Jing MA, LTCL, ALCM, BMus, DipMus

Founder, Director of Presto Music Academy

Education and Achievements

Jing began to learn the piano at the age of seven. She obtained Grade 8 Certificate in piano with the ABRSM at the age of sixteen.

Following this, Jing attained the Associate Diploma of the London College of Music (ALCM).

In 2009, she completed a Diploma in Music at SEGi College, in Malaysia.

In 2010, Jing achieved a distinction for the Licentiate Diploma in Pianoforte Performance from Trinity College London (LTCL).

Subsequent to this, Jing moved to Ireland to study at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) where she was awarded a BA (Hons) in Applied Music.

While pursuing her degree, Jing engaged in several prestigious musical events, such as performing for the former President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, as well as playing at the Dublin International Piano Festival and in the Young Associated Artists Programme at the Boyne Music Festival.

In 2013, Jing received a full scholarship to pursue a Master of Arts degree at DkIT, which she graduated from in 2016.

Also in 2016, Jing won a solo piano competition organised by the Dublin Institute of Technology and was awarded the Marie Jones Award.

Jing has a great passion for both performance and teaching, and she lives by the quote “every child in your class is someone’s whole world”.

Jack BMus

Guitar (Acoustic, Electric & Bass) & Ukulele

Education and Achievements

Jack is a passionate guitar teacher with over 3 years of experience teaching students of all ages and abilities. 

Jack was fortunate enough to go straight into the world of teaching after pursuing a formal music education at the BIMM Institute (Brighton) - where he achieved a first class honours degree specialised in guitar. Throughout his academic studies Jack honed his technical skills and deepened his understanding of music theory, all while fuelling his desire to teach and help others.

As a dedicated guitar teacher, Jack's focus is to tailor every lesson to each individual's unique learning style and needs, with an emphasis on being patient while encouraging them to achieve their goals!

Biggest guitar influences include Larry Carlton, Eric Johnson and Jeff Beck, and favourite bands include: Radiohead, Steely Dan, Soundgarden and Tool. 

Neala

Piano, Voice (Classical, Music Theatre & Pop)

Education and Achievements

Neala embarked on her musical journey at the age of 5, and her passion for piano and singing has been unwavering since. Neala achieved distinction in her piano grades at Trinity College of Music London (TCL), reaching Grade 8 by the age of 15. She also attained Grade 8 in classical singing with the same exam board and received a distinction in Grade 8 Musical Theatre with London College of Music (LCM).

In 2018, Neala was honored with the Trinity Talent Rising Star Award for piano. Her accomplishments extend to various categories of the Holywood Music Festival, where she excelled in both singing and piano. Neala has showcased her talents in prestigious venues such as the Ulster Hall, St. Anne’s Cathedral, and Clonard Cathedral.

With a profound passion for music, Neala earned an A* in both GCSE and A-level. Currently pursuing a BMUS Music degree at Queen’s University Belfast, she brings her enthusiasm and dedication to music tutoring. Neala aims to strike a balance between enjoyment and hard work in her lessons, firmly believing that everyone possesses the ability to enrich their lives with the gift of music.

HoYan MMus, BMus

Piano & Voice (Classical, Music Theatre & Pop)

Education and Achievements

Hong Kong-born Soprano HoYan (崔皓昕) is an opera singer and music tutor based in Northern Ireland. She has more than 10 years of experience teaching Singing, Piano, Flute, Music Theory and Songwriting. Her students have achieved exceptional results, such as obtaining choral scholarship to study at the University of Oxford and the Chetham's School of Music, scoring Distinction at the ABRSM Exams in Singing, Piano and Music Theory.

In 2023, HoYan made her UK debut with the National Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company, singing in the ensemble of The Pirates of Penzance, The Yeomen of the Guard and The Mikado. Opera roles include Susanna/Le Nozze di Figaro (Maurizio’s Opera at Hong Kong City Hall), Mabel/The Pirates of Penzance (Opera Hong Kong), Papagena/Die Zauberflöte (Opera Hong Kong), Adele(c)/Die Fledermaus (Leeds Youth Opera) and Moth/A Midsummer Night’s Dream by Britten (RNCM Opera). In 2022 Christmas Eve, she was singing live on TV at the BBC Midnight Mass.

She graduated from the Royal Northern College of Music with a Master of Music and Bachelor of Music under the tutelage of Susan Roper and Peter Wilson.

Matthew MRes, BMus

Guitar (Acoustic & Electric)

Education and Achievements

Matthew Dowie's musical journey has been a tapestry of exploration and passion, traversing diverse genres and roles within the music industry. Initially drawn to the raw energy of Rock and Metal bands, he soon found himself captivated by the intricate harmonies and improvisational freedom of Jazz. This curiosity propelled him into new musical territories, where he thrived as a performer and composer.

Inspired by the pioneering sounds of Django Reinhardt, John McLaughlin, and Allan Holdsworth, Matthew has become a prominent figure in the gypsy jazz and swing scene. His performances, characterized by virtuosity and emotion, have garnered acclaim from audiences and fellow musicians alike. Beyond the stage, he channels his creative energies into crafting original compositions, adding his unique voice to the vibrant tapestry of Jazz-Fusion music.

Matthew's journey is not limited to performance; it extends into the realm of music education, where he shares his knowledge and passion with aspiring musicians. With a bachelor's degree in music and a master's degree in Music Composition from Queen’s University Belfast, he brings a wealth of expertise to his teaching endeavors. From lecturing at SERC to providing personalized guitar instruction, Matthew's commitment to nurturing talent underscores his role as both a performer and educator, leaving an indelible mark on the musical landscape.