Teachers
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.
Tianlai Zhang- Piano
Master of Classical Piano Performance, Monash University, Australia
Extensive teaching experience with students of all ages and levels
Tianlai Zhang holds a Master’s degree in Classical Piano Performance from Monash University and is a dedicated piano educator with years of teaching experience. He combines rigorous classical training with a creative and encouraging approach, helping students build both technical excellence and artistic expression. Believing that music education should inspire confidence and passion, Tianlai tailors his lessons to each student’s individual needs, guiding them to achieve long-term growth and a genuine love for music.
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.
Christopher-Jack Andrew- Voice
Christopher-Jack is an accomplished opera singer and dedicated voice teacher with over six years of teaching experience. His passion for singing was nurtured from an early age through a deep involvement in choral music. A graduate of the prestigious Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, he also holds a Master of Music from the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music. Currently a Rising Artist with the Australian Contemporary Opera Company, Christopher-Jack has also performed with Victorian Opera and West Australian Opera.
Drawing on both his extensive stage experience and refined academic training, Christopher-Jack offers students a rare combination of professional artistry and inspiring mentorship. His teaching is grounded in building a healthy, confident vocal technique while encouraging musical expression, creativity, and joy. With a dynamic and flexible approach, he empowers students of all ages and levels to reach their full vocal potential.
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.
Siena Nunn Kozel- Violin
Siena Nunn Kozel is a versatile violinist and dedicated educator with over 17 years of experience. She is completing a Diploma in Music (Performance) at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, holds an AMusA diploma in Violin Performance, and also a Bachelor of Science in Performance Psychology from the University of Melbourne—bringing a holistic, research-informed approach to her teaching.
An active performer across diverse styles, Siena plays with the Melbourne University Orchestra, co-founded the Mistral Trio, and frequently performs in theatrical productions, including the upcoming Into the Woods. She is also passionate about historically informed performance, specialising in Baroque violin and the Treble Viol.
As a teacher, Siena focuses on Suzuki method foundations and AMEB exam preparation, tailoring lessons to nurture technical mastery, expressive musicianship, and confidence in a supportive environment.
Sophie Han- Piano/ Viola/ Violin
Sophie Han is an accomplished pianist and violist with distinguished achievements as both a performer and educator. She holds the Associate in Music, Australia (AMusA) in Piano and Viola, and the Licentiate in Music, Australia (LMusA) in Piano.
Sophie was an active member of string quartets, orchestras, and symphonies, and has won prizes in leading competitions. She has also toured internationally with the Australian New Goldberg Orchestra, performing in major cities across China.
As a teacher, Sophie brings together her expertise in piano, viola, theory, and aural training to provide students with a holistic and well-rounded music education. Passionate about nurturing the next generation of musicians, she is committed to fostering technical excellence, musical expression, and confidence in every student.
Selina Zheng- Voice/ Piano/ Pipa
Selina is a dynamic vocalist and multi-instrumentalist specialising in voice, piano, and pipa. She graduated from Monash University with a major in Jazz and Improvisation, specialising in vocal performance under the mentorship of acclaimed Australian jazz vocalist Michelle Nicolle. With extensive stage and band experience, Selina has also been recognised in international music competitions.
As a versatile musician, Selina combines her strong foundation in classical piano, expressive artistry in voice, and the unique timbre of the pipa to create a distinctive musical identity. She has released over ten original singles and two full albums in both Chinese and English, showcasing her creativity across diverse musical styles.
Passionate about teaching as well as performing, Selina brings warmth, confidence, and professionalism to her lessons, inspiring students to explore both technical mastery and artistic expression.