TEACHING

Ukulele lessons

With support from the Canada Council for the Arts grant for ukulele study in Honolulu, Hawaii (2019), Kristin Fung is known for delivering wholesome and cheery ukulele lessons to groups as small as a few friends getting together, and as large as 300 people of all ages:

• Long & McQuade Musical Instruments, Toronto (including 4 to 10 week beginner ukulele courses, National Ukulele Day, and March Learning Series)

• Uke Can Sing with K Funk and Lady Ree (presented by Toronto Arts in the Parks)

• Animating Our Waterfront (presented by Waterfront Toronto)

• Alohafest Toronto

• An Honest Farewell at Honest Ed’s, Toronto (presented by Toronto For Everyone)

• Art Starts Festival, Toronto

• The Chewstick Foundation Winter Retreat, Bermuda

• Farm to Fork On Common Ground Festival, Fort York, Toronto

• Ontario Art & Music Festival (presented by Ontario Place)

• Queenie’s Cards, Toronto

• online YouTube tutorials with @kfunkladyree

• private groups by appointment

VOICE LESSONS

With a Bachelor of Music in Voice (University of British Columbia) and a Bachelor of Education in Music and Drama (Ontario Institute for Studies in Education), Kristin has taught music lessons to young children, teenagers, young and mature adults, and senior citizens. Learning how to sing in a private voice lesson is a deeply personal and delicate experience, and Kristin finds joy in exploring each student’s unique needs 1-on-1. She coaches actors for auditions, boosts confidence in shy singers, and draws from a treasure trove of tips and tricks for vocal explorers of all levels.

improvised music: comedy and experimental

As a Musical Director at The Second City Toronto Training Centre for 5 years, Kristin has taught music workshops to improvisers of various ages (children, teens, adults) and levels (Level C, D, E and professional actors) and accompanied them on improvised piano in their graduation performances and comedy shows.

As a creative, experimental, and improvising musician, Kristin has worked with composers such as Anthony Braxton as a vocalist, stage performer, and recording artist. She is eager to share her experience and knowledge in what some people might call “avant garde” music through lessons, workshops, directing ensembles, and other education initiatives.

PIANO LESSONS

Although Kristin completed her Grade 10 piano certificate from The Royal Conservatory of Music, she is not particularly interested in teaching its repertoire. The piano is an instrument that requires self-driven commitment to practicing. Many lose interest when it becomes difficult or when they are frustrated with themselves for not practicing enough. Kristin believes in piano lessons focused on discovery, anti-boredom, and mindful practice (i.e. slow and fully focused for shorter durations, receiving realtime feedback, and more). Remember that practicing piano shouldn’t sound good because you’re doing something that you’re not good at… yet!