About Us

Dr. Stanford Cheung, Artistic Director & Professor of the APMA Piano & Music Theory Academy.

ABOUT US

APMA Piano & Music Theory is a highly regarded music academy specializing in piano and music theory education. We offer face-to-face and online lessons, catering to students in Metropolitan Toronto as well as learners from around the globe.

At our academy, we tailor our piano curriculum to suit the unique needs and learning styles of individual students. With a rich history spanning decades and numerous success stories, we are dedicated to helping you excel in your RCM examinations, ensuring outstanding results and paving the way for admission to the conservatory or university of your dreams.

APMA’s signature 10-hour music theory courses are designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of concepts and knowledge within a shorter time frame.  We offer a wealth of past examination papers and employ examiner marking standards to set clear expectations, motivating students to reach their musical goals through a disciplined approach.

Our students have consistently achieved exceptional exam results, with over six instances of receiving the RCM National Medal for obtaining the highest marks in RCM board examinations. Additionally, our students have garnered numerous top awards in both national and international piano competitions, as well as admission into prestigious conservatories and universities world-wide

Our Philosophy

Our teaching philosophy is to guide students from all walks of life on a transformative journey of self-expression and curiosity. This curiosity is nurtured by instilling students with a deep sense of musical knowledge, technical intelligence, and aesthetic appreciation, and applying these musical fundamentals towards different aspects of an individual’s life. We believe that sharing musical knowledge with others is communicated most effectively when music is symbiotic to the growth of the individual. Every individual possesses unique musical potential to be nurtured, and it is our passion to guide every student towards realizing their full artistic capabilities. 

“I have just passed my ARCT piano performance examination. I would like to express my heartfelt thank you to the APMA teacher Dr. Stanford Cheung in setting the goal for me and working closely with me to reach my goals. You probably would not believe that the last part of this learning journey was made possible through virtual sessions. APMA has help me to achieve my dream.”
Heather Thomson
Student, Toronto, Canada
“I am a music teacher and studying Grade 8 ABRSM Music Theory course online with Dr. Cheung. I was amazed by how the lessons are run in such an effective manner. His teaching is extremely organized. I can see my work being marked immediately on my screen and I can also make correction at the same time on the same document. The learning process is very interactive and intellectual.”
Priscilla Pang
Teacher, Malaysia
“I am preparing my LRCM piano examination and I was so fortunate to be able to study with the piano professor Stanford of APMA. He has not only taught me the artistic and technical aspects of my examination repertoire, but also help me in my career aspiration to be a piano teacher. He has identified my artistic ability that allows me to reach my highest potential.”
Michael Lew
Parent, Markham, Canada
“My son so looks forward to attend each of the virtual lesson and he loves the ways that he is able to communicate with the teacher in such a fun way. The studio teacher Adela is professional, inspiring, and caring. The lessons are systematically planned and executed. It is the most inspiring and motivating online platform and curriculum. I am pleased that my son is able to study with the best teachers without the need to travel"
Vera Grand
Parent
Vancouver, Canada