural training).
Professor Olga Kharitonova gives regular master classes to our students and supervise them for competitions and AMEB examinations at our studio.
Jonas Sun- Piano
- Member of World Piano Teachers Association
- ABRSM Piano and Theory Teacher Qualification
- WWC Check holder
Jonas is the director and co-founder of Mozart Star Music, he got a masters' degree from the Prayner Conservatory of Music and Dramatic Arts in Vienna under the guidence of master Giorgi Latso. Jonas started teaching piano in 2015, he specialises in helping young students to develope their passion for music and master piano skills. His teaching method is influenced by John Thompson, Hanon and Alfred's, he teaches ABRSM and is familiar with the AMEB curriculum, he also teaches students for competitions and scholarship.
Kara Liang- Piano
Graduated from the Department of Music, Dali University, Yunnan Province in 2017.
Studied under Vice President of Yunnan Piano Association
Professor Aodan Xu who is from the Department of Music of Dali University studies piano performance and piano education.
Won the first prize in the professional group of the Yangtze River Piano Competition of National universities and colleges.
Having 7 years of rich teaching experience.
Gentle personality, caring and responsible. Pay attention to basic skills training, be good at finding children's bright spots and conducting correct guidance in class, and be patient
The class atmosphere is lively and interesting.
Love to communicate with parents and establish good relationships with children.
Be deeply trusted and loved by children and their parents.
Emerson Hsu- Piano/ Violin
Emerson is a passionate young musician. He has won numerous awards in Boroondara Eisteddfod and received a full music scholarship from Scotch College (2013~2019). Emerson has performed several times for the Steinway Gallery, including the Lunar New Year function, the launching of the Steinway Spirio series, and the Celebration Event for the Steinway Gallery Melbourne opening in Armadale. From a young age, Emerson had a strong interest in music and commenced his musical studies at 6.
Emerson joined many orchestras at a young age. He was studying in Shanghai and was a member of the New Shanghai Orchestra (2008~2010) under the baton of Mr. Gary Sanderson. Emerson joined Junior Melbourne String Ensemble (2011~2012) when he moved back to Melbourne and was awarded a full music scholarship to Scotch College in 2013. He studied in Scotch for one year and successfully earned his A.Mus.A Piano and accompanied Scotch Symphony Orchestra on the U.S.A. tour in 2014 before travelling to Japan. Emerson joined the Junior Philharmonic Orchestra in Tokyo (2015~2016) and performed in many prestigious halls including the Daiichi Seimei Hall, Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre, and Suntory Hall. In 2017, Emerson moved back to Melbourne, continuing his studies at Scotch College, and completed his A.Mus.A Violin, and L.Mus.A Piano. During this time, Emerson travelled with the Scotch Symphony Orchestra on the Spain Tour (2018) and graduated from Scotch in 2019.
Helen Leoncelli- Piano
My name is Helen Leoncelli and I'm delighted to say that I have recently joined the team at Mozart Star Piano Institute in Deepdene.
I have many years experience teaching piano to students of all ages. I was privileged to have been taught by Prof. Ronald Farren Price when I was a student at M.L.C. Kew and later at the Conservatorium of Music at the University of Melbourne.
I am dedicated to helping beginners and older students discover the delights and benefits that come from learning the piano, and I work hard to try to develop in them a life long love of music.
Caitlin Weal- Voice/ Violin
Australian operatic soprano Caitlin Weal has known from a young age that her passions lie with music and performing. Discovering this love on the violin, Caitlin spent years exploring and playing different genres and composers earning her AmusA diploma in 2016. After watching Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro Caitlin developed a passion for opera and successfully auditioned for the Queensland Conservatorium majoring in Classical voice.
During her time at the Queensland Conservatorium, Caitlin received many performing opportunities in concerts, opera choruses and lead operatic roles. These roles include: Mimi (La Boheme-2021), Greta Fiorentino (Street Scene-2021) Susanna (Le Nozze di Figaro- 2022), Phyllis (Iolanthe-2022) and Eurydice (Underworld! – 2023).
In 2021, Caitlin was selected as an Artist in the Lisa Gasteen National Opera Program and in 2022, was cast in the role of Kathi in the company’s production of Der Vershworenen. In 2022, Caitlin was selected as an Emerging artist in the inaugural launch of the Voxalis company performing the works of Sech’s Lieder (Richard Strauss) in their concert Mahler and Strauss to critical acclaim and continues to work closely with the company. In 2023 Caitlin performed the soprano solo in Queensland Symphony Orchestras performance of Hayden’s Nelson Mass and selected as a Richard Divall Emerging Artist in association with Melbourne Opera. With a long list of performing experiences, Caitlin also has vast experience in teaching violin, viola and singing. With extensive practise in preparing students for AMEB exams, eisteddfod’s, concerts and school musicals, Caitlin has had the pleasure of teaching students of all ages and levels taking delight in inspiring and sharing her musical passions with like-minded aspiring musicians.
Education & Music Qualifications
Licentiate of The London College of Music, Piano (2021) – University of West London
Associate of Trinity College London, Piano Recital (2019) – Trinity College London
Diploma of The London College of Music, Piano (2017) – University of West London
Accomplishments
Platinum Award: 4th Singapore Performers Festival 2012
First Prize Winner: 15th Malaysian Youth Music Festival, Piano Duet category, 2012
2nd Place Winner: Tales of Indonesia event, 2014
Silver Award: Indonesia Steinway Youth Piano Competition, 2016
2nd Place Winner: The 8th Semarang Open Piano Competition
Gold Award: Indonesia Steinway Youth Piano Competition, 2018
Junior Original Concert Master Class: Represented Indonesia, 2019
Yamaha International Highlight Concert: Represented Indonesia, 2019
Consul Award: Chopin Avenue International Piano Competition, 2021
3rd Place Award: Ananda Sukarlan Award 2023, Young Artist Category
Yousook Jung- Cello
- Member of Seoul Chamber
- Member of Seoul Symphony Orchestra
- German Bayreuther Festival Orchestra participated
- German Bayreuther Summer Cello Camp participated
- Cello Teacher of Seoul Education Primary School
- Graduated from Seoul National University, South Korea.
- Bachelor of Music, Major in Cello and Minor in Piano.
Yousook has over 40+ years of experience teaching and tutoring Cello and Piano lessons after graduating from the School of Music, Seoul National University, majoring in Cello in 1989, Yousook enjoyed teaching Cello and Piano to young children and teenagers and actively participated in theatre performances as a member of the symphony orchestra in Seoul Korea. Since migrating to Melbourne in 2016, Yousook has been tutoring Cello students and helping them pass the AMEB exams.
Joshua Mancini- Cello
Hi, I am Joshua and I would be absolutely thrilled to be your teacher and show you just
how amazing playing the cello can be. Together, we will explore the incredible world of
music, uncovering the magic that happens when passion meets skill. Whether you are a
complete beginner or looking to refine your technique, I am committed to helping you
discover the joy and beauty of the cello.
My own musical journey began at age nine with cello lessons at Ivanhoe Primary
School, where music quickly became more than a skill—it became my passion and
professional calling. I have completed a Bachelor of Music Performance from
Melbourne Polytechnic, complemented by Diploma and Advanced Diplomas in Music
Performance, I have cultivated a versatile musical foundation spanning classical and
contemporary methodologies.
My teaching approach emphasises patience, particularly with younger students. I
create nurturing learning environments that help children discover their musical
potential. I believe in music's transformative power to inspire and connect generations.
My pedagogical expertise, developed through two years of teaching at Kew High School,
emphasises technical development, sight-reading, and comprehensive musical
instruction.
A testament to my musical commitment is my completion of the full Australian Music
Examinations Board (AMEB) cello examination sequence. My familiarity with the AMEB
syllabus and assessment protocols enable me to provide students with comprehensive
examination preparation strategies.
I bring a unique blend of methodical instruction and infectious enthusiasm, guiding
students to not just master technique, but to truly experience the joy of musical
expression.