Piano Instructor | Classical & Jazz Musician

James Tu began his piano journey at the age of five under the guidance of Ms. Hong, a respected piano teacher in Beijing, China. After relocating to Vancouver, he continued his musical development with Ms. Rebecca Kelly, completing his ARCT diploma. He later pursued advanced classical training with Dr. David Warwick, earning both ATCL and LTCL diplomas with Distinction and Honors. James has also received multiple regional and provincial awards for his performances.

His passion for jazz was sparked during high school while performing with the Sir Winston Churchill Jazz Band. Immersing himself in improvisation and ensemble playing, he developed a strong appreciation for jazz and its collaborative spirit.

James was accepted into the prestigious Berklee College of Music, where he further expanded his musical and leadership skills. At Berklee, he served as secretary for both the Berklee Chinese Students Scholars Association (CSSA) and the Berklee Chinese Music Industry (CMI), contributing to major cultural events such as the Chinese New Year Concert and the Berklee X Chinese Summit from 2017 to 2019.

Outside the world of music, James is also an accomplished swimmer and coach. He began swimming at age five and went on to compete at regional, provincial, and national levels in Canada, earning multiple medals in breaststroke and freestyle events. He now coaches with the Killarney Gators Swim Club.

James brings a rich background in both classical and jazz piano, as well as a passion for teaching and mentorship across disciplines.

He currently teaches on Tuesday only.