Meet our Team | Cherry Music Studio

Cherry Music Studio Team

Interactive. Friendly. Passionate.

Cherry Music Studio offers friendly and highly trained music teachers who prioritize student-teacher relationships and cater to the individual needs of each student, all while sharing their passion for music education.

Ana Jeon

Elizabeth Yik

Trinity College London Grade 7 endorsed with Distinction 2014
Trinity College London Grade 8 endorsed with Merit 2015
Trinity College London Diploma ATCL endorsed with Distinction 2018
NZQA Scholarship in Music 2019 (Outstanding)
NZQA Scholarship in Music 2020
Massey High School Arts Prefect 2020
Currently Studying as a Third year student in BMus at University of Auckland
( Bachelor of Music, Classical Performance Piano)

Ana is currently in her Third Year studying Bachelor of Music majoring in Classical Performance Piano in the University of Auckland. She has played the Piano since the age of eight years old, she has competed in many different Piano competitions since she began Piano until recent years. Ana has developed her knowledge and years of Classical Piano training into learning Jazz, Gospel, Contemporary music and singer-songwriting. This later helped her to produce and write her own music and is releasing music on streaming platforms. Ana was the Arts Prefect for her High School attaining an Outstanding scholarship in NZQA Music in Year 12 and Year 13. She has many experiences of performing on stage and competing in different competitions. Ana has prior experience in teaching young students from beginning stages to intermediate level, individually and also in groups. Ana values the attitude to learn as a teacher and as a musician, having fun and giving students a core motivation to endure their walk as a musician or to support their journey in music!

Ideal Teacher for:

Beginner students of any age wanting to learn the piano
Intermediate or Advanced students who have a love for music and the instrument
Students wanting to participate in beginner-graded exams
Students who want to play Piano as a Hobby

ABRSM Grade 8 Piano (1987) & Grade 6 Music Theory (1985)
Yamaha Electon Organ Grade 6
LCM Jazz Graded Syllabus teaching Grade 1-5
Specializes in Christian Music & Worship Training
Music Director / Pastor - Vision Life Centre Auckland
Former Judge for Piano / Singing / Children Talents Competitions (Malaysia)
BTheol (Hons.) - Bible College of Malaysia
BCom - University of Canterbury Christchurch

Starting her musical journey at the age of six, Elizabeth progressed promisingly as a young musician. During her early teen years, she performed on piano, organ and violin at concerts, recitals, musical plays, charity events, Malaysian National TV and National Radio Station. She has experiences in accompanying vocalists, instrumental soloists and choirs. Elizabeth first taught piano at the age of twelve and dedicated her life in music education upon completing her university. She coaches young children to adult learners piano, keyboard, music theory, and conducts aural training, music appreciation and church worship training. Many of Elizabeth's students established a lifelong relationship bonding with her.

With 20 years of teaching experiences at an awards-winning and distinguished Music Academy in Malaysia before moving to New Zealand in 2019, Elizabeth believes that musical instructions should be tailored and adapted to suit students' age, interest, need and potential, at a pace and in a learning style that will help them learn more effectively. Her teaching goal is to enrich students' lives with love and understanding of music through their musical journeys. Although mastering an instrument requires time investment and hard-works, the process should also be fun, adventurous, fulfilling and rewarding. Helping her students succeed in their musical endeavour and seeing their growth in life is her greatest joy of teaching!

Ideal Teacher for:

Beginners to advanced learners
Students preparing for exams - piano practical and music theory
Students who wish to develop or improve their piano/keyboard skills
Students who wish to learn improvisation, chord progression, accompaniment technique and enjoy playing their favourite genres
Church musicians desiring to improve their musicianship skills & worship techniques

Jono Stewart

Studying Bachelor of Popular Music at the University of Auckland
Trinity College of Music Grade 8 Singing - 2014
Trinity College of Music Grade 5 Theory - 2011
Smokefree Rockquest 2018 National Finalist
Smokefree Rockquest 2017 Highly Commended Solo/Duo

Jono has been singing since age 6 and playing piano shortly after this. He is also a competent guitar and ukulele player. He is currently studying Popular Music at the University of Auckland, alongside Law.

He started out his musical journey singing in the Christchurch Cathedral Choir, where he learned musical theory, singing, and piano. Shortly thereafter, Jono completed his Grade 8 singing.

He then took a popular music approach and started writing songs as this is what excited him more. Over his high school years, Jono wrote dozens of songs, played in a band that won the Smokefree Rockquest Canterbury regional finals, as well as a duo, which now has over 230 thousand hits on Spotify. Jono taught songwriting in the school’s band programme, which he found a passion for.

Jono teaches songwriting, including piano, guitar, voice, and ukulele. He is a down-to-earth young musician, who works well with both children and adults and can craft a fun learning environment.

Ideal teacher for:

Beginner to advanced songwriters of all ages.
Those looking to compete in Smokefree Rockquest or Rockshop Band Quest.
Students who are studying/preparing to study music in high school or University.

Jay Jung

Studying Bachelor of Music at the University of Auckland
First place in Smokefree Rockquest 2020 (Canterbury)

At the age of nine, Jay commenced his piano studies and played both piano and violin in the school orchestra. During his adolescence, Jay joined an orchestra under the direction of the esteemed Gum Nanse, participating in several international performances. In high school, his band was victorious in the Smokefree Rockquest competition in Canterbury and also achieved first place in the regional Music Evening competition twice as a solo pianist. Jay gained acceptance into the University of Auckland for classical, jazz, and music studies and is presently a third-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Music (BMus) with a specialization in music studies.

Ideal teacher for:

Beginners who wish to learn the piano, regardless of age
Students at the intermediate or advanced level who enjoy playing piano
Students who are interested in participating in beginner-graded exams
Students preparing for tests or university entrance exams
students who want to play the piano as a hobby

Minrui Yang

ABRSM Grade 8 Piano Performance
ABRSM Grade 5 Music Theory
Duo First-Cup in Piano Forte (NSPAF)
BFA(Hons.) University of Auckland
BA University of Auckland
TEFL-TP Certificate in Teaching

Minrui began playing the keyboard at the age of 5 and later transitioned to the piano at 7. She was taught by Wenli Ma and participated in several Auckland competitions in her teenage years. She won various cups in the North Shore Performing Arts Festivals and passed ABRSM Grade 8 with distinction.

She has served as a pianist for over 15 years in several local churches and was previously appointed the Music Director at Somervell Presbyterian Church.

Minrui also has orchestral experience since high school and participated in the annual KBB festivals. She currently plays the viola in hopes of being more involved in an orchestral community.

Minrui has taught piano since 2017 and has taught at multiple primary schools across Auckland, from ages 5 to teenage and adult years. She can teach in both English and Mandarin.

She treats each student with care and patience and develops a personal understanding of their individual needs.

Minrui is very passionate about sharing her love of classical music and is always on the lookout to encourage children to play to the best of their abilities.

Ideal Teacher for:

Complete beginners on the Piano
Students who wish to learn piano in Mandarin
Students who wish to participate in graded exams
Students with a keen interest in Classical and Baroque music

Sumi Kwak

Bachelor of Music Teaching – Jeonbuk National University (1998)
Bachelor of Music Therapy – SookMyung Women’s University (2004)
Bachelor of Music (Major in Violin)- KangNung National University (2012)
Bachelor of Theology – Alphacrusis College in NZ, (2002)

Sumi has studied Bachelor of Music Teaching, Violin, Singing, Piano, and Music Therapy in South Korea.
Sumi has extensive experience teaching children at her private music academy in South Korea for over 20 years, from beginner level to college students who want to major in music at the University.
Sumi loves sharing her love of music with children, and she taught numerous students who want to learn how to play the violin, piano, or vocal. Since coming to Auckland in 2013, she has tutored musical instruments in Newmarket and guided many students to enjoy their musical path.
Along with her music teaching career, Sumi has also studied Bachelor of Theology to serve youth people at the church. Sumi is now a Youth pastor and keyboard player at the Victory Church.
Sumi always looks forward to making the harmony of love with anyone having a music lesson with her.

Ideal Teacher for:

Beginner-intermediate level students of any age wanting to learn the piano
Beginner- Advanced level students of any age wanting to learn the violin
For anyone interested in Singing, especially in breathing and vocalization techniques.

Robert Moon

BMus (Honours) in Classical Violin Performance - University of Auckland
ABRSM Grade 8 Violin
ABRSM Grade 8 Piano
ABRSM Grade 5 Music Theory

Robert is a versatile musician, with training in both violin and piano. His musical journey started with piano lessons at the age of 8, and he soon added the violin to his repertoire.

Robert has performed extensively across New Zealand, appearing in numerous recitals and competitions in cities such as Auckland, Wellington, Gisborne and Christchurch. Throughout his career, Robert has accumulated a wealth of experience, performing both as a soloist and as part of chamber and orchestral ensembles.

In addition to performing, Robert is highly dedicated to sharing his love of music through teaching. He has experience working with students of all ages, and places great importance on creating a safe and supportive learning environment. Robert’s teaching approach focuses on nurturing creativity and musical expression, as well as fostering a healthy relationship with the instrument.

Ideal Teacher for:

Students of all ages
beginner to advanced violin students
beginner to intermediate piano students
Students wanting to learn as a hobby
Students preparing for exams / university entrance

Ahhyun Yoon

BMus in Classical Cello Performance - University of Auckland

Renowned for her warm tone and refined musicality, cellist Ahhyun Yoon is an active performer and dedicated teacher currently based in Auckland, New Zealand. She began her Bachelor of Music in Cello Performance at the University of Ulsan in South Korea, studying under renowned professors Jaesung Lim, Seunga Hong, and Hyungwon Jang, where she was awarded a full scholarship. Seeking to broaden her musical horizons, she transferred to the University of Auckland, where she continues her studies under James Yoo.

As an educator, Ahhyun is passionate about fostering a love for music in her students, tailoring her teaching approach to each individual's strengths, learning styles, and goals. She emphasizes the importance of building strong technical foundations while nurturing creativity and self-expression. Her teaching philosophy revolves around creating a supportive, engaging, and inspiring environment that encourages students to explore their full potential.

Ahhyun has taught at the Howick School of Music and has worked with students of various levels, focusing on both solo repertoire and ensemble playing. She believes in the transformative power of music education to instill discipline, confidence, and joy in learners of all ages.

In addition to her teaching, Ahhyun is an active chamber and orchestral musician, performing with ensembles such as the New Classics Symphonia, Riem Chamber Orchestra, and UOU Symphony Orchestra, as well as participating in cello ensembles and various gigs around Auckland. She balances her performance and teaching careers with a commitment to continually growing as both an artist and mentor, inspiring her students to achieve their musical dreams.

Ideal Teacher for:

Beginner to intermediate cello students of all ages.
Students interested in building a solid foundation in cello technique and musicality.
Young musicians preparing for music competitions, school recitals, or orchestra auditions.
Those looking to develop ensemble skills or participate in chamber music settings.
Students exploring classical performance or preparing for university-level music studies.