Teacher Profile: Josephine Chan

About Josephine Chan

Josephine Chan began playing piano at the age of six, and as a young pianist she performed and competed throughout the United States. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Piano Performance from the University of Houston’s Moores School of Music, studying with John and Nancy Weems. She then continued her studies at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, where she completed a Master of Music degree and Performer’s Certificate under renowned Russian pianist and pedagogue Natalya Antonova.

During her university years, Josephine performed in masterclasses for distinguished artists including Stephen Hough, Horacio Gutiérrez, Earl Wild, Abbey Simon, and Dr. Nelita True, among others. She treasures many performance memories, including playing at the historic Eastman Theater before an audience of family, friends, teachers, and colleagues. “The atmosphere was absolutely breathtaking—walking out onto that stage, surrounded by people who were there to support me, was unforgettable.” Another highlight was competing in Fort Collins, Colorado, in a three-stage national competition. After advancing from the recorded preliminary round to the live second round, she was selected as one of three finalists to perform with an orchestra. “The theater seated 3,000 and was completely full. Walking out on stage that night was mind-boggling—and even now, thinking about it gives me goosebumps.”

Following her time at Eastman, Josephine moved to Toronto to join the Royal Conservatory of Music, where she taught for more than two decades. In 2011, she also began teaching at Branksome Hall, building a thriving studio of students of all ages and levels—from first-time beginners to advanced musicians preparing for RCM examinations and music festivals across the city.

Josephine has recently returned to her hometown of Houston to be closer to family. She looks forward to reconnecting with the local music community, rediscovering the city she grew up in, and building the next chapter of her private teaching studio.