Meet Our Piano Teachers
Dr. Ying Zhang - Founder & Director
Founder & Director - Spotlight Piano School
President - Spotlight Arts and Culture Foundation
Kawai Medallion Educator
Steinway Top Teacher
Rice University - DMA
Indiana University - MM
Oberlin Conservatory - BM
Dr. Ying Zhang is a pianist and educator with more than 25 years of teaching experience and an extensive background in performance. She works with students from beginning through advanced levels, with particular emphasis on strong technical foundations, musicianship, and artistic development. Her students have received recognition in local, state, national, and international competitions and performance programs.
Dr. Zhang founded Spotlight Piano School in 2009. Prior to establishing the school, she served on the faculty of Alvin Community College and the Michael P. Hammond Preparatory Program at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music. She also held teaching assistantships at Oberlin Conservatory and Indiana University.
Her own training includes a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Rice University, a Master of Music degree from Indiana University, and a Bachelor of Music degree from Oberlin Conservatory. She also participated on scholarship in major summer music programs including Music Academy of the West, the SUNY New Paltz Summer Piano Festival, and the Las Vegas International Summer Music Festival.
Dr. Zhang has been recognized as a Steinway Top Teacher and Kawai Medallion Educator for her work in music education and the achievements of her students.
Beyond teaching, she founded the Spotlight Arts and Culture Foundation to create performance, outreach, and educational opportunities that connect young musicians with their communities. She has also supported local music organizations and competitions through volunteer and collaborative work.
Our Faculty
Kayla Henderson - BM
Piano Teacher
Kayla Henderson began studying piano at age six in Korea and continued her musical training after moving to the United States. She later earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance from the University of Houston, where she studied with Timothy Hester and Dr. Tali Morgulis.
During her earlier studies with Dr. Rachel
Piano Teacher
Kayla Henderson began studying piano at age six in Korea and continued her musical training after moving to the United States. She later earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance from the University of Houston, where she studied with Timothy Hester and Dr. Tali Morgulis.
During her earlier studies with Dr. Rachel Park, Kayla received second place in the FWMTA Piano Solo Contest in Fort Worth. She has more than ten years of teaching experience and has also worked extensively as an accompanist for recitals, competitions, UIL events, and Solo & Ensemble performances.
Kayla is especially committed to making music meaningful and accessible. She has performed for churches, charitable organizations, and refugee communities, and brings that same sense of connection into her teaching.
Her goal is to help students develop solid piano skills while also learning to use music as a form of expression, enjoyment, and personal growth.
Jeremy Larson - BM, MM
Piano Teacher
Jeremy Larson is an active collaborative pianist and teacher in Houston. He currently serves as a staff pianist at the University of Houston and as organist and pianist at Beautiful Savior Our Redeemer Lutheran Church.
Originally from Spokane, Washington, Jeremy earned dual bachelor’s degrees in Piano Performance and Horn Per
Piano Teacher
Jeremy Larson is an active collaborative pianist and teacher in Houston. He currently serves as a staff pianist at the University of Houston and as organist and pianist at Beautiful Savior Our Redeemer Lutheran Church.
Originally from Spokane, Washington, Jeremy earned dual bachelor’s degrees in Piano Performance and Horn Performance from Eastern Washington University. He later received a Master of Music degree from Western Michigan University and a second master’s degree in Collaborative Piano from the University of Houston, where he studied with Timothy Hester.
Jeremy is a prize-winner in the chamber music category of the International Friedrich Kuhlau Flute Competition and was twice awarded the James Edmonds Collaborative Pianist Award. His experience as a soloist, chamber musician, and collaborative pianist brings a broad musical perspective to his teaching.
An experienced educator, Jeremy has taught students of different ages and levels in both private and university settings. His teaching emphasizes thoughtful musicianship, strong listening skills, and helping students develop confidence and a deeper understanding of the music they play.
Mini Hamm
Ko-Ching Tai - MM
Piano Teacher
Mini is a piano teacher and performer with more than 10 years of teaching experience and training through the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) in piano performance and theory.
Her teaching emphasizes a positive, supportive environment where students can develop confidence, musical understanding, and a g
Piano Teacher
Mini is a piano teacher and performer with more than 10 years of teaching experience and training through the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) in piano performance and theory.
Her teaching emphasizes a positive, supportive environment where students can develop confidence, musical understanding, and a genuine enjoyment of playing the piano. She adapts her approach to each student and is especially skilled at breaking down complex concepts into clear, manageable steps.
Lessons may include repertoire, sight-reading, ear training, theory, duets, and other activities designed to build well-rounded musicianship. Mini also values kindness, responsibility, integrity, and consistent effort, and she continues to pursue professional development in piano pedagogy and teaching.
Ko-Ching Tai - MM
Ko-Ching Tai - MM
Piano Teacher
Ko-Ching Tai is a pianist and educator with extensive performance experience and advanced training in piano performance. A first-prize winner of both the Tsinghua University Concerto Competition and the University of Northern Colorado Concerto Competition, she has appeared as a soloist in demanding works including Prokofiev’
Piano Teacher
Ko-Ching Tai is a pianist and educator with extensive performance experience and advanced training in piano performance. A first-prize winner of both the Tsinghua University Concerto Competition and the University of Northern Colorado Concerto Competition, she has appeared as a soloist in demanding works including Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3 and Liszt’s Totentanz for Piano and Orchestra.
In addition to her solo work, Ms. Tai has performed as a chamber musician, collaborative pianist, and principal keyboard player in orchestral and wind ensemble settings. Her broad performance background gives her a strong understanding of technique, ensemble playing, musical style, and performance preparation.
Ms. Tai earned her Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance from National Kaohsiung Normal University, where she also completed a teaching certification program. She received her Master of Music degree in Piano Performance from the University of Northern Colorado, where she held a graduate assistantship in the Piano Department.
She is currently pursuing the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Piano Performance at the University of Houston, where she has received fellowship support and the Lietzow Award.