Laura Tiong’s academic qualifications include Master of Music in Piano Pedagogy from University of Southern Queensland in 2004, and Bachelor of Music with Honors and Distinction from University of Iowa, U.S.A. in 1998. She worked professionally as a music educator at International Music House (IMH) in Kuching, Malaysia for seven years before her migration to Australia. After her Master graduation, she was appointed as the Head of Pedagogy Department by the same institution.
During her years at IMH, Laura had piano students ranging from beginner to tertiary levels. She trained her Higher Learning students to teach instrumental playing more effectively and professionally. These are the students who complete their final year of their Bachelor degree in twinning universities such as USQ and JCU in Australia, and UMS (University Malaysia Sabah). She also taught aural (ear-training) and piano to students who prepared for the Associated Board of Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM), London College of Music (LCM), and Trinity Guildhall Music exams from U.K. In addition, Laura also accompanied instrumentalists in recitals, exams and auditions as well as conducting an English church choir.
At the University of Southern Queensland, Laura was the recipient of Laurence Lepherd Award for Best Postgraduate Musician in 2004. In 1997, as an undergraduate, she was awarded Iowa Center for the Arts Scholarship as well as the First Prize for Sigma Alpha Iota Undergraduate Scholarship Competition at The University of Iowa.
Since Laura’s migration to Brisbane in 2008, she has acquired a fine reputation as an accompanist to auditioning music students. She has also worked with many students at various schools in Toowong, Kenmore and Camira. At the end of 2009, Laura gave her solo debut concert in Kuching which received positive acclamation from the local press (see press review in the Eastern Times, 31 December 2009). Laura also had the privilege to work as a surtitle operator for Opera Queensland at the end of 2010. Besides working as an accompanist for University of Queensland (UQ) and piano tutor for International Education Services Ltd (IES), Laura is also embarking on PhD research in music education at UQ.
Laura enjoys working and performing with people and she maintains an excellent rapport with her colleagues and students. In lecture classes and piano lessons, she always exemplifies professionalism, skills and knowledge through research and continuous self-improvement. One of her pedagogical philosophies is always to inspire and stimulate her students towards creativity and discovery in themselves and music. As a passionate music enthusiast, Laura embraces every genre of music with great appreciation.