My mission is to help students discover their unique musical voice through exploration, reflection, and purposeful practice, fostering both artistic expression and personal growth.
About Me
Dr. Cynthia Yau is a cellist, educator, and arts leader originally from Hong Kong and currently based in the Greater Toronto Area. She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Cello Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, a Master of Music in Cello Performance from the University of Iowa on full scholarship, and a Bachelor of Music Education from Hong Kong Baptist University, where she studied double bass and piano.
As a performer, Cynthia has appeared as both a chamber and orchestral musician in Hong Kong and the United States, holding positions in several symphony orchestras throughout her career. Believing deeply in music’s ability to connect people and enrich communities, she has performed in a wide range of settings, including senior homes, orphanages, correctional facilities, public parks, and community festivals.
Alongside her performing career, Cynthia is a dedicated educator with more than fourteen years of teaching experience. She has worked with students of all ages and levels, from young beginners to advanced musicians, and has coached chamber ensembles and school orchestras in both elementary and secondary school settings. She regularly prepares students for Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) examinations, auditions, competitions, festivals, and public performances, helping them develop both technical excellence and artistic confidence.
Whether performing on stage or teaching in the studio, Cynthia believes that music should be inspiring, expressive, and fun. Her doctoral research explored the intersection of Janos Starker’s pedagogical approach and the Feldenkrais Method®, investigating how body awareness, efficient movement, and mindful practice can enhance both musical expression and technical development. This research continues to inform her teaching, helping students build healthy playing habits, greater self-awareness, and a deeper connection to their music.
As co-founder of Verus School of Music, Cynthia is committed to fostering a vibrant musical community and creating meaningful learning experiences that inspire artistic excellence, personal growth, and a lifelong love of music.