Meet Our Teachers
Marla Homan
Founder / Lead Online Instructor
Marla Homan is the founder and lead instructor of Happy Hands Piano Academy. With over 15 years of teaching experience, she specializes in helping beginner students of all ages build strong musical foundations, develop confidence and discover the joy of playing piano.
Marla’s musical training includes piano studies at the RCM Grade 9 level, along with formal studies in music theory, harmony and music history. Her teaching style is patient, encouraging and tailored to each student’s individual learning needs.
After transitioning her entire studio online, Marla fell in love with this way of teaching. She found that online lessons help foster confident, independent musicians from a young age while also giving homeschool students and students in rural communities access to high-quality music education that may not otherwise be available to them.
Tina Sum
Online Instructor
Tina Sum is a professional music educator and piano instructor with teaching experience dating back to 2014. She works with students of all ages, from young beginners to teenagers and adults, helping them develop strong musical foundations, refined technique, confidence and a lifelong appreciation for music.
Tina holds a Master’s degree in Music Education, an ATCL Diploma in Piano Performance and ABRSM Grade 8 qualifications in both Piano and Music Theory. Her teaching combines classical piano training and musicianship with creative approaches inspired by Kodály, Orff and Dalcroze.
With a thoughtful and personalized approach, Tina tailors her lessons to each student’s individual needs and goals. She is dedicated to nurturing musicality, artistry and confidence while helping every student discover the joy of playing piano.
Michelle Dickie
Online Instructor
Michelle Dickie is an experienced piano instructor and professional pianist, accompanist and music director. She has performed professionally since 2009 and has taught students of all ages and skill levels since 2016.
Michelle began her classical piano training at age eight through the Royal Conservatory of Music. She has completed RCM Grade 8 Piano Performance, Grade 10 Harmony and Grade 10 Music History, and is currently completing the final requirements for her Grade 10 Piano certification.
A lifelong learner, Michelle continues to expand her musical skills through courses in improvisation and by performing with her band, Varsity Volleyball. She brings a balance of classical training, creativity and real-world performance experience to her lessons.