5 Questions With … pianist Anna Pham, on teaching students at OC Music Conservatory

Anna Pham was a piano instructor, performing pianist and accompanist for many years in Vietnam, Canada and in the United States. Now, she’s the owner of Orange County Music Conservatory in Fountain Valley. We wanted to to find out more.

Q:You’ve been involved with music for a long time, right?

A: I come from a family in the arts. My father was a cinema critic and magazine writer, and my mother was a singer in the Vietnam National Ensemble when she was young. I love playing piano and started learning it at 6. My parents helped me a lot since they were music and art lovers. In 1980, I enrolled in the Conservatory of Ho Chi Minh with their music program and continued until 1989.

Q:Then what happened?

A: I got a full scholarship from the government to pursue my learning in Moscow. I studied at the Gnesin Academy of Music for six years. I got a bachelor of arts degree in piano performance, accompany and pedagogy. Then, I received Master of Music from McGill University in Montreal, Canada. I’ve been a performer and instructor. I have performed as a concert pianist and accompanist in Russia, Vietnam, Canada and the United States. I’ve performed at the Richard and Karen Carpenter Center in Long Beach, where I played several pieces during the East Meets West show.

Q:What happens at the OC Music Conservatory?

A: We opened in 2010 to offer lessons in piano, violin, guitar, drums, theory, band and voice lessons for all levels. Most of our students are young and just wanting to take up music lessons for some. Some are planning to go to Orange County High School of the Arts. Our staff are well-trained professional instructors with degrees in music.

Q:Can anyone play an instrument?

A: No special talent is needed to play an instrument. With patience and love for music, anyone can play a musical instrument.

Q:What do you like best about what you do?

A: I really enjoy teaching, performing and sharing my music skills with young students. I have a passion for music and for being a great instructor. Even when I’m not working, I enjoy going to concerts and musical theater.

Original Article: http://www.ocregister.com/articles/music-598582-piano-canada.html